Who is Clever?

Clever aka Joshua “Josh” Tyler Huie is a multifaceted artist from Gadsen, Alabama.

Clever’s journey in the music industry started with his moniker, a name earned during early rap battles that showcased his sharp lyrical skills. Since 2006, he’s been a quiet but powerful force, dropping mixtapes and cutting his teeth as a songwriter. Known for his storytelling prowess and emotional depth, Clever quickly established himself as an artist who could make listeners feel something deeper than just a catchy hook.

For years, like many of the greats, he stayed behind the scenes, crafting tracks and building his reputation. 2019 was a game-changer. His feature on Juice WRLD’s track Ring Ring marked a pivotal moment, propelling him into the spotlight. This breakout eventually led to high-profile collaborations with industry giants Justin Bieber and Post Malone, cementing his place among the elite. Not long after, he inked a deal with Republic Records, officially entering the major-label arena with a roster of big-name peers.

‘Clever’ the EP

Ironically, while researching Mr. Clever for our “Roots” website, I was prompted to sign up for an “Urban” newsletter.

So… here’s the question: Why country music? Is this country music? What’s with this new genre-mashup trend? Posty, Beyoncé, and now Clever? Some of them admittedly pull off the transition quite smoothly, while others… not so much. But does it even matter? Do genres matter? Am I constantly locked in a never-ending battle with existential angst? Well, the short and long answer to all of those things is: yes.

What I will say is this: Clever the EP is genuinely refreshing. Unlike many artists attempting genre swaps, this one feels entirely natural for him. Sure, we could get pretentious and dive deep into debates about the sanctity of genres and whether this fits within the boundaries of country music—but honestly, no one truly gives a shit. Is this a “country” album? No, not exactly. Some tracks, depending on the instrumentation, are more “rootsy” than others. Clever even has an intuition about him, periodically changing his cadence, lending to the overall “country” sound at times (such as Candlelight). Regardless of labeling, it’s a phenomenal singer-songwriter project that showcases what Clever does best: making compelling music.

Clever doubles down on his name, showing us how he earned his alias with tracks like Sandcastles. The songwriting, the wordplay, and his knack for crafting infectious hooks are exceptional. The dynamic arrangement of tracks, paired with Clever’s ability to translate words into raw emotion, makes this EP impossible to ignore. The feelings pour out, demanding that you feel something—whether you want to or not.

Favorite Tracks

Candlelight stands out as arguably the most modern “country” track in both its structure and lyrical content. A Sam Hunt-ish melody, with its electronic rhythm and beats. It’s a beautifully crafted love song, though not as lyrically complex as other songs on the record. But that’s part of its charm—it’s a refreshing, feel-good earworm. The drop into the hook is irresistibly catchy, making it a “grab your partner and slow dance” kind of jam, brimming with warmth and sincerity.

As I mentioned earlier, Gently in the Night showcases Clever’s talent for tapping into raw emotion. Right from the first note, it feels destined for the top 40 with its powerful build-up leading into a chorus that begs to belted out in unison. The song is boldly dynamic, reminiscent of a Hozier or Imagine Dragons’ hook. A vividly cinematic fight song that wouldn’t feel out of place in a blockbuster action movie trailer, full of intensity and anticipation. 

Then there’s Cowboy Killers—undoubtedly the standout track on the album. It’s intricate, deep, and laced with a deliberate sense of ambiguity. The lyrics leave much to the listener’s interpretation: is he living recklessly, outrunning his guardian angels, with only the “cowboy killers” (Marlboro Reds) keeping him tethered to reality? Or perhaps there’s a darker narrative, where the only thing left to look forward to are the very vices that are slowly consuming him. The irony is stark—vividly portraying the “cowboy killers” as both life-sustaining and life-ending. It’s heartbreakingly poetic, set against a moody, dystopian melody.

Finally, Sandcastles ties for the best-written track on the EP. It’s messy, just like love itself, and Clever’s raw reactions reflect the uncertainty at the heart of the song. Is it a love song or a tale of love gone wrong? The haunting pedal steel and somber lead guitar lend the song a country feel, but more importantly, they amplify the sorrow woven into the lyrics. The song’s premise—comparing love to a sandcastle that inevitably washes away—is both brilliant and devastating, capturing the fleeting, fragile nature of relationships.