Throughout the creative landscape of music, there have been many individuals whose brilliance extended beyond musicianship, those who exemplified generosity, mentorship, and a deep belief in the power of “paying it forward” by connecting people who needed to find one another.

Joseph Anthony “Amp” Fiddler was one such extraordinary figure.
Born and raised in Detroit, he was affectionately regarded as the city’s unofficial mayor. As a producer, songwriter, and performer, Amp’s artistic reach was vast, collaborating and touring with legends such as Parliament-Funkadelic, Prince, Don Was, and most notably, through his mentorship of fellow Detroit icon James Yancey aka J Dilla.

His sonic imprint reverberated across the globe, beginning with his debut album With Respect, gaining further momentum with the critically acclaimed Waltz of a Ghetto Fly, and ascending even higher through Inspiration Information, a visionary collaboration with reggae luminaries Sly & Robbie.

At Blacktronika, we had the privilege of knowing Amp not only as a brilliant artist, but as a dear friend, a creative collaborator, and a fellow light worker. It is with deep reverence that we present one of the final full-length interviews with the incomparable Amp Fiddler.

May he rest in power, as his music continues to live through us, and within us.