Joey Valence And Brae

Joey Valence, whose real name is Joseph Bertolino, and Brae, whose real name is Braedan Lugue, formed their hip-hop duo in 2021 after meeting during their freshman year at Pennsylvania State University. They began releasing music, with their debut single “Crank It Up” appearing in the same year. The duo quickly gained attention for their distinctive style, which draws comparisons to the Beastie Boys and incorporates elements of punk rap, rap rock, nerdcore, experimental hip-hop, and electronica. Their music often features references to video games, pop culture, and internet memes, contributing to a unique and engaging sound. This approach helped them build a following, particularly through social media, where their content resonated with a broad audience looking for a blend of humor and impactful beats.

In 2022, Joey Valence & Brae’s seventh single, “Punk Tactics,” became a viral hit. The track’s music video, notably filmed entirely on a Nintendo DSi, further amplified its appeal and showcasing their original creative methods. Following this success, they appeared on _The Ellen DeGeneres Show_ in February 2022 and performed at the So What Music Festival in May, and Aftershock Festival in October of the same year. Their debut album, _Punk Tactics_, was released on September 8, 2023, under JVB Records. This period marked their transition from emerging artists to an act with a growing national profile, demonstrating their ability to connect with audiences through live performances and recorded material. They continued to release new music, including the EP _The Underground Sound_ in 2022 and several singles that further defined their sound.

Building on their momentum, Joey Valence & Brae released their second album, _No Hands_, on June 7, 2024. This album included collaborations with artists such as Z-Trip, Terror Reid, and Danny Brown. The duo also expanded their touring, undertaking the Punk Tactics Tour in 2024 and the No Hands Tour in the same year, performing their music to an expanding fanbase. In 2024, they were featured on Pendulum’s song “Napalm.” The deluxe version of _No Hands_ was released later that year, featuring additional tracks, a remix with Ayesha Erotica, and a cover of Charli XCX’s “365.” Their third studio album, _Hyperyouth_, was released on August 15, 2025, marking their first release through RCA Records. This album included collaborations with IDK and JPEGMafia, and was supported by the Hyperyouth Tour in 2025.