Joseph Harrison, known to the public as Joe Dreamz, stands atop a speaker on the downtown pedestrian bridge that crosses Harbor Drive. It’s game day for the San Diego Padres and fans.
Dressed in a sleeveless blue suit, Harrison calls out “You are now entering the dance zone!” to passers-by leaving Petco Park. Several game attendees stop to showcase their moves. Fans clad in brown and yellow sing along to his tracks.
Whether the Padres win or lose, Joe Dreamz attempts to lift the mood of baseball fans with his original music. Spotting a young boy in the crowd, Joe Dreamz points to him and sings, “There’s only one of you.”
That usually elicits a smile.
His appearances aren’t always met with positivity. He’s faced harassment, including being shoved off his speaker.
The rapper has also had encounters with law enforcement, with police occasionally shutting him down.
Harrison doesn’t let these disruptions break his spirit.
“I believe God sends people like that into my life in order to help me promote my music,” Harrison said.
Viral videos of these confrontations seem to have contributed to his growing popularity.
Born in San Carlos, Harrison has been an outdoor entertainer since 2020. His stage name was inspired by Joseph from the Bible, who interpreted other people’s dreams to serve his community. Harrison has a similar aim: to encourage others to follow their aspirations.
His musical style is hard to define. From EDM to Latin beats, he promotes himself by appealing to all audiences. Versatility helps him sustain his career as an independent artist, he said.
“I have things for every crowd because that’s how I survive,” Harrison said, “I put out my music to create opportunities.”
One song can be heard at all of his sets: “Are You Living Joe Dreamz?”
Harrison describes it as a personal development song. He wants listeners to look inward.
“Everyone has dreams,” Harrison said, “It’s a universal message.”
He’s looking to extend his mission and reach beyond the pedestrian bridge.
A month ago, Harrison started a D.R.E.A.M. podcast. The title is an acronym for Destination, Reason, Energy, Amigos and Mindset — five approaches centered on identifying your ambitions.
He’s interviewed more than 20 guests pursuing goals, and scouts out anyone chasing success to get them to describe their journey.
Along with the podcast, Harrison is developing a school program called “D.R.E.A.M. Week.” It’s an online series of videos he’ll offer to teachers. Lessons align with each day of the week and include D.R.E.A.M.-based activities
While he’s pursuing the podcast and the school program, San Diegans have grown accustomed to his presence at events. Many expect to see him.
“He’s here supporting every year,” one Padres fan said.
Harrison wrote a piece dedicated to the Padres called “Slam Diego.” The track is intended to boost morale at games, with lyrics like, “Lets fill every seat in the stadium.”
Harrison said he performs in San Diego to deepen his local connections. Eventually, when he can afford to book venues, he hopes supporters will buy tickets.
He recently recruited extra help. “Hypeman James” helps set up performance equipment, energize the crowd and solicit donations.
Financial support also comes from private event bookings and birthday freestyle raps. “I’ve had supporters donate $100 for just one freestyle video,” Harrison said.
His charisma is endearing. Fans often offer him cold water and snacks during performances. With slogans like “Shake the bridge!” Harrison is an expert at encouraging dancing and laughter.
“His energy brings us up from a [Padres] loss and makes us feel really good inside,” according to one fan on the pedestrian bridge.
Catch up with Harrison on his website, where you can also find Joe Dreamz merch.
Want to be a guest on his podcast? Send him a message on Instagram. One requirement for being a guest: You have to wear a suit. SDSun
