What Hoboken Sounds Like kicked off its team expansion in August 2026 by welcoming its first new member: Justice Laquan Bates (@iamjusticelaquan).
Bates brings experience across audio engineering, music, media, branding and community work, a mix that lines up closely with WHSL's mission of documenting and platforming Hoboken's culture.
His background
- Graduate of the Institute of Audio Research, Class of 2012
- Audio engineer at Hampton University's Armstrong Hall, 2018 to 2020
- Intern at We Talk Radio (2012 to 2013) and King Street Sounds (2013 to 2014)
- Video and media work with Everyday Dope Life, 2016 to 2019
- MTV artist and Pathway Records artist with a distribution deal
- Featured in DJ Enuff's New Artist Spotlight on Hot 97 in 2015
- Founder of Kreated By Kulture LLC (2021) and brand consultant
- Brand ambassador for BAi Embroidery
- Founder of the Pamela Bates Foundation (2025)
For WHSL, his arrival marks the start of a bigger push to expand what the organization can do while continuing to put Hoboken first.
Welcome to the team, Justice.
Follow @whathobokensoundslike on Instagram for more.