Now studying creative writing at Ohio University, freshman Je'an Pierre Johnson began to delve into the world of writing - and hip-hop - at an early age.
My Uncle Jerry made me write a line (of a song) when I was like six years old because he was with a group
Taste Smalls Johnson said. Ever since then I've been rapping.
Known in hip-hop circles as Je'an P, Johnson is a regular at The Union's bi-weekly Hip Hop Shop and also recently won OU's Got Talent, a talent competition sponsored by the Department of Residential Housing. Johnson said he was surprised about the win because he was not sure how the audience would respond to hip-hop.
I was nervous because I know what's popular
and I thought the guitar groups and such would be picked over hip-hop ... but I won! Johnson said.
Whenever Johnson gets nervous at such performances, he counts on a few tried-and-true behaviors that calm him down before every concert.
I have this black fist necklace
and I kiss that
and my mom passed away in'06 and so I blow a kiss to the sky to her ... but I don't get as nervous now
Johnson said.
Johnson feels especially in his element at the Hip Hop Shop, where he performs every other Monday night and will begin hosting Spring Quarter.
Before the Hip Hop Shop I thought there was no (hip-hop scene) here
Johnson said. But D Jones
Iron MCs
DysFunktional Family ... they make the underground hip-hop scene here great
and that they would mention me with them now - that's an honor.
This weekend, Johnson will release his debut LP, Thought Process. The album was a deep deliberation, as Johnson reflected on what was important to him when writing the album's rhymes.
My major helps me be more visual in my writing also and I write nothing negative on my album. The loss of my mother even has a positive song called 'Mama I'm an MC
