Known as the man with a rhyme and a dream, local rap artist and returning student Jéan Johnson is making a comeback — for good.
After more than two years at Ohio University, the artist’s college career came to an abrupt halt last year because of poor grades. As a result, he left Athens and his friends behind and moved back to his hometown: Canton, Ohio.
“The first time I was at school, I was too focused on ‘Jéan P the rapper’ and not ‘Jéan Johnson the student,’ ” Johnson said. “If I’d put the energy into school instead of my music, I wouldn’t be in the situation I was in.”
In the year he spent in Canton, Johnson worked a part-time job at Goodwill; released his ninth project Opposites Attract; held a concert selling 500 tickets; and became a father to his firstborn son, Amir, all while maintaining a relationship with long-time girlfriend, Corlesha Collins.
“This past year has been like yin and yang. While having a child, I learned a lot and I experienced what the real world is like without any school,” Johnson said. “I wouldn’t recommend it. It made me realize what happens when you don’t take things serious and take things for granted.”
But now, the creative-writing student is getting a second chance to finish his college education.
“I didn’t want to be another statistic. My fear is that I won’t be able to finish,” Johnson said. “I really want to impress people and myself with my music and my grades. I want this year to be a good year musically, academically and personally.”
Known by his fans as Jéan P, the hip-hop artist began his rapping career when he was 6 years old and first recorded in Athens in 2008. The emcee says he focuses on producing lyrical, soulful and clean music, with his influences including family, culture, religion, various music genres and the 70s.
Johnson attributes his recent burst of creativity to his now-1?year-old son.
“I love (Amir) so much and I love being with him as much as I can. He probably gets tired of it,” Johnson said. “I just want to be in Amir’s life as much as possible.”
Now that Johnson has moved back to Athens, he can do just that. For the past year, Amir has been living with his mother in Athens, allowing Johnson limited time to spend with his son.
And though yesterday was just the first day of Winter Quarter for most students, it meant more to Johnson.
“I was like a little kid on the first day of school,” Johnson said. “I didn’t think anyone cared and it feels good to be embraced on top of every thing I’ve been doing.”
Johnson’s personal motto — “a rhyme and a dream” — is based off his hope of creating a worldwide musical presence and graduate.
“I want people to know me as one of the good guys,” Johnson said. “I want to end up in every household on every TV. I want to be a good dad and make my family proud. Just make sure to look out for Jéan P because I’m coming back with more music, more grinding and more books.”
lf328610@ohiou.edu
