John J is one of the best kept secrets in underground hip hop – Exposed Vocals Exclusive

Hailing from the Bronx, John J is one of the best kept secrets in underground hip hop. The passionate emcee rocks the mic with a unique style, reminiscent of 90s era golden age flows mixed with a new twist— heavy, meaningful lyrics and a powerful delivery. He has worked with Kxng crooked from slaugtherhouse/shady records as well as Dj Lazy K in the past. Inspired by the greats, Tupac, Nas, Joe Budden, AZ and Jay Z, John J is a force to be reckoned with, one any real hip hop head should be following closely.

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

John J: I’m from the Bronx Ny, I lived one of those lives that is kinda cliche for a hiphop artist but it is really my story and not something i glorify in my music, short and simple my parents both died before i was 13, instead of going to a foster home or else where i had an illegal job to survive . there was times i couldn’t eat, have ligts or even heat and hot water. so the street life wasn’t all what some claim it is in some fake hiphop acts. my trusted friends and family were my dogs,had a total of 5 dogs at one point. This where my wolf image comes from, thats how i lived,always trying to make it through that day , getting enough money to eat etc. Theres a few deep meanings behind that whole wolf image i use in my music, maybe good for a documentary lol. I wrote poems at a young age but noting eles untill i was 18. at that point i started freestyling for fun with friends and it grew into song writing since i loved how it was a stress reducer getting things off my chest through rhyming .

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

John J- its just my name. i was called John John as a kid so John J

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?  

John J – i have a ton of music out for free, i have 7 cds right now on datpiff all free. i think today you need to give to get.. some free and some for sale. It would be great to paid for every song but those days are gone.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

John J- Im still coming up myself but just be true to yourself and what you like doing. dont follow what the next guy is doing cause sooner or later that wave will settle and you’ll be washed up on that shore with them.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

John J- act like it didnt happen lol, forget a line? freestyle something in there real fast and get right back on track.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

John J- no im not looking to tour at the moment

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

John J- Just live its self. i write about things i go through old and new. The beat comes 1st for me, i listen to what its saying and i fill it in with my stories.

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

John J- yes my website is johnj.win and im on all social media besides facebook. @johnj506 Youtube is @johnj5066

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

John J- Nothing really, i think i have pretty good taste in music

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

John J- im going to disneyland lol

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

John J- not at the moment, what im using seems to do justice.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

John J- i’ll post on all social media daily, i’ll try out a promo here and there but you gotta watch out for the fakes these days, they will send you fake fans plays etc .. you can always tell when its bs tho.. so far at least .

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

John J- dont really got a where but man, tupac! Thats my main idol. that guy always had a song or a few lines in a song that was exactly what i was going threw back in the day.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

John J- Yes, ‘The one you feed’ is my next EP dropping this spring. i’ll prob but out a free tape too like i always do with the tracks that dont make it on the EP.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

John J- I work a 9-5 right now. music is a passion so i would always do it no matter what else im doing.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

John J – it was a 2pac album. Dont remember what i was thinking but i already heard the singles so i was set on getting the whole tape.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

John J- making music isnt a hard long process for me so its not really a issue .

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2017

John J – the one you feed coming this spring, im a stay rapping real shit and keeping my balls clean