Spotlight on JB!
John Brown speaks to Aries from UrbanBridgez.com about his time on ego trip's (White) Rapper Show, his current project, Sara Palin, his long term goals and much more!
John Brown: Ghetto Revival is a company with artists, producers, models, etc. It was formed in 2004. I'm originally from Cali, but the majority of the artists are from New York and Jersey. When the opportunity came to do the show (VH1's White Rapper) one of the main reasons I did it was so I could go and represent the company. We have other company's within Ghetto Revival like So Religious Productions and Revival Models. We're really trying to do everything really futuristic.
UrbanBridgez.com: Tell me about your current project?
John Brown: I just dropped a digital album called "John Brown or Die." You can download it online. I'm going to be filming a video at the end of the month in Cali. This project is a little different than what I've done in the past.
UrbanBridgez.com: Most know you from the White Rapper show, how was that whole experience?
John Brown: It was crazy! I knew and respected Ego Trip so that's what made me interested. I wasn't going to do it at first, but I was assured it would be a good experience. I have no regrets from doing it, it actually has opened a lot of doors for me.
UrbanBridgez.com: As a writer and producer, do you have any aspirations of working with other artists or do you just enjoy being able to do your own music?
John Brown: For me it would obviously be good to collaborate with some other artists. Long as they're some open-minded people I would have no problem with it. At this time it's very important for me to establish myself and my brand first. I'm currently building up my songs and I've been adding an edgier side to them. So yeah I would defiantly like to work with other artists.
UrbanBridgez.com: The Sara Palin track was a little controversial, if you had to do it all over again, would you?
John Brown: It's kinda funny because when I first did the song, I really didn't expect all the reaction from the song. I was really pleasantly surprised. Majority of the feedback has been really positive. I really just wanted to show the sexuality of Sara Palin in the song, because I felt that really was the only thing she had to offer America.
UrbanBridgez.com: As a white rapper, do you feel that has been your biggest obstacle or do you think it's really mattered?
John Brown: It defiantly comes up. So with that of course you have the pros and cons of it. Obviously being a white rapper, I have to balance my material, so it's not offensive to a certain group of people. Race in America has always been a huge issue so I have to be aware of that. At the same time, I feel like I get some opportunities as a white rapper that some others may not be in the position to get.
UrbanBridgez.com: Where do you wanna see your career in 5 years?
John Brown: My goal has always been to stay seven steps ahead. With that I want to stay present, record bigger records. Do more interesting TV stuff. Expanding as a whole with my company, growing and building more content. In that time, I plan to gather more resources. There are a lot of artists within G.R. that have and will make a major impact within the industry. I'm looking forward to it.
UrbanBridgez.com: Who are some of your influences in entertainment and music as a whole?
John Brown: I've always been into artists who have a political upliftment in their music. Like Bob Marley and Tupac. They've both had a big influence on me as well as others. I've always had a political foundation within my music first. Artists like that have always reached a wide scale of people. I'm also influenced by music mobiles like Jay Z & 50 Cent, who are like 50% artist and 50% business men. So I try to model myself after people like them as well. You stay relevant that way.
UrbanBridgez.com: Anything else you would like to share with your fans?
John Brown: A lot of new music is coming from me, I will continue to push the envelope. Check it out, continue to check out stuff from G.R., we've got some great acts and producers and some more hot stuff is coming. Thanks for all the support and stay tuned! I think there is a misconception about me from the show. I want my fans to know, it's real! All of this comes from years of grinding. Over time, the whole story will unfold! I also want to thank you for the interview, UrbanBridgez.com has some really good interviews, so I'm excited to be featured!
UrbanBridgez.com: Thanks, we really appreciate that. Take care...
John Brown: You too, thanks again!
* Kardinal Offishall (Spotlight)
* Day 26 (Spotlight)
