“Everyone may have a dream but not everyone chooses to pursue it. But some, like JohnnyPhlo, never really had a choice.
Initial inspiration struck him at the age of 13 in the form of a Hip-Hop mix CD and it was love at first listen. Shortly there after, JohnnyPhlo started crafting his own material. Short battle rhymes and cipher lines progressed into hooks and verses. Written lyrics eventually became songs. He found his passion and there was no denying it. Never could he have known a little plastic disc would start the convergence of dream and reality.
Since that day, it has always been about the love of the art, first and foremost. In 2004, a new opportunity birthed itself in the form of Treble & Bassment Records, a label started in partnership with producer James “J-Star” Kim. They worked ceaselessly to develop, record, and promote a full roster of artists including the extremely talented R&B songstress Ailee and Hip-Hop’s leader of the new school, Decipher. Quickly recognizing the gifts and potential of his signees JohnnyPhlo pushed his own artistic aspirations aside and dedicated himself to managing, engineering and executive producing for his artists. He understood that if they didn’t have a platform to share their voices it was not they who were missing out; rather it was everyone else that never got to hear them. His commitment and infectious enthusiasm found him working alongside other like minded artists such as Shogunna, Chan, and Andrew Choi. T&B Records quickly gained recognition in the independent Asian-American music community and although JohnnyPhlo never found himself in the spotlight during this time he was still living his dream.
However life wasn’t without its fair share of struggles. In September of 2006 JohnnyPhlo found himself at a crossroads amidst mounting personal complications and tension. Recognizing the need for focus and a new personal outlook, he decidedly stepped away from T&B and music as a whole. Fortunately his hiatus proved to be short-lived as he couldn’t ignore his heart. In 2008, two years after he left the scene, JohnnyPhlo returned to much fanfare with his own song entitled “Eraser” and hasn’t looked back since.
Finally with the opportunity to answer his own calling, JohnnyPhlo has steadily moved forward with his vision. Placing as a finalist in JYP Entertainment’s USA Audition in 2008 has only fueled his ambition and passion for music. His future remains uncertain and it may not end up flashy and bright, but it will be beautiful. Because it is not now, nor has it ever been about himself. It’s for the love of the art.
This is more than just “real talk”. It’s real music.“
-Newton Speirs, Editor of aTunes & MTV Iggy Blogger
