Why Johnny Spanish’s “The Lip” Is The Best Thing I’ve Heard In A While.
Let’s be real: there are way too many artists out there. Everybody and their grandmother is a singer, rapper, and producer, and normally, their hype overshadows their talent.The problem is, there’s too many people claiming to be worth your time, and it makes it hard to find those who deserve a listen. So I hope Johnny Spanish understands why I didn’t respond to his e-mails regarding his “new album” he dropped on 4.20.10.
It wasn’t that I didn’t want to listen to it. It’s just that if everybody tells you their music is worth your time, how do you discern what actually is? Can you? You can go the route everybody else goes and co-sign whatever the big blogs post, but chances are, that blogger didn’t go through everything and decide what was worth while. It was more like, first come-first serve, or whatever they had time to get through. And that’s not shade at the bloggers, because it’s a tough position. A catch-22 if you will; I don’t have the time to go into that now, but understand that much.
Back to Johnny. We talked a few times via e-mail/Twitter, and I really liked the video for first single, “Shining,” (caught it on The Smoking Section, so shout out to those guys) produced by Asian-American producer CHOPS (perhaps best known for his productions on Jeezy‘s The Inspiration, Bun B‘s II Trill, and Chamillionaire‘s Ultimate Victory). At the time, I wasn’t really blogging music, and I didn’t really know what to do besides say “Yeah, that joint is hot man.” I wasn’t in much of a position to do much with the music, and with a 9-to-5 that isn’t blogging, there’s no incentive to really pass it around in my free time. I never really responded to his subsequent e-mails and tweets; I’m assuming this frustrated the man, because he had an engaged fan, and then I kind of went AWOL on him. So he sent me an e-mail voicing this frustration. I responded saying essentially what I said in this paragraph, just a little longer, and with a few more colloquial phrases, like “Man,” “Dude,” and “You feel me?” He hit me back and said he understood my position, and that it was frustrating to know that he’s talented, yet he couldn’t showcase his talent because the blogs weren’t trying to help him out.
It’s hard to break the market, especially if you’re just a guy who nobody’s really heard from Louisville, Kentucky. Unfortunately, there aren’t enough ears on his project, and that goes back to what I said in the beginning of this post, which is that it’s just hard to get through the cracks and find your way to influential people who can spread the good word. So I feel great when I find stuff like this, because I know that I have a network of people that will listen to me if I say, “Give this Johnny Spanish guy a chance.” So that’s what I’m doing in all this text. I won’t even say anymore, I’ll let Johnny take it from here. Taken from the e-mail that he sent me regarding his free album:
“After putting in a lot of hard work, time, and money my first all-original album, “THE LIP” is finally here. With production by CHOPS, myself, a couple close Louisville producers J-Burnz and SparkOne, DJA of Mad Decent and a lone production by Houston native Buddha Jape it’s a definite full-length LP. One which I’m giving away for FREE nonetheless. The album includes twelve tracks and two bonus joints which include “Shining” (Remix) ft. Nappy Roots and a CHOPS remix of my song “Lovely” ft. Rye Rye. CHOPS also did the final mixes
for each track on the album.
I decided to call the album “THE LIP” as an ode to The Greatest of All Time, Muhammad Ali, who hails from Louisville, Kentucky, the city where I come from and which I hope to bring a new light to with this album. The Lip was also the name I used briefly before going by Johnny Spanish and since no one will become the voice of my city I have taken it upon myself to do so therefore becoming “THE LIP.”
I hope that everyone enjoys the music.”
Beautifully stated. And even more beautifully stated (and ridiculously accurate) is the one-line sentence written on TSS about what you’re about to experience after downloading the mixtape: “This babyfaced Kentucky thoroughbred emcee seamlessly weaves between soulful singing and effervescent emceeing with ease.”
I’ve done my job. Now do yours and press play on the samples below. If you’re pursuaded by everything I’ve written, then download the tape.
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DOWNLOAD: Johnny Spanish – The Lip [Mixtape]
BONUS! Check his video below for his single “Shining,” and look out for the Nappy Roots-assisted remix on the mixtape.
Wow, the realest post on music I’ve read in a minute. Kudo’s
You ought to feel good about exposing readers to Johnny Spanish.I’ve played a first tracks and I’m impressed. You raise some valid points about the blog game. While no one has time to listen to everything that lands in their inbox (similar to an A&R getting demos)it is still the duty of the influencer to see what’s out there and provide a platform for dope music. And thanks to Twitter and the many ways we’re able to communicate nowadays, the sharing process benefits everyone universally. Thanks for this.
Article is authentic and real..good read.
“Let’s be real: there are way too many artists out there.”
With that said…I still try and listen to as much as I can. I am always willing to give someone a listen. I been put onto new people I had never heard of in the past so let’s see what Johnny Spanish got!
Not bad… Nothing that really separates him from others tho. Reminds me of Pharaoh vocally…
This is very well written. It reminds me of the Tipping Point when Malcolm Gladwell described a Maven (people we rely upon to connect us with new information). Its too easy to just listen to whatever is posted on a blog. This ruins the listeners ability to form their own opinion. I listened to the samples and the production is solid. But I am not sure what separates Johnny English from the others either.
Kinda reminds me of the dude outasight a bit. He does the singing rapping, etc. I gotta give the edge to OU though. Also a little B.O.B like. I could see downloading the project and giving it a spin
He’s got good charisma. I like his rapping more than his singing.
It was thoughtful of you to post this for him, super cise-man 5000. Music was interesting, didn’t expect that sound from the south. I’ll have to give it another run through.
As usual you came correct with the writing Modi. I’ve come across Johnny English before and he is straight, reminds me of a mixture between Outasight and Rich Hil. I’m going to have to agree with the others though when I say that he doesn’t immediately jump out at me. Nevertheless he is a quality artist. I definitely get hundreds of submissions from people out there as well and it is tough to go through all of them. It’s the blessing and curse of bloggers. Plethora of music, but so little time and money. Ya better shoutout iLL Vibes next time too sukka! Ha, just kidding homie and keep grinding!
Super dope article!!!!!! Love seeing my dude finally get sum shine for trying to b “shining” … I hope everyone will finally see how dope n versitle the spaniard is. Real no talk man
I agree with you fully and feel Spanish frustration. There are WAY too many rappers, singers producers, hood models (lol), etc in this game and it’s hard for new artists to breakdown doors and be taken seriously. (Especially when there so much “competition” out there)
Honestly tho, sometimes ppl forget that the most innovative & original music comes from those who are often unknown to most. Those be the ones who grind out for theres and are hungry to get to the top.
DEf a good read. Shoutout to you keeping it 100 and exposing some new talent this way!
Modi, props for recognition on one of the most talented unheard artist out today!!! I think anyone would agree that every little bit helps and I’m sure Johnny appreciates the support, time, and effort you took to review his project word up!
shit is tight. refreshing in the genre. it stands up to other crap out there right now
Its about time my boy Spanish gets some love. How many cats you know that can rap, sing, and produce like Spanish? You all need to download the tape cause its the real fire. Be on the look out for Johny Spanish hes about to take you cats by storm. Keep killin it Spanish.
johnny spanish…WTF? this kid sound is major. word is bond. peace god.
a lot of times it just takes one big name to get on a track for somebody to explode, Spanish definitely has all the tools to do big things but somebody needs to give the man a shot. do your thing Spanish “the lip” is quality music you got the bangers on there keep it movin we gonna get there straight from the 502
Yo I’ve never heard of a Johnny Spanish a day in my life. But this lil homie is shittin on fools on the game right now….and doing it with money outta his pocket. Thanks for puttin me onto dude…Johnny you got a new fan.
You’re writing is getting better and better! great article and supports this music a lot! good stuff!!!!!!! currently downloading!
that is one self-contradicting video, talking about designer clothes and shining, a bum could look and dress better than him, talented as he may be, the music is not honest
yo dezzy. i might be wrong but if u actually listened to the lyrics you might catch that the hook is “can’t you see me shinin?” a rhetorical question. If this man was talkin bout him already shinin dont you think the hook might of been a little different. so deezy think before you speak and keep it comin espanol.
Johnny is real, he is up and coming this article recognizes that. I hope others out there realize the same thing. Not only can Johnny rap he can sing and do it well toether which is more than most others can say. Spread the word, here comes Johnny.
this shit is tight as fuck….kid raps, produces, and writes his own hooks
mad respect
btw i think the point of the vid is to be that way, hes not meant 2 be flossin’
Shits piff…vid goes hard. Don’t hate, I agree with the statement that it’s supposed to be extremely the opposite of flossin…give this cat some credit, he deserve it.
Fire. Fire. Fire. Please wake the labels up and get this man a record deal….
good shit. 2nd time I’ve come across this Shining track…this time I took a listen. Keep it up Johnny
Don’t love the video…but I’m honestly rockin to 9 out of the 14 tracks on this album. More than I can say for any studio album I bought in the last 8 months
this cat from Louisville…yo come through Cashville anytime Spanish we got you. Real southern shit…represent represent
Modi = incredible writer
Johnny Spanish = incredible artist
Words to my Mom track is banging. and the rest of the album is the same. true quality from this louiville cat. Cant wait to see what spanish brings to the table in the up coming years, i know this one is going pro.. and yea that words to my mommmmm!
yo deezy is retarded. but boy johnny is ill. to you fools who say he doesnt stand out from other artists is silly. how many artists do u know (that make good music) that make their beats, sing the hook and spit like that. outasight is good but lyrically he dont have shit on spanish. get em son
Thank you for this…Enough said.
Attention hip hop…Johnny Spanish, a white boy from Kentucky is takin over the game.
That is all…
Ok Johnny Spanish….I’m payin attention now. Keep it comin
Been checking for this hip hop honkey since i heard the single with CHOPS. Kid is a beast and got a good ear for a hit record sound too. If he puts out a project for sale i will put my cash up for one.
this man has got the skills to go to the top. lets help him get there. Keep it coming Johnny spanish
Reminds me of K-OS from Canada,SICK!!!!
Johnny Spanish…The new king of everything
This is a good article, great job putting it together. Spanish has got a pretty ill flow, he style of rapping reminds me of Nelly. Definitely sounds like someone on the come up
Love the Ali sampling. This kid is representing Louisville just the same. Great post
Lets be real here, the game needs someone like Johnny Spanish. Everyone seems to be talking about the same thing other then this kid. Hes definetly unique and has a lot to say. Shout outs to Mr Esponal…
Johnny is one of the dopest i have heard in grip. The thang in his voice and the rhymes he spits are bringing a oldschool vibe back and i like it!!!
Tell your friends to tell their friends to tell their friends about Johnny Spanish!!!!
Whew…..this cat just blew my shit up. Crazy flow, crazy range, crazy good singing with NO AUTOTUNE. Johnny Fuckin Spanish!!!!
Really sad the youth of the world is put onto the Wiz Khalifas and Mike Posners when there’s people like this kid out there…no hate involved. I’m just sayin…
Haha Louisville stand up. I like this
I know this young man, and not only can he rap and sing, but he is also a wonderful person. Keep making music, Johnny, because there are a ton of fans out here that love you.
downloaded the album, this s*** is fire. nice work on the find modi. love the tracks that arent posted too. big things coming from this one, after giving the album a listen.
This article is the best what a wonderful introduction to this artist johnny spanish I’ve mightve heard of a johnny spanish not familliar. But im a fan and Im downloading this mixtape and im proud of the power of the internet how it can unveil vast users networkly to support a artist this one I will be keeping track on can’t be overlooked. And modi your grammar is tough but I can handle it the meanings is only the problem lol.