Meet Lil Johnnie | Mussician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lil Johnnie and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lil Johnnie, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risks have played a huge part in my career as a musician. I would not be where I am today if it wasn’t for me taking risks. Taking risks can be a good thing and a bad thing, as sometimes they workout in your favor and sometimes they don’t. For an example a risk playing out in my favor I was given the opportunity to meet with a record label & artist (Ar-Ab & OBH Records). I was given a notice of 2 hours to make my mind up for the opportunity if I wanted to take the chance or not, I had no transportation and work the next morning. At the time I was living in Toledo, Ohio and the opportunity I was given was in Philadelphia which was a 9 hour drive from where I was at so thankfully i found a ride and I took the risk of taking the drive and praying it played out in my favor. Thankful for the powers above everything played out for me and I made it there safe and I signed my first record deal that night.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The Music I make is really gritty and grimy as I come from a city of poverty that’s not all glitz and glamour. I tell stories of what I’ve been through struggling and a lot of pain that people can relate to. What sets me apart from others is I know not everyone is true to their art and just do what there feeling as the music I make is what I’ve personally been through. It was not at all easy getting to where I’ve gotten to today coming from Toledo, Ohio all the way out to Los Angeles. One of the biggest struggles was leaving my family and friends, although with the crime rate in my hometown it was the best thing to do for me and my career. I’ve been to more funerals than graduations and it’s heartbreaking. I want people to know about me that everything I do rather it’s my music or helping others it’s genuine and coming from my heart.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Ahh this is a tough one as I haven’t been in Los Angeles that long. But I would definately recommend going to Malibu if you want to see the beach. Although I’m not the bar or clubbing type I would definately say the Rainbow Bar and grill as it has a lot of history, or even the Whisky A-GoGo which is the first place I performed at when I came to LA. For food spots I would say Barney’s Beanery they have a wide variety and some killer french toast haha. I would also suggest visiting Venice Beach and Santa Monica Pier. If your looking for a great view of the city at night I would suggest Griffith Observatory it has some of the most amazing views of the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank my wife Sianoa Smit-Mcphee who is also an actor so she’s familiar with the entertainment industry and has always made sure i was on the right track. I would also like to thank my mom for being there for me during some of my darkest times, it was a time in my life I struggled with addiction and she has been there for me the whole time while I was gaining my sobriety back, which I am now 2 years sober. I also would like to thank my bestfriend Romeo (Rome Pablo) although I call him a brother God rest his soul. He was one of the first people I started making music with and he taught me a lot as well as me teaching him during those times together and I carry his legacy with me everywhere I go I will forever be grateful for him.

Website: https://genius.com/LilJohnnie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thadevilsangel/

Twitter: https://x.com/thadevilsangel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LilJohnnie419/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/liljohnnie419

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7CENI1Xf9IsPAb94OTyNdn
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/lil-johnnie/517963264
https://genius.com/LilJohnnie

Image Credits
John Westphal