Long Island’s own Johnny 2 Good, who goes by J2G in some circles, has dropped his debut solo album “Journey 2 Greatness” under A-Born Records. The 10-track project, which hit streaming platforms on earlier this year, is a big deal for the rapper – it’s like watching a local DJ transform into a full-fledged hip-hop artist right before our eyes.
Johnny’s story is pretty relatable. He started spinning records at local parties when he was just 12 – imagine that, a pre-teen DJ! But it wasn’t until he hit 17 that he decided to grab the mic and start rapping. High school turned out to be a game-changer for him. He lucked out with a recording and engineering program where he met HunitFlowTory. Little did they know, this chance encounter would kick off a string of collaborations.
The duo wasted no time, putting out mixtapes like they were going out of style. “R.N.S.” and “Live Loyal Learn Life” both landed on Datpiff, quickly establishing their presence in the local scene. They kept the momentum going, expanding their crew and dropping “NOFUCKSHIT” on Audiomack with Polo Hayes joining the mix.
While he was busy in the studio, J2G was also hustling hard on the live scene. He was everywhere – Suffolk, Nassau County, all five boroughs of NYC – you name it, he probably performed there. His grind paid off, landing him opening slots for some pretty big names: Tony Yayo, Lil’ Mo, Mobb Deep, and Erick Sermon. Not too shabby for a kid from Long Island, right?
Now, with “Journey 2 Greatness,” Johnny’s taking center stage. Under A-Born Records, the album clocks in at about 30 minutes – perfect for a quick commute or gym session. Word is, he poured his heart and soul into this one. You can check it out on Apple Music or Spotify if you’re curious. Personally, we were drawn to tracks like “Journey” and “Breathe In” – there’s something about their authenticity and gritty vibe that just hits right. “Album Mode” is another favorite, with its smooth yet hard-hitting feel – it’s got a unique vibe and brings great balance to the project. And “Caged Bird” as the closer? That’s a powerful finish. But hey, music’s subjective – you might find your own favorites in there. Give it a listen and see what resonates with you.
‘Journey 2 Greatness’ by Johnny 2 Good
Behind the scenes, A-Born Records has been instrumental in bringing Johnny’s vision to life. The label’s got its own interesting backstory, with roots in the DIY spirit of hip-hop – starting from humble beginnings with makeshift studios and a passion for the craft. You’ve got to wonder if that shared experience is what made them click with Johnny.
A-Born Records seems to be buzzing with activity. They’re juggling multiple projects and collaborations, with Johnny’s album being just one piece of the puzzle. It’s cool to see a label really getting behind their artists like that.
If you want to keep tabs on Johnny 2 Good, his SoundCloud is the place to be. And if you’re more of a visual person, check out the “Trust Issues” music video soon on Aborntv’s YouTube channel along with quite a few others.
What sets J2G apart? It’s probably his no-holds-barred approach to lyrics. He’s not afraid to get real, to put his feelings out there for everyone to hear. In a world of polished pop stars, there’s something refreshing about that rawness.
As Johnny continues on his “Journey 2 Greatness,” he’s all about inspiring his fans. Whether you need a a hard-hitting instrumental to dance to, something to make you think, or just a soundtrack to get you through a tough day, he’s aiming to deliver.
This album isn’t just a win for Johnny – it’s a reminder that Long Island’s hip-hop scene is alive and kicking. With A-Born Records backing him, Johnny 2 Good is definitely one to watch. He’s bridging the gap between gritty local shows and slick studio productions, and it’ll be interesting to see where this journey takes him next.
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