Earlier this week HCM linked up with rising hip-hop artist TGC Johnny Stone for a very insightful interview. TGC Johnny Stone is an artist who has seen his share of ups and downs throughout his career but has remained consistent through it all on his journey to notoriety. Business-minded, TGC Johnny Stone understands what he has to do in order to achieve his goals as an independent artist in today’s music industry. Take a look at his interview to learn more…
TGC Johnny Stone Interview
HCM. Where are you from and how did you get to this point in your career as an artist?
TGC Johnny Stone. I’m a Kansas City Native. The Twin City State. Normally people think Kansas City is just Kansas but there’s a Missouri side as well. That’s where I reside; Kansas City Missouri. I got to this point in my career by staying consistent. I can’t lie, it gets tough sometimes because not everyone you support, supports you back. You got to have tough skin living here in Kansas City because it’s a 90’s mindset in my area. People don’t understand the importance of marketing and I do. I try to teach some but they choose not to listen. So I take all my frustrations place them in songs and cleverly put them out there to the world so people can see from outside of my city of Kansas City. I’m creating a legacy, that’s my mission.
HCM. When did you know that you were going to make music a career?
TGC Johnny Stone. I believe I made that decision when I kept getting fired from jobs and that music is on my mind 24/7! Having a career is more than making records. Especially if you’re independent. You are the content creator, marketer, promoter, distributor, engineer, photographer, videographer, editor, recording artist, writer, CEO, etc. It gets tough but walking the middle line has always helped me get to the next level. I stay close to my purpose and keep my emotions acknowledged but regulated. I feel I’m the best man for the job because that pressure wouldn’t be overwhelming because I’m my own resource that’s connected to more resources. Having a team is powerful and I utilize that to the fullest!
HCM. What musical influences did you listen to growing up helped to mold you into the artist you are today?
TGC Johnny Stone. The first time music ever touched my spirit was a song by Stevie Wonder called “Always” I was 6 years old walking up the stairs and that song was playing loud and I loved it. Growing up in my adolescent years I would say 90’s rap was very influential to my style early on. 2Pac, Nas, Wu-Tang Clan, A Tribe Called Quest, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg & many more. It was a significant time for me because everything that they were I felt opposite of and that made me want to search inside of myself and find something unique like ASON (ODB RIP). Flow and Melody are important to a song but the lyrics create the impact. I love rap music.
HCM. On your current/upcoming album… How did you come up with the concept for this project?
TGC Johnny Stone. My latest single DOJA that was released on January 14th, 2022 was made last year May 2021. I found the instrumental and I wrote to it IMMEDIATELY and thought my flow was sick and my lyrics were a hit. I called my family J-RoD from TNTLKP (Terrorizing Numerous Territories w/ Love Knowledge and Peace follow him: https://www.instagram.com/jrod_tntlkp/) and he came and recorded his verse. (Fun Fact, When he recorded his verse the mic was messing up and we had to open a whole ‘nother session to record his verse. Got it handled but earlier we had some technical issues) but it’s here now! I recorded the song. I mixed the song and I mastered the song. I made the cover art and I made the marketing plan for the song. I put a lot of effort into my craft because I care about it that much
HCM. What are some of your greatest challenges as an artist, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
TGC Johnny Stone. My greatest challenge at the moment is to not take things personally as a rejection. My greatest attribute is to understand that divine timing is inevitable. You can have a plan but things may not go accordingly (some of the time). I walk the middle line and refuse to stress instead of making better decisions for myself and ideally my career. To sum everything up, your worth ethic depends on your mindset and the activities that you involve yourself in.
HCM. What do you think your “biggest break” or “greatest opportunity” has been so far in your musical career?
TGC Johnny Stone. My greatest opportunity was to network with Tech N9ne when he came to Kansas City’s Soul Sessions at The Juke House located in the historic district 18th n Vine. Got a chance for him to hear my music and get real-life feedback and he liked what he heard. Got him to follow me on Instagram and got his email address. I stay in contact with him as well.
A Milestone for me was that my last music video “Love Language” got over 50k views on Youtube Independently with no promo company just great marketing and vision. I shot it with my partner Alpone Da Producer. He’s a videographer, content creator, and visionary. Follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alpone_da_producer/
Another milestone is that I reached over 10k followers on Instagram. Still climbing!
HCM. How do you see your sound evolving in the next couple of years?
TGC Johnny Stone. My sound now is a reflection of my experiences and my environment. My sound now is very truthful but a very good feel comes behind it. It’s very enjoyable now and it captures these moments of time for me perfectly. My sound in the next couple of years will be timeless filled with classics with a lot of replay value. I make music for people to feel themselves and take what I’m saying and let it impact their lives for the good.
HCM. What impression would you like listeners to be left with after hearing your music?
TGC Johnny Stone. I want them to be like “Damn, I feel that.” The music was designed to be a mirror so they can see themselves in it. If they are transparent with themselves of course. It wouldn’t make sense for you to hear my music and like it if you’re running from responsibility and closed off to vibrant frequencies. I make that music you got to put on in the car when you running errands to have something great to ride to.
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