Hip-Hop artist John Green (aka Johnny Green Eyez aka J Grizza aka John Mikail) from the UK is no stranger to success, having collaborated with a couple of world-class producers (Jay Diligent, DonDadaProducer and Vodka Gravas) in Montreal and LA. With family all over, John Green travels often to escape the UK. His newest solo EP titled “7:06” has numerology underlining each track. From 1-5 number one is 1 minute and 11 seconds long, 2 is 2 minutes and 22 seconds etc.
John Green’s dope track “So Clear” is the fifth track on his debut EP after a 7 year hiatus. At 5:55 long, “So Clear” is an awakening blend of genres to create a chill hip-hop track. It’s intricate and spectacular sound arrangements make for a truly addicting track. I can’t get enough of the mellow vibe and addicting beat. I love the echoing vocals that blend with the light synths. It’s evident that this was created by an experienced and professional producer. The sound design and attention to detail are admirable. The expansive lyrics on the track are proof that John Green has the highest quality songwriting abilities. “So Clear” is a unique mix of open heartedness and indulgence in the good life, without losing the vivid energy. John Green strives to create music that shows vivid and clear emotion and I think that’s evident in “So Clear”. I can’t wait to see what’s next for John Green. Stay on the lookout!
Listen to "So Clear" here, and continue reading to hear more on John Green.
Hi John! We love the track “So Clear”. Can you tell us more about the meaning behind the lyrics?
It's about coming to the realisation of what matters in life. Money is a big obstacle for those in poverty in London, so drug dealing, robbing and scamming are the easiest ways out. However this lifestyle of chasing money consumes you, makes you bitter, pessimistic and cold towards the world. I've lost friends and family to street life - some in prison and others who died. Too many funerals, too many prison visitations and too many tears from those I love has helped me to realise that this game we play is a maze and the only way out is to prioritise what matters in life - which is not money. Once I realised this life began looking "So Clear".
Who are you musical influences?
Some of them are:
Marvin Gay, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Curtis Mayfield, Michael Jackson, Bobby Caldwell, Rick James, Sade, Egyptian Lover, Zapp and Roger, Bob Marley, Umm Kalthoum, Abdel Halim Hafez, Sha3ban, IAM, Lunatic, MC Solaar, Expression Direkt, Mr Vegas, Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Wayne Wonder, Barrington Levy, Damien Marley, Musiq Soulchild, Floetry, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, Slick Rick, Roots, Eric B, Rakim, Mos Def, Talib Kwali, Masta Ace, UGK, CNN, Gang Starr, Outkast, E40, DMX, Missy Elliiot, Timbaland, Alchemist, Bone Thugs n Harmony, Onyx, Cypress Hill, NWA, Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Ab Soul, ScHoolboy Q, Nipsey Hussle, Kanye West, Kevin Gates, Childish Gambino, Wu Tang, Busta Rhymes, Big Pun, Nas, Tupac, Biggie, Jay Z, Eminem, 50 Cent, KRS-1, Skinnyman, Roots Manuva, Blak Twang, Jhest, TaskForce, Rodney P, Donae'o, Skepta, Jaykaye, Bugzy Malone, J Hus, Dave, Cadet, Krept, WSTRN, Konan, MoStack, JME, Lowkey, Giggs, Wretch32, Avelino, Plan B, K Koke, M Huncho, NSG, PnB Rock, Frank Ocean, The Weeknd, French Montana, Dave East, Joyner Lucas, Flatbush Zombies, Belly, Logic, J. Cole, 21 Savage A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Tory Lanez, Sevin and a couple hundred more!
What inspired you to return to music after 7 years?
I almost died once and since that moment I knew that music has always helped me keep sane. After 7 years of money chasing and hustling, I lost my sanity. It was music, prison or an early grave. I am thankful I am doing what I was born to do.
How do you feed your passion for music everyday?
I freestyle every day, listen to all the greats and keep away from the temptations to make quick money.
What are three things you want your fans to know about you?
1. I was born and raised in London to Egyptian parents.
2. I am Coptic Orthodox - first form of Christianity on earth.
3. I am creating a clothing brand after featuring all my new line in my videos - coming to www.johngreeneyez.com this summer!
Check out the latest on John Green via the artists website and socials: