For the past ten years, Atlanta, GA, has steadily nurtured and produced a homegrown sound within the world of R&B and Hip Hop, that is undeniable. Whether, its Jermaine Dupri and the So So Def squad, L.A. Reid and the LaFace crew, or Ludacris and the DTP family, this city, breeds musical kingmakers.
The newest person to make the hits, is 24-year-old Johnta Austin. Although many havent really heard of him, millions have heard his music. Austins incredible writing talents have garnered him Billboard Top 100 hits and even a Grammy. This dapper lad has penned for Toni Braxton Just Be A Man, Aaliyah Miss You, and most recently, Mariah Carey We Belong Together and Jessica Simpson Public Affair.
Austins first hit was eight years ago, when Tyrese belted his ballad, Sweet Lady. That R&B smash made every young girl and woman want a piece of Tyrese. Little did they know, a 16 year-old Austin, was the one that really caused them to go weak in the knees.
Not much has changed, cause Austins new ballad, Lil More Love has the same effect, only this time, his own voice is heard.
In between getting ready for his album debut, Ocean Drive , and prepping for his first video shoot, Juicy caught up with Austin to talk about being a former choir boy, his love for the ladies, and how music inspires him.
Juicy: For those who dont know you, who is Johnta Austin?
Johnta: Man, Im easy going. [I like girls [laughs. I love the ladies. Women are just beautiful, ya know.
Juicy: Youre from Atlanta, right?
Johnta: Yeah, I was born and bred in the ATL. Im from SWATS (South West Atlanta).
Juicy: I read that you grew up singing in the church?
Johnta: Well, my grandfather was a pastor, so I was following in his footsteps.
Juicy: Was grandfather was a major influence in your life?
Johnta: Yeah man. My grandfather was awesome. I remember listening to him as a child and just having the desire to be just like him. So my grandfather was definitely a very influential person in the manifestation of my gift.
Juicy: So how did you get started in the business?
Johnta: Just doing shows and things like that. Things just took off.
Juicy: Like on overnight celebrity?
Johnta: I dont know about overnight [laughs. I have been doing what I do for a while. I mean God has a different destiny for everyone, and when you follow the path that he has set for you, things just take their natural order.
Juicy: A lot of people dont have your same spirituality.
Johnta: Well growing up in church, thats at the very essence of who I am.
Juicy: So how do you remain grounded and not get caught up in the glitz?
Johnta: There are temptations out here, the women, ya know. But I dont put too much stock in me, cause its all gods blessing. I think that when you keep that in mind it keeps you focused on your craft and your love of music.
Juicy: Having such a wide rang e of artists that youve worked with, what artists continue to inspire you, personally?
Johnta: Artists like Marvin Gaye, Baby Face, R. Kelly, I mean these dudes are musical geniuses. They have take music to another level. They have taken music on all levels and have created masterpieces that were able to touch people in so many ways. Like the one joint that Marvin Gaye did [Whats Going On man, that song was created years ago, and still has managed to touch the hearts of millions of people today.
Juicy: So let me ask you, as an individual at the forefront of music and entertainment, do you feel that entertainers have any type of responsibility, with regards to the type of music they release?
Johnta: Well I think, we are accountable to a certain extent. Music is a very powerful tool it can also be a dangerous weapon. For instance, I write a lot of songs about women and love, but I would never do anything to demean or belittle a woman. Women are precious being s, so in music when Im writing about women, Im conscious of the portrayal.
Juicy: When did you decide to crossover into being an artist?
Johnta: Well I was actually signed to record deal before, but my voice went through this change, and I was let out of my recording contract.
Juicy: So lets talk about your new album, Ocean Drive . How did you come up with that title?
Johnta: Ocean Drive is this really nice strip in Miami. Its sexy, fun, relaxing. Its just a really nice place and thats reflective of my album. It gives you the fun, the sexy, the chill. Just great music.
Juicy: Whats your favorite track?
Johnta: My favorite track would have to be Turn It Up.
Juicy: I gotta make sure I check that out. Aside from your album and everything, are you working on anything else right now?
Johnta: Yeah man Im back and forth, between New York and Philly, just constantly working, and writing. Im in the studio now working with Enrique Igles ias.
Juicy: Before I let you go, I got to ask, what is the craziest thing that has happened to youve been in the biz?
Johnta: Just recently I was scheduled for a studio session with someone, Im not gonna say who, but I was running late. When got there, he asked me to leave.
Juicy: Just like that?
Johnta: Yeah.
Juicy: : That must have stung a little?
Johnta: Yeah, but I respect that. But that was crazy [laughs.
Juicy magazine (http://www.juicymagazine.us) is the brainchild of journalist Jennifer Clark. Jennifer has been published for over eight years and has contributed to numerous media outlets including the Los Angeles Times, MTV Radio, Rap-Up magazine, and more. She has appeared on several television and radio programs including the Fox Family Channel, MTV Radio, PBS and Canadas CTV.
Author:: Jenn Clark
Keywords:: Johnta Austin, So So Def, Jermaine Dupri, R&B, music producer
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