UH rapper set to release first mixtape

While starting out, musicians may seek exposure to gain the tangible assets of fame. Petroleum engineering freshman and aspiring rapper John Patrick Egbo — stage name JohnyyP. — seeks to hugely influence others during his road to releasing his debut mixtape in November.

Egbo grew up around music, and he said he had only thought of it as a hobby until recently.

“My mom is a Nigerian gospel artist and ever since I was young, she’s been singing. My uncle as well,” Egbo said.

“We were always rapping or singing. It wasn’t until last year that I realized I should really take my talent somewhere and be serious with it.”

That “somewhere” turned out to be the NAACP talent show on campus Saturday night and Fitzgerald’s 2012 Upcoming Artist Showcase. The subject of his music ranges from songs like “Definition of Beauty” — which talks about having self-worth — to the ScHoolboy Q-inspired track, “Blessed,” which combines JohnyyP.’s lyrical talent with his expression of religious views.

After the 17-year-old freshman, who graduated from Foster High School in Richmond, Texas, saw that he didn’t have to imitate the styles of other rappers, he had to implement life into his music to make an influence on people, Egbo said.

“I feel that while artists are using their music for the negative, I can use music to affect people positively,” Egbo said.

“I know in my heart that I’m a good person, and I want to see others do good things, too. I want to encourage people to not be so hateful and at the same time, try to be selfless with the talent that God gave me.”

Egbo said he has been thoroughly involved in UH organizations since he received his acceptance letter – especially the Nigerian Student Association and the UH Society of Petroleum Engineers.

His ambitious pursuit toward his degree may be grounded, but JohnyyP. refuses to sweep his dreams under the rug.

“I always had a high interest in petroleum engineering,” Egbo said.

“I know nothing is definite, but five years from now, I hope to get my degree and I also hope to be a full time artist by then.”

For now, the focus is on his 11-track “Juan Night Only” mixtape, set to release on Black Friday next month.

The project will feature inspiring, feel good songs with a message that aims to motivate listeners to do good.

For JohnyyP., his style of music is what rap music is supposed to be.

“I always wonder how far a song is going to go and exactly how impactful the song is going to be,” Egbo said

“I’m not easily influenced by the top celebrities or artists because I don’t have the same goals as they do. I’m always humble about my music because it really doesn’t matter how it sounds in my head. If it doesn’t impact or touch anybody, then it’s just going to be useless.”

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