The Bay Area has never been short on artists with something to say, and the Bay’s own FBO Johnny is looking to carve out his own lane. Drawing inspiration from legends like Lil Wayne, E-40, Mac Dre, and Mary J. Blige, he’s building a catalog that blends multiple genres while staying grounded in faith, personal growth, and authenticity. Hip Hop TXL caught up with FBO Johnny to discuss his musical journey, creative process, the current state of Bay Area Hip Hop, and where he sees his career heading next.
What first got you into making music, and who were your early influences?
My friends and my social circle first got me into making music. I’ve always enjoyed listening to music, and that eventually turned into a passion for creating my own. I aspired to become an artist. My early influences were Lil Wayne, the Bay Area sound, E-40, Mac Dre, and Cassidy. On the R&B side, I was influenced by Sade and Mary J. Blige.
How has your hometown or upbringing shaped your style and sound?
I was born and raised in Oakland and attended James Logan High School in Union City. Having roots in the country, the hood, and the inner city, I feel like growing up in different environments has given me a unique sound.
Walk us through your process — do you write lyrics first, find a beat, or just let it flow?
All of the above. To prevent writer’s block, I’ll either vibe out to a beat or find lyrics I’ve already written and blend them into a masterpiece. Ultimately, you have to be a good judge of music to know when a song is truly finished.
How do you know when a song is “finished”?
After reciting my verse over and over with the beat, once I get that feeling of joy and excitement, I know it’s done. That’s when it’s time to lay it down.
What inspires your writing the most: real life, imagination, or a mix of both?
A mix of both. I write about my past and the emotions I’m feeling in the present. When I write a verse, I’m really coming from a director’s angle. I want people to be able to visualize what I’m saying.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced breaking into the industry so far?
Realizing that I need a solid team to build a successful independent career.
What separates you from other new artists coming up right now?
The catalog I’m building. I’m not putting myself in a box. I’m making music across multiple genres, and that’s given me a lot more creative freedom.
What do you want people to feel when they listen to your music?
I want people to think about personal growth through my spiritual tracks. For believers in the faith, I’m just planting seeds through my music and giving praise to God.
Are there any topics you refuse to shy away from in your lyrics?
I just weigh my words carefully. I feel artists should be mindful of the things they say, or at least that’s the approach I take.
What’s your view on the status of Hip Hop in the Bay Area? What’s working well for the region and what needs improvement?
I feel like, because we have so many major corporate companies here—Google, Facebook, Apple, and others—a lot of people in our communities don’t get the opportunity to prosper from these social platforms on a worldwide level.
What’s your ultimate goal with your music — is it fame, influence, legacy, or something else?
My short-term goal is to build a strong catalog and fanbase. Long-term, I want to create passive income through music.
Where do you see yourself and your sound evolving in the next five years?
Influence, financial success, and a long-lasting career in music.
Before you go on stage or into the booth, do you have any rituals or habits?
Prayer. I pray more than three times a day. I also like to come to the studio prepared with plenty of material, no matter what beats get played.
What advice would you give to other artists just starting out?
If you don’t want to act out what you rap about, don’t rap about it. Experiment with your voice, try harmonizing, and explore different sounds. It’ll add a lot of style and originality to your craft.
Tap In with FBO Johnny
From his commitment to staying authentic to his vision of building a lasting independent career, FBO Johnny is focused on creating music with purpose. Whether he’s making spiritual records, experimenting across genres, or continuing to grow his catalog, he’s determined to leave a meaningful impact on listeners. Stay connected with HipHopTXL for more exclusive interviews, new music, and the latest updates on FBO Johnny’s journey. Follow FBO Johnny’s YouTube page and Instagram for his latest releases.
