Tapping In With John John [Of R&B Group Silk]

It’s been more than four long years since Silk’s last studio collection, ‘Quiet Storm’ — First off, was the group, particularly you, happy with the performance of this record?

“I was absolutely happy with the performance on that particular album, although I wish we had more exposure for that project. But as far as the music itself, I was satisfied. “

Seems as if you’ve used this time off from the collective wisely in order to focus on your debut solo album — That being said, was this always in the plan?

“It definitely wasn’t in the plan to take time off *John John laughs* But I will say doing a solo project has always been something that I wanted to do at some point…and I feel like I’ve gotten to a place in my life and career where it’s time.”

In having said that, how does this new solo material either differ and / or compare to what the masses already both know and love you for as 1/5 of Silk?

“Well it’s absolutely an extension of the music that our fans are accustomed to hearing from Silk, so it most definitely will have that soulful, sexy bedroom feel. Just more of what Delite and myself would like to call, ‘This New ’90’s R’n’B ####!’ Delite Allamby is a super producer who has helped create many of our hits, along with many other artists. He’s with me on my new musical journey on this solo project.”

What all exactly can be expected from your eagerly awaited premiere solo outing?

“Again, what Delite and myself would like to call this sound, ‘New ’90’s R’n’B ####,’ which means we’re taking every aspect of love and showing every facet. This sound will remind you of that ’90’s R’n’B feel, but will take you so many other places.”

Any specific details; i.e. title, favorite selection(s), producer(s) credit(s), cameo appearance(s), etcetera, that you can reveal and / or divulge about upcoming said set at this point in time?

“Right now with this project, my first single (is) entitled “Do You Believe in Love,” and my EP’s coming soon after…is basically Delite and myself doing everything…all the writing, singing and production.”

So, does this upcoming solo release then signify a Silk break-up? If not, then what actually prompted you to take the solo route at this particular point in your career?

“Absolutely not! We’re also in the studio as a whole creating new music, so be on the lookout for that as well. But for me I just felt like the time was right, and the energy as well.”

Because rumors of a solo project has been circling for years, why exactly did it take you so long to branch out and finally do this?

“Well, it just had to be something that I was ready to do. I mean…like something I had to be all the way ready and committed to doing. I wanted something fresh, new and exciting, if I was gonna do it. Now I finally feel like I have all of those things. And now it’s time for take off!”

Switching gears here, how has not only the industry itself, but even more-so you, either changed and / or evolved since your whole inception into music?

“Well first off, I feel the sound of R&B has most definitely changed and it should because if it didn’t everything would sound the same, and who wants that? *Laughs again* But as far as I’m concerned, I’m just more involved mentally in my brand and at a place where I am paying attention to the music, especially my music. And I’m on a whole ‘nother level with myself.”

Longevity, what do you attribute yours to?

“First of all, God! I know it’s cliché, but that’s the gospel on that. And also just really being a student of music, and also being blessed to be around people like Keith Sweat, Teddy Riley and Gerald Levert…may he Rest In Peace! That’s just to name a few artists that have that staying power, and what it takes to be consistent. I’m blessed for that.”

What do you want people to get from your music?

“I just want them to remember love and making love, you know, real love as whole. That kind of music that when you listen to my album, the next song you hear is just as good as the last one…that don’t skip a song kind of music. That in your feelings type of music.”

On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of R&B? And, even more specifically, where exactly do you “fit in” when it comes to today’s current/trending sound-scape?

“Yes! I’m happy with it because as I said before, music is always changing and that to me is a good thing. And to add, I like all genres of music. Now as for me…I’m in no way trying to fit into what the change is, I just do me and what I feel as far as music goes, and just keep it sexy and I try to give people what they are accustomed from me.”

Do you have any other outside / additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

“Absolutely I do! I would love to act. I mean, that’s something I think would be a kind of (a) natural progression for me because acting is about telling a story and making it believable. And music is that way. I came up in a industry where videos were extremely important and in a lot of ways still are, so I’ve always looked at doing videos as somewhat acting.”

What has been your greatest career achievement(s) so far?

“First off, the things I have been able to accomplish with the group! Being able to have music that will be remembered for a long time…that staying power I spoke about earlier that every artist wants to have. Having a live show that people love to come see. But other than that, I’m just super proud of this new music that I’m doing now with Delite ’cause being able to carry on a sound and feeling that people love is definitely an accomplishment.”

“Freak Me” is a bona-fide R&B classic — How did this song actually come about? Who came up with the concept? And, please describe for me the studio vibe on that fateful day?

“Wow! Okay, so the song “Freak Me” has always had a life of its own *More laughter* First let me just say it was one of those wild card songs that was super risky for us as a group at that time. So to be honest, it was the last song on the ‘Loose Control’ album because we were totally against it being on there because we were, and still are, church boys so to speak. We sung at what seems to be every church in Atlanta. And had to be at church consistently as well. But with that being said, we did what church people call secular music as well. We loved regular R&B, but when Keith first introduced that song to us, man, we went through so many emotions about it because we were all like, “What will our parents say, and what will people in general say about this freaky ### song!!” *Laughing hysterically* But as the vibe in the studio and how it sounded, we were hooked!”

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?

“I would like to reiterate, my new single “Do You Believe in Love” is underway. And my EP will follow soon after. I would also like to give a shout-out to 4 of my kids who have stepped into the music industry… Bahja [IG @BahjaRodriguez], Dijon [IG @Dijonstylez], Chaunce a.k.a. BOOG [IG @448Boog] and ‘Kel [IG @a.k3l_]. And all are doing great, may I add.”

Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?

“Never give up on yourself or your dreams. Always believe in yourself. And, always keep God first!”