Johnny "J"
Johnny J in his studio, circa early 2008
Background information
Birth name	Johnny Lee Jackson
Born	August 28, 1969(1969-08-28) Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
Origin	Los Angeles, California, USA
Died	October 3, 2008 (aged 39)
Genres	Hip hop, gangsta funk, gangsta rap, R&B, West Coast hip hop
Occupations	Rapper, Record Producer, Songwriter
Years active	1987–2008
Labels	Death Row, Interscope, Solar, Shade Tree, Klock Work Entertainment, Epic, Jive, Amaru Entertainment
Associated acts	Tupac Shakur, Tatyana Ali, Napoleon
Website	MySpace

Johnny Lee Jackson (August 28, 1969 - October 3, 2008),^[1][2][3] commonly known in the music industry as Johnny "J", was a multi-platinum songwriter, music producer and rapper who was perhaps best remembered for his production on Tupac Shakur's albums All Eyez on Me and Me Against the World, as well as many of Shakur's subsequent posthumous albums.^[4] He was born in Juárez, Mexico, in 1969 and raised in South Central Los Angeles. Johnny "J" was co-owner and CEO of Klock Work Entertainment.

[edit] Early Productions

He produced the 1990 single "Knockin' Boots" for his classmate Candyman's album Ain't No Shame in My Game, which went platinum thanks to the single.^[5] He also produced early demos with artist Shady Montage who eventually went on to become Shade Sheist.

[edit] Tupac, Death Row Records and Solo album (1993—1997)

After the numerous nominations for Candyman, Johnny J met 2pac and recorded nine tracks with him in three days^{[citation needed]}. Following these recordings Johnny produced "Pour Out a Little Liquor" which appeared on the Above The Rim soundtrack and 2pac's Thug Life album. The soundtrack eventually went Double Platinum and won the Soundtrack of The Year Award at the 1995 Source Awards.^[6]

Johnny produced the track "Death Around The Corner" which ended up on 2Pac's third solo album entitled Me Against The World That album eventually went to the top of the Billboard 200.^[4]

While Shakur was in prison for the most of 1995, Johnny J recorded and released his debut rap album I Gotta Be Me, which spawned two singles: "Get Away From Me" and "Dig Um' Out". A music video was shot for "Get Away From Me". Jackson produced the entire album, and even showcased his singing abilities on such tracks as "Love's the Way". The beat for "Better Off" would later be recycled for 2Pac's "Picture Me Rollin'" in his 1996 album All Eyez On Me.^[7] I Gotta Be Me is now out of print and hard to find.

After 2Pac's release in late 1995, the two began collaborating for 2Pac's Death Row Records debut All Eyez On Me.^[4] The double album was released early next year, and Johnny J produced the chart topping hits "All Bout U", "How Do U Want It" and "Life Goes On".^[8] He also produced "Thug Passion", "Shorty Wanna Be A Thug", "Wonda Why They Call U Bitch", "Run tha Streetz", "All Eyez on Me", "What'z Ya Phone #" and "Picture Me Rollin'"^[4]

The album is one of the most influential albums in hip hop history, and according to the RIAA, 9 million copies of the album were sold in the United States alone by June 18, 1998.^[9]

[edit] Miscellaneous ventures (1997—2006)

Prior to Tupac Shakur's death Johnny produced over 100 tracks for the rapper, a great deal of them unreleased.^[10] Many of Johnny's collaborations with Shakur ended up being remixed for his posthumous releases such as "Until The End Of Time", "Better Dayz", and "R U Still Down? (Remember Me)", while only a select few remained in their original form.

Johnny had composed a few music scores in such films as Gridlock'd.^[4] The first artist Johnny collaborated with after 2Pac's death was Bizzy Bone from Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. Johnny produced "Thugz Cry" and "Nobody Can Stop Me" off of the Heavenz Movie album, a release that would eventually go gold.^[4]

Along with Napoleon from the Outlawz and Val Young, Johnny released "Never Forget" in 2004, a tribute song to 2Pac. A music video was shot for the song, and includes many guest appearances from many of Shakur's close friends.

[edit] Later life

In mid 2006, Johnny J premiered a 10 year anniversary Tupac tribute track on a charitable compilation by Dr. Mutulu Shakur entitled A 2Pac Tribute: Dare 2 Struggle. The song was written by Johnny and performed by a new artist working with Klock Work at the time named T-Jay.

In mid 2008, Iranian-Canadian rapper Imaan Faith collaborated with Deejay Ra to release Imaan's debut album Let The Truth Be Known on Universal Music Canada, featuring an opening track with Johnny J entitled "Goin 2 Da Top", which was recorded at Johnny's studio in California in mid 2006. Johnny's name was mentioned in billboard, radio and TV advertisements across Canada as one of the album's producers during a 3 month advertising campaign, and the album charted at #6 on the Nielsen SoundScan top ten in Canada the week of its March 11 release.^{[citation needed]}

Johnny J had been recording for most of 2008 with actress/singer Tatyana Ali on her sophomore music album The Light.^[11]

According to his own MySpace page, Johnny J died on October 3, 2008 at the age of 39.^[12] While serving a sentence for DWI in the Twin Towers Correctional Facility located in Los Angeles, California, he allegedly jumped off an upper tier of the prison in an apparent suicide.^[13]

[edit] Discography

[edit] Solo album

• 1995: I Gotta Be Me

[edit] Production

[edit] Celeberty & Star - Move That Body [Single] (1988)

• All tracks co-produced by L.A. Posse

[edit] Candyman - Ain't No Shame in My Game (1990)

• All tracks co-produced by Candyman

[edit] Candyman - Candyman Theme [Single] (1990)

• All tracks co-produced by Candyman

[edit] Candyman - Knockin' Boots [Single] (1990)

• All tracks co-produced by Candyman

[edit] Candyman - Melt In Your Mouth [Single] (1990)

• All tracks co-produced by Candyman

[edit] Candyman - Oneighundredskytalkpinelevenotwosevenine - 1-800-SKY-TALK PIN#110279 [Single] (1991)

• All tracks co-produced by Candyman & Charlie Mack

[edit] Various Artists - We're All In The Same Gang (1990)

• 07. "Keep Funkin' It" (performed by MC KRZ)

[edit] Various Artists - Fido's Choice - 17 Cool Dance Trax (1991)

• 02. "Knockin' Boots" (performed by Candyman)
  • Co-produced by Candyman

[edit] Candyman - I Thought You Knew (1993)

• 08. "Don't Cry Dry Your Eyes"
  • Co-produced by Candyman

[edit] Biggy Smallz - Cruisin' [Single] (1993)

• Produced all tracks from single
  • Co-produced by Sexx

[edit] Biggy Smallz - Nobody Rides for Free [Single] (1993)

• Produced all tracks from single

[edit] Mel-Low - Return Of The Player [Single] (1994)

• B2. "Return Of The Player (LP Version)"
  • Co-produced by Mel-Low & Poppa C

[edit] Thug Life - Pour Out a Little Liquor [Single] (1994)

• A1. "Pour Out a Little Liquor (Radio Version)" (performed by 2Pac)
• A2. "Pour Out a Little Liquor (LP Version)" (performed by 2Pac)

[edit] Thug Life - Thug Life: Vol. 1 (1994)

• 04. "Pour Out a Little Liquor" (performed by 2Pac)

[edit] Various Artists - Above the Rim (Soundtrack) (1994)

• 08. "Pour Out a Little Liquor" (performed by 2Pac as Thug Life)

[edit] 2Pac - Me Against the World (1995)

• 14. "Death Around the Corner"

[edit] Johnny "J" - I Gotta Be Me (1995)

• Produced entire album

[edit] 2Pac - All Eyez on Me (1996)

• 1-02. "All Bout U" (featuring Dru Down, Outlawz, Nate Dogg & Snoop Dogg)
  • Produced with 2Pac
• 1-05. "How Do U Want It" (featuring K-Ci & Jojo)
• 1-09. "Life Goes On" (featuring Stacey Smallie)
• 1-14. "What'z Ya Phone #" (featuring Danny Boy)
  • Produced with 2Pac
• 2-02. "Shorty Wanna Be a Thug"
• 2-04. "Wonda Why They Call U Bytch"
  • Produced with 2Pac
• 2-06. "Thug Passion" (featuring Dramacydal, Jewel & Storm)
  • Produced with 2Pac
• 2-07. "Picture Me Rollin'" (featuring Danny Boy, Big Syke & C.P.O.)
• 2-08. "Check Out Time" (featuring Kurupt, Syke & Natasha Walker)
  • Produced with 2Pac
• 2-10. "All Eyez on Me" (featuring Big Syke)
• 2-11. "Run Tha Streetz" (featuring Michel'Le, Storm & Mutah)

[edit] 2Pac - How Do You Want It [Single] (1996)

• A1. "How Do U Want It (LP Version)" (featuring K-Ci & JoJo)
• B2. "Hit 'Em Up" (featuring The Outlawz)

[edit] Big Syke - Be Yo' Self (1996)

• Produced entire album

[edit] Various Artists - Death Row Greatest Hits (1996)

• 2-08. "Hit 'Em Up" (performed by 2Pac & The Outlawz)
• 2-11. "Pour Out a Little Liquor" (performed by 2Pac as Thug Life)

[edit] Various Artists - Gridlock'd (Original Soundtrack) (1996)

• 05. "Never Had a Friend Like Me" (performed by 2Pac)

[edit] 2Pac - R U Still Down? (Remember Me) (1997)

• 2-01. "Ready 4 Whatever" (featuring Big Syke)
• 2-05. "Fake Ass Bitches"
  • Co-produced by We Got Kidz

[edit] 2Pac & Snoop Doggy Dogg - Wanted Dead Or Alive [Single] (1997)

• B1. "Never Had a Friend Like Me" (performed by 2Pac)

[edit] Craig Mack - Operation: Get Down (1997)

• 04. "Rap Hangover" (featuring La Shawn Monet)
• 10. "You"

[edit] Jon B. - Cool Relax (1997)

• 07. "Are You Still Down" (featuring 2Pac)
  • Co-produced by 2Pac

[edit] K-Ci & JoJo - You Bring Me Up [UK Single] (1997)

• 05. "You Bring Me Up (Johnny J Remix)"

[edit] Various Artists - Gang Related (Soundtrack) (1997)

• 2-01. "Made Niggaz" (performed by 2Pac & The Outlawz)
  • Produced with 2Pac

[edit] 2Pac - Greatest Hits (1998)

• 1-07. "How Do U Want It" (featuring K-Ci & Jojo)
• 1-09. "Unconditional Love"
• 1-11. "Life Goes On" (featuring Stacey Smallie)
• 1-12. "Hit 'Em Up" (featuring The Outlawz)
• 2-01. "Troublesome 96'"
• 2-07. "Picture Me Rollin'" (featuring Danny Boy, Big Syke & C.P.O.)
• 2-11. "All About U" (featuring Dru Down, Top Dogg, Outlawz & Nate Dogg)
  • Produced with 2Pac

[edit] Bizzy Bone - Heaven'z Movie (1998)

• 02. "Thugz Cry"
• 04. "Yes Yes Y'all"
• 12. "Nobody Can Stop Me"
• XX. "Life Goes On (R.I.P. 2Pac)"
  • Tribute to Tupac Shakur that was eventually scrapped from the album
• XX. "Confessions" (featuring 2Pac)
  • 2Pac's verse also appears on his album Until the End of Time on the track "Breathin'"
  • Unreleased from the album due to sampling clearances

[edit] Nate Dogg - G-Funk Classics, Vol. 1: Ghetto Preacher (1997)

• 07. "Crazy, Dangerous" (featuring Nancy Fletcher & Six Feet Deep)

[edit] 2Pac - Happy Home [Single] (1998)

• A. "Happy Home"
  • This is the original version of "Happy Home", which was remixed for Until the End of Time

[edit] Nate Dogg - G-Funk Classics, Vol. 1 & 2 (1998)

• 1-06. "Crazy, Dangerous" (featuring Nancy Fletcher & Six Feet Deep)

[edit] 2Pac & The Outlawz - Still I Rise (1999)

• 02. "Still I Rise"
• 03. "Secretz of War"
• 14. "U Can Be Touched"

[edit] CJ Mac - Platinum Game (1999)

• 05. "Gangsta Bitch" (featuring Barbara Wilson)

[edit] 2Pac - Letter 2 My Unborn [Single] (2001)

• A1. "Letter 2 My Unborn"
• A2. "Letter 2 My Unborn (Instrumental)"
• A3. "Letter 2 My Unborn (A Cappella)"

[edit] 2Pac - Until the End of Time [Single] (2001)

• Produced all tracks from single

[edit] 2Pac - Until the End of Time (2001)

• 1-01. "Ballad of a Dead Soulja"
• 1-03. "Lil' Homies"
• 1-06. "Letter 2 My Unborn" (featuring Anthem & Tena Jones)
  • Co-produced by Nitty
• 1-07. "Breathin" (featuring Outlaw Immortalz)
• 1-08. "Happy Home" (featuring Yusef Sharid, Barbara Wilson & Tracy Hardin)
• 1-11. "Thug N U Thug N Me (Remix)" (featuring K-ci & JoJo)
• 1-12. "Everything They Owe" (featuring Timothy)
• 1-13. "Until the End of Time" (featuring RL & Anthem)
  • Co-produced by Nitty
• 1-15. "World Wide Mob Figgaz" (featuring Outlaw Immortalz & Ta'he)
• 2-02. "My Closest Roaddogz" (featuring Shiro & Timothy)
• 2-04. "When Thugz Cry"
• 2-06. "This Ain't Livin'" (featuring Vanessa Marquez)
• 2-08. "Lastonesleft" (featuring Outlaw Immortalz)
• 2-09. "Thug N U Thug N Me" (featuring K-Ci & JoJo & Capucine)
• 2-13. "When I Get Free"
• 2-14. "Until The End of Time (RP Remix)" (featuring Richard Page, RL & Anthem)
  • Co-produced by Nitty & Jamel Edgerton

[edit] Big Syke - Big Syke Daddy (2001)

• 08. "At Your Convenience"
• 12. "On My Way Out"
• 13. "Good Timez"
• 15. "Enjoyin' Life"

[edit] Various Artists - Suge Knight Represents: Chronic 2000 (2001)

• 1-04. "Who Do You Believe In" (featuring Yaki Kadafi)

[edit] 2Pac - Better Dayz (2002)

• 1-05. "Fuck 'Em All" (featuring The Outlawz)
• 2-03. "Never Call U B**** Again" (featuring Tyrese)
• 2-04. "Better Dayz" (featuring Mr. Biggs)
• 2-10. "There U Go" (featuring Syke, Jazze Pha & The Outlawz)
• 2-11. "This Life I Lead" (featuring The Outlawz)
• 2-12. "Who Do U Believe In" (featuring Yaki Kadafi)
• 2-13. "They Don't Give a F*** About Us" (featuring The Outlawz)

[edit] Tyrese - I Wanna Go There (2002)

• 03. "How Do U Want It (Situations)"

[edit] Various Artists - Hip Hop II (2002)

• 1-08. "How Do You Want It" (performed by 2Pac & K-Ci & Jojo)

[edit] Various Artists - Tupac Shakur: Thug Angel: The Life of an Outlaw (Soundtrack) (2002)

• 15. "Thinking of You (2Pac Tribute)" (performed by Stepchylde & Johnny J)

[edit] Hussein Fatal - Fatalveli, Volume 1: The Mixtape (2003)

• 02. "Made Niggaz" (featuring Makaveli & The Outlawz)
  • Produced with 2Pac

[edit] Various Artists - Tupac: Resurrection (Soundtrack) (2003)

• 04. "Death Around the Corner" (performed by 2Pac)
• 05. "Secrets of War" (performed by 2Pac & The Outlawz)

[edit] 2Pac - 2Pac Live (2004)

• 06. "Hit 'Em Up" (featuring The Outlawz)
• 09. "All Bout U" (featuring Dru Down, Outlawz, Nate Dogg & Snoop Dogg)
  • Produced with 2Pac
• 10. "Never Call U Bitch Again" (featuring Tyrese)
• 11. "How Do U Want It" (featuring K-Ci & Jojo)

[edit] Jon B. - Stronger Everyday (2004)

• 07. "Part 2" (featuring 2Pac)

[edit] Mopreme Shakur - Evolution Of A Thug Life N.I.G.G.A. Vol. 1.1 (2005)

• 1-13. "Play Your Cardz Right" (featuring 2Pac, Big Syke, K-Ci & JoJo)
• 2-06. "What's Next?" (featuring 2Pac, Big Syke & Prince Ital Joe)
  • Co-produced by 2Pac

[edit] Napoleon - Have Mercy [Unreleased] (2005)

• XX. "Fast Life" (featuring Barrington Levy)
• XX. "Lil' Mama" (featuring Jon B.)
• XX. "Never Forget" (featuring Val Young & Johnny J)
• XX. "Thin Line"

[edit] Chamillionaire - Mixtape Messiah 2 (2006)

• 07. "Picture Me Rollin'"
• 08. "Chamillionaire Speaks"

[edit] Dr. Mutulu Shakur Presents - A 2Pac Tribute: Dare 2 Struggle (2006)

• 09. "Still" (performed by T-Jay & Johnny J)

[edit] 2Pac - Nu-Mixx Klazzics Vol. 2 (2007)

• 01. "Picture Me Rollin'" (featuring Kurupt & Butch Cassidy)
  • Additional Production by Street Radio, Bob Perry & Arnold Mischkulnig
• 12. "Picture Me Rollin'" (featuring Outlawz & Danny Boy)

[edit] 2Pac - Best of 2Pac Part 1: Thug (2007)

• 05. "How Do U Want It" (featuring K-Ci & Jojo)
• 09. "Unconditional Love"

[edit] 2Pac - Best of 2Pac Part 2: Life (2007)

• 03. "Until The End of Time (RP Remix)" (featuring Richard Page, RL & Anthem)
  • Co-produced by Nitty & Jamel Edgerton
• 04. "Never Call U B**** Again" (featuring Tyrese)
• 05. "They Don't Give a F*** About Us" (featuring The Outlawz)
• 10. "When I Get Free"

[edit] 2Pac - The 10th Anniversary Collection - The Sex, The Soul & The Street (2007)

• 1-01. "All Bout U" (featuring Dru Down, Outlawz, Nate Dogg & Snoop Dogg)
  • Produced with 2Pac
• 1-02. "Thug Passion" (featuring Jewell, The Outlawz & Storm)
  • Produced with 2Pac
• 1-06. "Wonda Why They Call U Bytch"
  • Produced with 2Pac
• 1-08. "Check Out Time" (featuring Big Syke, Nate Dogg & Natasha Walker)
  • Produced with 2Pac
• 1-10. "How Do U Want It (featuring K-Ci & Jojo)
  • Produced with 2Pac
• 1-12. "Whats Ya Phone Number" (featuring Danny Boy)
  • Produced with 2Pac
• 2-02. "All Eyez On Me" (featuring Big Syke)
• 3-02. "Picture Me Rollin'" (featuring Big Syke, C.P.O. & Danny Boy)
• 3-04. "Made Niggaz" (featuring The Outlawz)
  • Produced with 2Pac
• 3-08. "Life Goes On" (featuring Stacey Smallie)
• 3-13. "Hit 'Em Up" (featuring The Outlawz)

[edit] Bizzy Bone - The Best Of (2007)

• 01. "Nobody Can Stop Me"
• 03. "Thugz Cry"

[edit] C-Bo Presents: Marvaless - Ready Made (2007)

• 18. "Neva Be Peace" (featuring 2Pac & Storm)

[edit] O.F.T.B. - The Missing D.R. Files (2007)

• 02. "Better Dayz" (featuring 2Pac & Big Syke)
• 11. "Ladies Night" (featuring 6 Feet Deep)
• 15. "So Long" (featuring MC Hammer)

[edit] References

[edit] External links

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• Profile Discogs

v • d • e Tupac Shakur Studio albums 2Pacalypse Now · Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z. · Thug Life: Volume 1 · Me Against the World · All Eyez on Me  · The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory Posthumous albums R U Still Down? (Remember Me) · Still I Rise · The Rose That Grew from Concrete · Until the End of Time · Better Dayz · Loyal to the Game · Pac's Life · Beginnings: The Lost Tapes 1988–1991 · Shakurspeare Compilation albums Greatest Hits · Best of 2Pac Singles "Brenda's Got a Baby" · "If My Homie Calls" · "Trapped" · "I Get Around" · "Keep Ya Head Up" · "Papa'z Song" · "Holler If Ya Hear Me" · "Cradle To The Grave" · "How Long Will They Mourn Me?" · "Dear Mama" · "Old School" · "So Many Tears" · "Temptations" · "California Love" · "2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted" · "How Do U Want It" · "Hit 'Em Up" · "All bout U" · "I Ain't Mad at Cha" · "Toss It Up" · "Life Goes On" · "To Live & Die in LA" · "Hail Mary" · "Wanted Dead or Alive" · "Made Niggaz" Posthumous singles "I Wonder If Heaven Got a Ghetto" · "Do for Love" · "Changes" · "Runnin'" · "Happy Home" · "Unconditional Love" · "Static" · "Baby Don't Cry (Keep Ya Head Up II)" · "Until the End of Time" · "Thugz Mansion" · "Who Do U Believe In?" · "Still Ballin" · "Letter 2 My Unborn" · "One Day at a Time (Em's Version)" · Runnin' (Dying to Live) · "Thugs Get Lonely Too" · "Ghetto Gospel" · "Untouchable" · "Pac's Life" · "Playa Cardz Right" Other songs "I Don't Give a Fuck" · "Runnin' (From tha Police)" · "If I Die 2Nite" · "Only God Can Judge Me" · Featured singles "Smile" · "Thug Luv" Related articles Discography · Outlawz · Digital Underground · Afeni Shakur · Assata Shakur · Mutulu Shakur · Mopreme Shakur · The Notorious B.I.G. · Death Row Records · East Coast-West Coast hip hop rivalry · Makaveli Branded Clothing · Orlando Anderson  · Johnny "J" · Billy Garland