Billy Johnson Jr. has had a long, storied career in music journalism. He joins us to share what it takes to write about music and musicians.
In 1998, Billy began an 18-year run at Yahoo Music as a senior editor and content producer, where his duties included shaping the site's Hip Hop and R&B coverage, programming online radio stations, and securing music video premieres. More than 500 of his articles appeared on the Yahoo homepage, including his piece on the Kanye West–Taylor Swift incident at the 2009 VMAs, which drew more than 40,000 comments.
As managing editor of Rap Sheet Newspaper from 1994 to 1998, he
assigned and edited articles and wrote major feature stories on artists like
The Fugees, Too $hort, and A Tribe Called Quest. He served as a contributing
reporter for Entertainment Weekly's coverage of the deaths of Tupac and The
Notorious B.I.G., and wrote concert reviews of Erykah Badu, Run-D.M.C., and
Gladys Knight for The Hollywood Reporter. He wrote Chris Brown's first cover
story for Vibe magazine and penned features on The Neptunes, Eminem, Snoop
Dogg, and Nate Dogg for The Source. He has documented Hip Hop/Rap and music in
general, writing about music and the people who create it takes a special
skill, and he shares what he believes makes for a good storyteller in music.
You can reach Billy on his site https://www.mediaandrepertoire.com
- #ArtsandCulture
In an engaging and insightful conversation, Nicole welcomed Billy Johnson Jr., a seasoned music journalist, to Keipeki's latest session. The discussion highlighted both Johnson's illustrious career and his transformative journey through the world of music journalism, offering valuable lessons and personal anecdotes that are sure to resonate with aspiring writers and music enthusiasts alike.
Billy, who initially pursued a degree in computer science at Cal State San Bernardino, eventually found his true calling in journalism. His pivot came during a tumultuous time in his life, as he faced personal challenges alongside academic pressures. He recalled, “I just looked at my transcript and said, what classes did I do the best in, anything that had to do with writing, I did better in.” This realization led him to embrace storytelling as a career, setting the foundation for his subsequent success as a music journalist.
Throughout the session, Billy recounted pivotal moments that shaped his career, including his humble beginnings at the Black Voice News and his rise to prominence through major publications like Entertainment Weekly, VIBE, and Yahoo Music. His early experiences emphasized the importance of mentorship, persistence, and embracing one's personal narrative, as he noted the value of being a professional in an industry that often sought to pigeonhole talent. “You know the journalistic principles,” he remarked, reflecting on how formal education has continued to influence his writing style and dedication to accuracy, even in today’s fast-paced media landscape.
One of the central themes of the conversation was the evolution of music journalism amidst the digital revolution. Billy discussed the impact of social media and online platforms on the craft, noting that while accessibility has significantly increased, the depth and quality of writing have often taken a backseat in the rush for immediate content. “Magazines had a way of sustaining the narrative,” he remarked, lamenting the lost art of in-depth feature writing that allows for comprehensive stories to be told.
As the conversation flowed, Billy provided invaluable insights into his interview techniques and how he has always sought to humanize artists rather than merely report on their latest projects. Notably, he shared his experiences interviewing a range of high-profile musicians, from Tupac to Chris Brown, to Janet Jackson and Beyonce, emphasizing the need to move beyond surface-level discussions. He encouraged aspiring journalists to share authentic, human stories, stating, “I just want to capture what I’m experiencing with them… so readers can get a sense of what I’m gathering.”
Reflecting on his transition from journalist to media strategist and public relations consultant with his company, Media and Repertoire, Billy expressed his enthusiasm for entrepreneurship and the flexibility it affords him. He shared that he now enjoys the thrill of making things happen quickly without the bureaucratic delays often found in larger organizations. “I have major blessings,” he emphasizes, alluding to his growth and adaptability in an ever-changing media landscape.
Billy concluded the session by offering practical advice for aspiring music journalists. He emphasized the importance of cultivating one's voice through personal projects, exploring multiple platforms, and remaining open to opportunities. “Just create your own lane and do it the way that you want to do it,” he advised, encouraging a new generation of writers to be fearless in their creative pursuits.
This Keipeki Session not only celebrated the journey of Billy Johnson Jr. but also served as a reminder of the rich tapestry of stories waiting to be told in music journalism. Whether you’re a budding writer or a seasoned pro, Johnson’s experiences and insights provide a roadmap to exploring the dynamic world of music storytelling. Together, Nicole and Billy emphasized that every journey is unique, inspired by personal experiences and guided by the quest for authentic storytelling. Tune in to this episode to be inspired by a trailblazer in the industry.