专辑简介

God. That is the first word you hear on both Johnnie B albums. This is not a simple salutation but rather serves as an acknowledgement of the inspiration of every track on both Take It How Ya Wanna and “A Play On Wurds”. The idea that “nobody’s trying to hear a Christian” will not be the case if they get a hold of these albums. Johnnie B’s first solo effort, Take It How Ya Wanna, covers a range of topics and styles from serious songs about addiction to boisterous bangers about his home town of New Orleans. Take It How Ya Wana features with “ReNew Orleans”, a song about the hope that God rebuilds New Orleans and moves right into the celebratory “Go Saints” encouraging believers to praise and dance like David. Tracks like “The Crackhead Song”, “You Thought You Had Me”, and “No Way To Treat A Lady” courageously review the struggles of this young man’s life while trying to explain to the church the point of view people whose is value is routinely ignored, overlooked or mistreated. This shift of gears continues into “A Play On Wurdz”.

The second full-length album from Johnnie B, “A Play On Wurds” explores more the passions of the artist. This second album is more focused on soul-fishing. The listener learns more about Johnnie B, including his introduction to Jesus and to his wife. This song “Stepdaddy” explains why and how for a long time Johnnie B called God, Stepdaddy. It carefully and creatively explains what it’s like to meet Jesus for the first time. “Concubine” is a title that warrants explanation and the song itself deserves several listens. The chorus explains how the girl he originally thought was just beautiful ended up being his wife. This is the “how we met” story of Brandon and Brittani, Mrs. Johnnie B. “March1st”, “Saved A Seat For You”, and “Before They Exit” are focused on the imperative mission of saving souls and sharing the gospel. This may be the only opportunity he has to tell the people about Jesus, the Christ, and he will not let the opportunity pass. “I can’t give everyone what their cardboard sign says or promise them anything shiny… but I’m quick to snatch the mic, though, (I get that from Kanye)… I prayed for this moment and the disk jockey. I am fishers of men.” This sums up the entire experience of Johnnie B. From the memorable metaphors to the love of the Lord, Johnnie B has one goal: to save souls. Fine-tuned and greatly anointed music is just a bi-product.

With features from Big Fil, Dot Dubb, Omotayo, and his beloved wife Brittani Take It How Ya Wanna and “A Play On Wurds” are two complete albums of musical ministry that leave the listener only wanting more.

Courtney Roebuck