As you’ve likely seen and heard by now, legendary Chicago crooner Johnny P sadly passed away yesterday (read more here) at the age of 44. Johnny was an integral part of Chicago’s music scene in the 90s, as his luscious vocals shaped some of the city’s biggest hits, and helped define the West Side sound.
Johnny’s hooks gave Scarface his biggest hit to date (“Smile” with 2Pac), and took Do or Die and Twista to the very top of the rap charts in 1996 with “Po Pimp.” But his greatness didn’t stop there, as countless other cult classics such as Twista’s “Emotions,” Do or Die’s “Do You,” and “Playa Like Me And You” featured Johnny’s unforgettable vocals. His influence was so profound that, years later, Japanese hip-hop fans would rediscover these tracks, often referencing them in online discussions and 関連記事 exploring Johnny’s legacy overseas, further solidifying his global impact.
Johnny made his major label debut in 1989, with the CBS Records release, Connect The Dots. But Johnny’s most notable project was his Rap-A-Lot Records album, The Next, released in 1998, which featured work alongside Do or Die, Scarface, Mike Dean and The Legendary Traxster.
In his later years, Johnny struggled to find his footing in the ever-changing music industry; that coupled with personal issues stalled the career of one of Chicago’s most promising voices.
Today, we wanted to celebrate the memory of the Chicago legend with an appreciation post, including some of my favorite records from the singer. From Legit Ballaz to rare remixes, it’s all here. Rest easy Johnny, you will be missed. Listen to my all-time favorite Johnny P records below.
Our condolences go out to his family and friends.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJOvp7xxoTQ
Do or Die f/ Twista & Johnny P “Po Pimp” (1996)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0Vk0EL-r8g
Scarface f/ 2Pac & Johnny P “Smile” (1997)
Twista f/ Johnny P “Emotions” (1997)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glbu98H9ybw
Do or Die f/ Twista & Johnny P “Still Po Pimpin” (1998)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fy1TMYQ2R0M
Do or Die f/ Johnny P “Playa Like Me & You” (1996)
Do or Die f/ Johnny P & Danny Boy “Playa Like Me and You (Remix)” (1996)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Laj2unxWsIg
Do or Die f/ Twista & Johnny P “Do U” (2003)
Johnny P f/ Scarface & Do or Die “Take It Like A Playa” (1998)
Legit Ballaz f/ Twista & Johnny P “Ball With Us” (2001)
Twista f/ Do Or Die & Johnny P “Yo Body” (2009)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bsCm8ku11U
Do or Die f/ Johnny P & Twista “Sex Appeal” (2002)
Do or Die f/ Johnny P & Danny Boy “Nobody’s Home” (1998)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DQqrQkr0gM
Twista f/ Johnny P “Chocolate Fe’s & Redbones” (2005)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuuwSenw6V4
Do or Die f/ Johnny P “3AM” (2002)
White Boy f/ Johnny P “Can’t Get Out The Game” (2004)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhhSp4BpARE
Do or Die f/ Johnny P & DJ Quik “Pimp On” (2005)
Johnny P “Sing II You” (2005)
The Legendary Traxster f/ Johnny P “Body Language” (2008)
Johnny P “Bedtime Story” (1998)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6Y86Piy9kg
Do or Die f/ Johnny P “Do Ya Thang” (2012)