By Dayo Olusola
Among all the young and promising musical artists in today’s contemporary world, the name ‘Johnny Crown’ cannot be left out of the debate. Johnny Crown Omolade, a young Hip-Hop artiste prominently known as ‘Johnny Crown’ was born in the city of Brooklyn, New York, and spent his early life and primary education in Nigeria before moving back to New York. Like every other committed and dedicated young artiste in the music industry, Johnny Crown has explored innovative ways to showcase and prove his artistry prowess and strengths.
Despite having lived in Nigeria for a few years, Johnny Crown’s form of sound traces back to his African roots. He blends his Hip-Hop sound with a touch of Afrobeat sound. He did a lot of cover freestyle on different Afrobeat hit songs, including Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last’, Wizkid’s ‘Essence’, Rema’s ‘Calm Down’, and a host of other Afrobeat music, which he collated and tagged ‘Jackin 4 Afrobeat.’ Listeners can’t doubt the fact that Johnny Crown is a talented lyrical poet. His lyrics comes with rich diction, and this prowess had portrayed him as one of the best songwriters in the contemporary world, or if not the best, but one of the youngest.
Johnny Crown is also well known for his exploration of the theme of love and human experiences in his songs. Most of his rap songs come in a storytelling approach, something he is factually skilled at. His artistry extends beyond his lyricism and captivating flow; his choice of album cover art is equally striking, bringing his musical concepts to vivid life. As a writer and a graduate in Media, Culture, and Communication from New York, Crown crafts a visual experience that complements his storytelling. His 2018 debut project, Drunk, is a prime example. The cover art, featuring Johnny with his head bent, dark glasses shading his eyes, and a glass of alcohol on the table before him captures the essence of intoxication without even hearing a note. Other covers, like Starcrest and Superpowers, showcase a sci-fi, dreamlike aesthetic that underscores his imaginative reach. In Phayroyal, he integrates his heritage, sitting beside a Pharaoh’s image. He symbolizes a connection to his roots and a sense of royalty. His 2021 release, The Coolest Prince in The Jungle, portrays him as a Tarzan-like figure embracing nature, reinforcing a message of authenticity, resilience, and self-acceptance.
Crown’s approach to track titles is equally intentional, each echoing the theme in the album. In Phayroyal, titles like We-Egypt and Let My People Go, incorporate Egyptian symbolism, blending historical and cultural references. Superpowers explore science-fiction themes with titles like Shapeshifting, Telekinesis, and Levitating. In Drunk, track names reflect popular alcohol brands, aligning with the album’s concept. This level of detail reflects Crown’s keen eye for cohesion and storytelling prowess.
Musically, Crown blends the influence of Afrobeats with hip-hop, creating a sound that celebrates his heritage. In several tracks, his instrumentals channel the legendary Afrobeat rhythm of Fela Kuti, highlighting his connection to Nigerian roots. This influence pairs with his hip-hop style, which reflects the introspective and narrative-driven approach of artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole. Crown’s focus on storytelling, cultural pride, and social themes in his lyrics makes him a bridge between two powerful genres. His album concepts and visuals show a creative alignment with Kanye West, particularly in how Kanye uses cover art to enhance thematic depth. The sci-fi and fantasy elements in Crown’s work evoke a Travis Scott-like atmosphere, with both artists embracing surreal, otherworldly aesthetics.
Nevertheless, Johnny Crown Omolade’s New York-born Nigerian roots position him as a unique force at the intersection of Afrobeats and hip-hop by blending cultural pride with genre innovation and crafting music that resonates deeply with fans. Crown is poised for a bright future, bridging the world with sounds that are both globally resonant and proudly rooted.