
Some years back, while sitting in the computer lab of Germanna Community college, I turned in my seat after being completely disrupted by two very loud individuals. They were both very apparently country boys, and proud of it. The first one to come up and introduce himself was Julian “Juice” Green, hailing from “them southern parts of the Northern most Carolina,” as he put it. And the second was Johnathan “JGoodness” Goods. One just as outspoken as the other, I quickly found out that he was a representative of Hopkinsville, Kentucky. I went on to form close friendships with both of these loud mouthed country dudes, and still stay in touch with both of them to this day.
Fast forwarding to the present, I contacted JGoodness to sit down with me and do an interview. It’s been a little while since we really chopped it up on a music level, and this interview is by all means overdue. He called up the rest of WCMG and I took some time to get to know them and their roles too.
Okay, so for those outside of our immediate circle, elaborate for our readers a little on how you and I went from acquaintances to brothers.
JG: Birdie you was that tall, intimidating, over protective boy friend looking dude. [Laughs] The first person I met when I moved here was Juice in the gym. He said he went to Germanna so I enrolled. I had seen you a couple of times in the mall, but had never spoken any words. I saw you in the café at Germanna and we spoke and found out that we like the exact same things. From music, to hooping, to shoes, to women. Plus you told me difference between fake Js and real ones [laughs] and you really put me on knowledge to the fashion scene.
One thing that I would like to give you credit for is getting me back in the studio after a lengthy hiatus. Have you been anyone else’s guide towards the mic over the years?
JG: Yea, my bro Young West. He is also in the military. I started him rapping a little over a year ago, and that dude is a beast. The camera guy Tez is featured on a couple tracks, my DJ “DJ cannon”—-But let me explain my role. These cats been freestyling and writing for a while, but never put it on wax. I just told them to put it on wax. Be free and have fun you know.
How did you transplant from Hopkinsville, KY to Fredericksburg, VA?
JG: Long story short, my aunt who raised me from the time I was in 4th grade passed away. I quit college in KY and my cousin who lived in Fredericksburg, whom is also the mother of CEO DruFamous, allowed me to move in with her to go to school and not get stuck in Hopkinsville.
Now, as I recall it, when you left VA you went into the military. How is that going? Where are you stationed now?
JG: Man, I love it! I meet a lot of people from all over, so I get a chance to get their style of living and music, and incorporate it into my music. I love it! It has helped a good deal as far beat selection and versatility. A majority of my friends are from Cali, so I got used to that Cali funk, but I’m stationed Charleston SC right now and it’s a completely different style. I like the location. It’s a big city, has 3 major colleges, and it’s close to everything. Atlanta’s 4 hours away, Tampa is about 4 to 5 hours, Columbia is an hour away, so great location.
One thing that I know about you is that you always have fun; You’re an optimist. We can clearly see that in the “Up and Coming Talent” Video of the week, “Ballin” which you did with WCMG. What does that acronym stand for and who is involved in that movement?
JG : WCMG stands for World Champs Music Group, and we have a huge roster but all of them play the roles.
DJ Justin: Cannon DJ from Memphis, TN
Alex Lock: Management
V05: Rapper/A&R from Hopkinsville, KY
Young West: Rapper from Dayton, OH
Champ: Rapper from Meridian, MS
Drastic: Rapper from Jackson, MS
Richie Loud: Rapper from Hopkinsville, KY
Fresh Boi: Producer
Ric & Thadeus: Producers/ Engineers from Hopkinsville, KY
Knavo: Rapper/Engineer from Hopkinsivlle, KY
Tez Get The Camera: Videographer/Engineer from Hopkinsville, KY
Feroshus Aka RO: Singer/Producer/Rapper/Engineer from Aken, SC
Lo: Singer/Rapper from North Carolina
Joseph: Rapper from Washington, DC
Ras 1: Rapper/Singer/barber/A&R from Hopkinsville, KY
Ok well quick question for V05, which hat do you like wearing more, rapper or A&R and why?
V05 : Basically, the way I see myself as an artist is just…hell I love music! I love writing. I love recording. I bring that crazy ass flow to the track. I’m like a mix between 2 Chainz and Luda, right after you add Lil Wayne in the mix [laughs]. But for real, I love producing too. I ain’t really no Ric & Thadeus when it comes to that, but I do a little bit. I also keep an ear for music. I’ll basically listen to anything. You never know Where you’ll get an idea for that next hit from. I take pride in my A&R position, because this is what some people are made for. If I don’t like your verses, or your hook, or your beat, I’m going to tell you. Straight like that. You have to keep it 100 in this business because 50%, 60%, or even 99% ain’t enough. I need your all. #AndThatsOrDie.
Tez, how did you get started in the filming process?
Tez: One day we were all in the studio, and the team had just recorded Ballin’. V05 said, “Man we need to video that up asap.” So JGoodness said, “Tez Get the Camera!” That name kinda stuck. Every show they had, or anytime they were in the studio they said, “Tez get tha camera!” Goodness showed me more about the programs and software, and from there I just made it my duty to grind hard on my visuals and play my role as the camera guy.
Richie Loud, how long have you been rhyming and what’s your main source of motivation?
RL: I’ve been rapping for ten years. My main motivation is to leave a true legacy behind, and be remembered for something great.
Knavo, I’ve tried doing the engineering thing and I know how difficult it is at times finding that right sound. As an artist as well as an engineer do you find it easier to find your own sound or is it easier for you to work when you’re not on the track?
Knavo: Well, I’ve noticed that when I work on projects myself, as with my upcoming solo tape (The Legend of Archie Punch), it’s easier for me to find the sound I’m trying to achieve.
Ric and Thadeus, how did you two team up on the procudtion end and is it easier to work with another producer or solo?
R&T: We teamed up back in grade school. It was 5th grade I think. We originally planned on starting a rap group, but we didn’t have any beats. So naturally, we picked up production and just never went back. As far as solo vs. collaborating, it’s easy to do both just because we’ve been at it for so long. I mean, we can both make hits independently but when we actually get on a track together, it’s usually some next level shit.
Okay, back to you JGoodness, what projects can we look forward to from you in the near future?
JG : Well as of right now, we’re trying to put together a group project. In the works we have V05’s project, Richie Loud’s Project, Lo’s, Champ’s, West’s, Joseph’s; we’re working mayne. I don’t have any limits on these artists. They can do whatever they want, when they want. Plus we’re kicking off the “Day In the Life” projects again, so Tez is about to put in a bunch of work. Ric & Thad just dropped a beat-tape. Check them out at www.ricandthadeusmusic.com. Fresh Boi is putting together a beat-tape. We’re working.
