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Patrick Johnson: A Writing Portfolio
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Patrick Johnson: A Writing Portfolio
Home
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About
Freddie Gibbs' Name Holds Weight

Freddie Gibbs' Name Holds Weight

Westside Gunn Is Not a Rapper

Westside Gunn Is Not a Rapper

How Issa Rae Built the Best Soundtrack on Television

How Issa Rae Built the Best Soundtrack on Television

Liv.e’s Soulful Existence Was Freestyled From Solitude

Liv.e’s Soulful Existence Was Freestyled From Solitude

What Boldy James' Success Can Tell Us About Hip-Hop Listeners in 2020

What Boldy James' Success Can Tell Us About Hip-Hop Listeners in 2020

“Never on Schedule, But Always on Time”: An Interview With A-Trak and Dame Dash on Cam’ron’s ‘U Wasn’t There’
Patrick Johnson 10/14/22 Patrick Johnson 10/14/22

“Never on Schedule, But Always on Time”: An Interview With A-Trak and Dame Dash on Cam’ron’s ‘U Wasn’t There’

‘Federal Reserve’ was planned over eight years ago, so how did A-Trak and Dame Dash revitalize a dream collab for 2022? Patience and a singular understanding of what makes Cam’ron tick.

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“I Was Manic With a Lost Cause”: An Interview With YUNGMORPHEUS and Eyedress
Patrick Johnson 1/28/22 Patrick Johnson 1/28/22

“I Was Manic With a Lost Cause”: An Interview With YUNGMORPHEUS and Eyedress

Eyedress and YUNGMORPHEUS deliver 'Affable with Pointed Teeth,' an album shrouded in the shadows that still manages to enlighten.

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Call It What You Wanna Call It: Tyler Makes A Masterpiece
Patrick Johnson 7/13/21 Patrick Johnson 7/13/21

Call It What You Wanna Call It: Tyler Makes A Masterpiece

Patrick Johnson wonders if Tyler, The Creator and DJ Drama watched 'Life Aquatic' together, dives into the skill of flexing with vulnerability, ranks the best Drama vocal contributions and more.

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“You Can’t Live Life with a Dead Soul”: An Interview with Adrian Younge
Patrick Johnson 4/15/21 Patrick Johnson 4/15/21

“You Can’t Live Life with a Dead Soul”: An Interview with Adrian Younge

The multi-instrumentalist speaks on his powerful new work ‘The American Negro’ and the ongoing fight to find optimism in a nation that often lacks humanity.

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Fly Anakin and Pink Siifu Keep Skits Alive in Trying Times
Patrick Johnson 1/12/21 Patrick Johnson 1/12/21

Fly Anakin and Pink Siifu Keep Skits Alive in Trying Times

The Richmond-born MC and the nomadic rapper/polymath speak about the importance of skits, community, and keeping a sense of humor during the pandemic.

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What Boldy James' Success Can Tell Us About Hip-Hop Listeners in 2020
Patrick Johnson 9/30/20 Patrick Johnson 9/30/20

What Boldy James' Success Can Tell Us About Hip-Hop Listeners in 2020

The veteran emcee proves that patience and authentic storytelling are a driving force behind his longevity. That won’t change anytime soon.

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Fireboy DML Is Afro-Life’s God of Light
Patrick Johnson 9/7/20 Patrick Johnson 9/7/20

Fireboy DML Is Afro-Life’s God of Light

In a summer defined by isolation, the rising Nigerian artist’s ‘APOLLO’ celebrates individuality.

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Black Noi$e Maneuvered Through 'Oblivion' and Brought Some Friends Along for the Ride
Patrick Johnson 8/27/20 Patrick Johnson 8/27/20

Black Noi$e Maneuvered Through 'Oblivion' and Brought Some Friends Along for the Ride

The Detroit producer’s surreal new project approaches the end with optimism.

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Taylor Swift and Kanye West’s Divergent Political Paths Show How Self-Serving Activism Can Be
Patrick Johnson 8/19/20 Patrick Johnson 8/19/20

Taylor Swift and Kanye West’s Divergent Political Paths Show How Self-Serving Activism Can Be

Reassessing the importance of a celebrity’s co-sign or criticism during the most polarizing presidential election in U.S. history.

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Liv.e’s Soulful Existence Was Freestyled From Solitude
Patrick Johnson 8/13/20 Patrick Johnson 8/13/20

Liv.e’s Soulful Existence Was Freestyled From Solitude

On ‘Couldn’t Wait to Tell You…’ the artist tapped into nostalgic love from afar. Now she maneuvers through the present.

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We Don't Need a New Kanye West Album Right Now
Patrick Johnson 7/30/20 Patrick Johnson 7/30/20

We Don't Need a New Kanye West Album Right Now

Kanye’s public mania deserves compassion, but his diagnosis doesn’t absolve him of criticism.

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MIKE Wants to Be Present Without Bearing the Weight of the World
Patrick Johnson 7/22/20 Patrick Johnson 7/22/20

MIKE Wants to Be Present Without Bearing the Weight of the World

The New York rapper talks to collaborator Sideshow about finding clarity through the current haze.

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Freddie Gibbs’ Name Holds Weight
Patrick Johnson 6/19/20 Patrick Johnson 6/19/20

Freddie Gibbs’ Name Holds Weight

It took only a few months to craft ‘Alfredo’ but over a decade for the best rapper in the game to get here.

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Tom Misch and Yussef Dayes Ask ‘What Kinda Music’
Patrick Johnson 5/7/20 Patrick Johnson 5/7/20

Tom Misch and Yussef Dayes Ask ‘What Kinda Music’

The two artists talk about their growth through improvisation and far-reaching inspirations.

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Westside Gunn Is Not a Rapper
Patrick Johnson 4/21/20 Patrick Johnson 4/21/20

Westside Gunn Is Not a Rapper

The Griselda Records leader details how his first passport stamp inspired his new album ‘Pray for Paris.’

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How Issa Rae Built the Best Soundtrack on Television
Patrick Johnson 4/14/20 Patrick Johnson 4/14/20

How Issa Rae Built the Best Soundtrack on Television

The Emmy nominee opens up about the new season of ‘Insecure,’ her record label and more.

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Chicago Artist NNAMDÏ Is a DIY Force to Be Reckoned With
Patrick Johnson 4/6/20 Patrick Johnson 4/6/20

Chicago Artist NNAMDÏ Is a DIY Force to Be Reckoned With

He details his latest album ‘BRAT,’ his inspirations and coping with the current isolation.

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Knxwledge Can’t Stop Working
Patrick Johnson 4/4/20 Patrick Johnson 4/4/20

Knxwledge Can’t Stop Working

The prolific producer has spent his career letting his music speak for itself. Now he opens up.

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