John The Author

John the Author is an alumnus of the famed Donda’s House, the organization providing resources to Chicago’s youth founded by Che “Rhymefest” Smith and Kanye West. Named for Kanye West’s mother, it cultivates and nurtures the talents within young participants. John has decided to be a voice for Black people, and is providing a social media platform for change through @BLACKECONOMICS101. He is using is music to raise awareness in the community and affect change. Take a listen to his most recent single “Black Queen”. - Eddy Precise Lamar

Produced by S1, Epikh Pro, Damon Ranger & Xzibit

In the wake of getting robbed at gunpoint for his wallet, Rhymefest links up with John the Author for a banger. to voice some grievances he had with police service he received at the station. Oh, and he enlisted an impressive lineup of producers for this one, including S1 and Xzibit (yup). Check out Fest’s words for CPD, and the guy that stuck him up, after the jump. - Phlash Gordon

It can be easy to dismiss the youth for many reasons. If we continue to do this it will be to our detriment. The youth hold the keys to creating and sustaining a new perspective that will add value to the world. This is a generation of great minds and it is important to share their insight and viewpoint. John The Author is a rapper from Chicago and also an alum of Donda’s House. His music is intelligent and introspective. We spoke with John about what he does and what influences him.

Tell us who you are.

My name is John The Author and I am a rap artist.

What is it about what you do that makes you unique?

For me it’s about being sincere in what you stand for.

How did you get started in your profession?

I’ve been rapping since elementary school and recording since high school, now that I’m 25 I finally feel like a pro. I really know that I have what it takes to succeed and thats what I’m doing, succeeding.

What would you say is the most challenging aspect of what you do?

Staying consistent is the most challenging aspect.

John The Author - Photo Courtesy of John The Author
Photo courtesy of John The Author
Who are the biggest personal and professional influences in your life?

Everything is an influence in my life. I’m honest with myself enough not to just limit the knowledge that I obtain to those who I look up to and admire. I respect everyone enough to know that even a baby can teach me something new

Tell us about the last book you read. Why did you choose it?

Powernomics by Dr Claude Anderson. I got it because black people need an economic revolution to once and for all financially empower themselves this book is it.

What encouraging words do you have for our readers?

Stand for something more than money.

Learn for about JohnTheAuthor at his website: www.JohnTheAuthor.com - Eddy "Precise" Lamarre

Chicago rapper Common brought the community together to kick off his two-day “AAHH Fest” on Saturday at Union Park. Those in attendance were treated to performances from the city’s young artists including John The Author, Huey Gang, DJ Mike P, The Pack Drumline, Retro Gibson, the J. Money Dancers and more. On top of that, the crowd got a surprise performance from our hometown hero, Chance The Rapper. He was followed by a set from his baby brother Taylor Bennett and songstress Tink. - Cyan Taylor

The 2nd annual Teen in the Park Festival, also known as T.I.P. Fest, held in Chicago was an amazing success. T.I.P. Fest is the largest platform for Chicago’s young artists to share their work and network with other likeminded teens across the city. T.I.P. Fest represents a safe space for teens to gather and also introduce them to different services, programs and resources.

This year, the not-for-profit group Donda’s House, named for Kanye’s West’s mother, partnered with T.I.P. fest to co-produce the festival. Youth between the ages of 14-24 were encouraged to attend this free festival. The backdrop of the lake and the city skyline were fitting on a beautiful Chicago day as the teens danced, jumped double dutch, played basketball or watched the artists perform their sets.

All of the artists who were on the bill are homegrown talent. The bill consisted of Kweku Collins, The Boy Illinois, Jamila Woods, Sir The Baptist and a surprise performance from Katie Got Bandz. As expected from a group of teens, the energy was through the roof and to see them in such a celebratory mood felt great. We asked one of the festivalgoers by the name of Nasir what he liked about the festival and who his favorite act was.”It was a very fun experience and my favorite artist to see was Katie Got Bandz,” he said.

Sir The Baptist had one of the most energetic sets of the day. The combination of gospel and turn up music goes over well with youth, and based on some of the language used, it would be safe to say that this is not your mother’s gospel. Sir the Baptist closed out the festivities with a non stop multicultural performance consisting of trampolines, tubas, drums and confetti. The most encouraging thing about his performance is his sense of history. He spoke of moving back to Mississippi to reverse the migration and learn more about where he came from. - Eddy "Precise" Lamarre

In the past 48 hours or thereabouts, Chicago rapper Che “Rhymefest” Smith tried to report a mugging, was treated “disgustingly” by police, issued an apology by the Chicago police department for said treatment, issued a promise by an outraged Mayor Emanuel in response to the cavalier treatment the singer received from CPD, and set the entire incident to music, in a newly released track featuring John the Author (and produced by S1, Epikh Pro, Damon Ranger and Xzibit), titled “#copsnrobbers.”

In the song, he rhymes: - Miriam Di Nunzio

AAHH! Fest took place this past weekend in Chicago and featured local and national recording artists. The event was put on by Common with his Common Ground Foundation and Donda’s House, which is Rhymefest and Kanye West’s organization. The first day included scheduled artists such as Taylor Bennett, Tink, The Boy Illinois, Matt Muse, John the Author, John Renaissance and Ace Da Vinci. The surprise guests were Vic Mensa and Chance the Rapper. Chance the Rapper performed and gave a shout-out to his brother before heading to his concert at US Cellular Field. - Melanie L. Brown