Today, NYC’s pithy wordsmith 4KPHIL. releases his new single “Johnson & Johnson,” solidifying the poet turned rapper’s place as the next left-of-center emcee. Following a near death experience after being the victim of a shooting, 4KPHIL.’s perspective on life was forever changed; he decided that life was too short to not make music that made people feel. “Johnson & Johnson” is an ode to becoming a new father – the rising artist recently welcomed his first child into the world. The self-produced, written and recorded track was made in 4KPHIL.’s home studio off the famous Dyckman street in upper Manhattan. Each verse attests to his authentic storytelling abilities, as his commanding bars float over the atmospheric production. 4KPHIL.’s lyricism is refreshing – with one listen, it’s clear that he doesn’t seek the limelight. Instead, he makes music that paints the soundtrack to his own life, providing listeners with vivid snapshots of life’s wins as well as his experiences navigating its trials and tribulations.
“I’m feeling like HOVA, the blueprint is mapped,” he raps swiftly on the brand new track, as he furthers his message by explaining, “You are the only one who can decide your destiny. You may have a little, but you can turn a little into a lot.”
“I grew up singing in the church, but started rapping when I was 16,” says 4KPHIL. “As the son of two immigrants who moved to the states as teenagers in search of a better life, it was hard for them to see a tangible career path for me when it came to pursuing music. So, I went to school, got a degree and got a corporate job – but I wasn’t happy. I decided it was time to leave that life behind and chase my dreams. When I grow old and gray, I want my son to be able to listen to my music and understand what life looked like when I was 26 years old and what it felt like to become a father for the first time. My son is my biggest inspiration, and I want him to know he can do anything he sets his mind to.”
“Johnson & Johnson” adds to the growing collection of 4KPHIL.’s diverse discography, which includes highly praised single “Young Picasso” which was selected by SoundCloud to be featured in the NBA2K22 Official In-Game-Soundtrack (read about it here in The Source). Fans pour in from all boroughs to attend his captivating live performances at iconic venues including SOB’s, Brooklyn Music Kitchen, The Meadows and more. Be on the lookout for more from the rising act as he continues to craft his story and rise to the top through his unmatched work-ethic, cold, calculated rhymes and vibrant self-production.
