Here at NOGO STREET BEAT, we try to stay on our grind by bringing you the best from the Midwest. That includes Lake County, IL finest and the surrounding locals of Milwaukee and the Chi-town.
One of the Lake County, IL finest is a man by the name of Andre "Blocklife" Johnson aka Mr. Blocklife. This guy is a producer, entrepeneur and soon to be added to that list will hopefully be bestselling author.
I had six questions for the man known as Mr. Blocklife,
and he was more than willing to let our readers into his life.
NOGO STREET BEAT: B.M.G., for my reader's who don't know, what does it stand for and who are you?
Mr. Blocklife: B.M.G stands for Blocklife Music Group which its made up of individual artists like Quarter Key, SQ, D.Ladd, Yung Staff, and myself Blocklife. (founder/ceo of Blocklife™)
NSB: Aside from being a mixtape producer, and business owner, you have moved on the realm of Urban Literature. Tell our readers about your Urban Thriller, Big Jake. What can we expect from you as an author?
Mr. Blocklife: Yes I've ventured into many different things, but I've always been a pretty good writer, even in school on compositions and essays, I did great. My inspiration for wanting to write an urban thriller came from my long time homeboy Marcus Hasty (Joe Awsum) when he let me read the rough draft of Beastmode: Welcome to the Jungle. I was blown away and wanted to write. My first title is Big Jake-KeysToTheCity and its grimy! Expect an action packed page turner! The ball just keeps rolling!
NSB: You are a father now, but at the age of 16, you got into some trouble and landed in prison. Most people would have given up on themselves. How did you manage to turn it around?
Mr. Blocklife: I am a father of one (lil Block) but im not married. Prison taught me alot about myself. I basically grew from a boy to a man behind bars. I went in 3 weeks after turning 17 and didn't see daylight again til Iwas 21. I educated myself with the tools necessary to be a productive citizen and never looked back! I went in without a high school diploma and came home with an Associated in Liberal Studies along with many more licenses and certifications. I always been pretty well rounded so it wasnt difficult to adjust when I got out. Plus I'm stubborn and sometimes refuse to lose.
NSB: Right now, your mixtape AND I DON'T EVEN RAP is selling like crazy. How long does it usually take you to put together and produce a mixtape?
Mr. Blocklife: Putting together a mix tape is like putting on my shoes before I leave the house everyday, it's natural. I've recorded enough material in two days to put together a mix cd but I may not wanna use all those songs so I guess it depends on where im going with it...the marketing and advertising is what consumes time.NSB: In this recession, being an entrepenuer is hard. How do you keep your work and priorites in the proper perspective?
Mr. Blocklife: The recession has definitely put me in a different position. People really dont have the money to just spend right now so you have to be understanding and be able to work with your consumers budgets. If you do your people right they won't forget. Thats important when youre trying to become a household name.
NSB: Finally, how far do you want BMG to go? You've got BlockLife Music, BlockLife Grillz, etc? Where do you want it to take you?
Mr.Blocklife: My Blocklife movement includes Blocklife Tees, Blocklife Sunglasses, Blocklife Grillz and Custom Jewelry, Blocklife Books, Blocklife Films, and Blocklife Music Group . . . I have great expectations for my enterprise! One of these roads are going to lead to the cash! I don't know which road but from the progress I've made since 04 when I started, I'm confident that im on the right path! Plus I love what I do. I motivate and inspire the hood! Wouldn't trade it for nothing!
NSB: There are many paths to success in this life. But, it looks like Blocklife may have the formula to make it there own path. Check out BMG Reverbnation Page and fan them now!
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