For close to five years now, I have watched Johnny Bergenstein hustle hard while showing a constant passion for the hip-hop game. As it turns out, the game is passionate about him too. On Monday, March 18, Bad Boy Records offered Chardon’s own Johnny B an impressive signing offer, which includes sponsoring his upcoming mix tape Here’s Johnny!
Worming his way into the spotlight was no easy accomplishment. Senior Patty Leistiko told me that she saw potential in Johnny but never could have foreseen what happened. It was, with the help of Cleveland rapper Machine Gun Kelly, that Johnny B was able to catch a bit of attention. Johnny went into detail with me about sending countless emails to both MGK and his manager in hopes to get the opportunity to pass a few tracks on to those who have already figured out the business. Two months and countless emails later, Johnny got a personal email from the man himself, Machine Gun Kelly. In the words of Johnny B, “I almost started yelling because I thought it was a friend of mine playing a prank.” I can understand that it must be incredibly hard to believe when your hero offers you the chance of a life time.
For those of you who do not know, Bad Boy Records was founded in 1993 by hip-hop and business legend Sean “Diddy” Combs. Names such as The Notorious B.I.G. made their start with Bad Boy and Johnny hopes to add his name next to Biggie’s. Senior Alex Muir showed his excitement, “Yo, Johnny B is about to drop some fat beats and end up worldwide like Biggie!”
It is difficult to understand the true value of this deal until you hear the specifics. ChardonHigh School senior Johnny B, after accepting the offer and finishing paperwork, will receive $125,000 along with roughly 14% of the total profits made based off of his music and involvement.
The pieces are falling into place for Mr. Bergenstein as just a seventeen year old student from a small town in Ohio. Seeing Johnny breakdown the barriers that were put before him is a true inspiration. Never forget to follow dreams and be persistent because you never know who may email you back.