Willie Isz-Georgiavania
Lex Records
Rating: 4
Words by:Christian Cipollini

Willie Isz isn’t what or who you think it is.

It’s a partnership between rapper Khujo (Goodie Mobb) and producer/singer Jneiro Jarel. Georgiavania is a not-so-imaginary place where this duo wants to take hip-hop. As they see it, Georgiavania would be the 51st state, one filled with eclectic, yet symbiotic musical elements living in complete harmony across a broad soundscape. Part crunk, a little psychedelic, part cosmic pop, and one-hundred-percent progressive, the concept works well. Even the dedicated indie/underground connoisseur may be hard pressed to fully compare this to any one other release. But take note – these guys aren’t pretentious in their effort. Sure it has banger jams and a little bravado, but overall it simply seems as though Willie Isz created something hip-hop needed, or was destined to eventually evolve into. It forgoes dope-slinging braggadocio or gun dueling battle scar comparisons. (No hate to those segments of society but just a little calling out some of the ridiculous elements often found in rap.) On Georgiavania, the title track and “Blast Off” and are prime examples of unforgettable catchiness, while “The Grussle” twists an Irish jig into the mix for the most unique and oddly compatible exercise of outside-the-box creativity found in hip-hop… period. Best of all, their collaboration brings about a unified focus into sounds and styles that are equally entertaining as they are unusual by commercial standards.

Hello my name is…

John Robinson.

I was raised in…
Both the Bronx, NY and Far Rockaway Queens. I later moved to NJ my senior year in high school.

The reason that you’re reading about me is…
I am a prolific hip-hop emcee/writer who has been actively present in the independent music world for over a decade now. I am also the President of a reputable hip-hop label called Shaman Work Recordings. (www.shamanwork.com)

Right now I’m working on…
Traveling the planet in ‘focused campaign’ mode sharing my word gifts and promoting my current two releases: John Robinson – Who is this Man? (Highwater) prod. By MF DOOM and John Robinson – I Am Not For Sale (Fat City) prod. By Flying Lotus, Jneiro Jarel and more.

But I’d rather be…
Doing exactly what I am doing! I love my work and would trade it for nothing!

My most prized possessions are…
My mind and my family.

But I’d give it all away for…
Nothing in this world that I can think of!

The first thing I do in the morning is…
Give thanks for another day of life and health! And then check my e-mail before officially starting my day.

The last thing I do at night is…
Sign off the computer and retire from another long day of industry business and politics. And give thanks for another prosperous and productive day.

My momma always said…
Stay in complete contact with your great-grand and grand parents because they have a lot they can give to you and you never know when they will be gone and it will be too late.

I love it when people…
Are pleasant amongst each other and moving toward love, peace, unity and happiness. I am pro-community!

I hate it when people…
Are separated in thought, values and outlook. This type of vibe has negative effects on the world.

If you ever see me walking down the street…

Just smile and say what’s up? It’s really that cool.

My most notable run-in with the law…
Is when moved to NJ I was walking from a neighborhood store w/ a couple of class mates one early Saturday evening and all of a sudden we were tackled to the ground by police who simply stated we looked suspicious and they thought we were up to something. This was definitely not a good feeling but we were so young we never followed up with any legal actions, we were just happy to be released safely.

If I had to say sorry it would be because…
I am not close to my father’s side of the family and once he passed I never took the initiative to connect with his side more. It’s definitely not too late!

I get real aggro when…
Hip-hop culture is misrepresented in media outlets whether it be radio, TV, magazines, internet etc. It hurts when you know so much about the true essence and foundation of your way of life and it constantly is being misrepresented on such a major scale!

The last time I swore I’d never drink was after a night of…
Celebrating and drinking way too much red wine and woke up with the biggest headache EVER! Awww man my head hurts just thinking about that!

Future projects and plans…
I definitely plan to get deep into the information marketing side of the music industry. I also plan to continue to release some powerful and insightful music to people worldwide. Last, but far from least, I plan to write a book. Stay tuned!

And before I leave I’d like to give a shout out too…
The entire Robinson family, Scienz of Life, I.D. 4 Windz, Shaman Work Recordings, High Water Music, Fat City Recordings, Beatvizion Crew, Vapors mag and everyone else who continues to show love and support to the John Robinson movement. I give thanks!