P Jones: A journey in the hip hop music industry
Signed under NJ Holdings, the hip hop recording artist says music has made him a better man and a groomed business-minded gentleman.
We all want a big break in whatever it is that we channel our focus and hard work into. But life in the music industry can be rather brutal for some artists since it is a cram-full territory and this often hinders once’s chance of being noticed.
We sat down with promising musician Phillip “P Jones” Mohlabeng who hails from Soshanguve.
Signed under NJ Holdings, the hip hop recording artist says music has made him a better man and a groomed business-minded gentleman.
The record label was formed in August and is a co-owned business, Mohlabeng is one of these people. They’ve hit the ground running having shot a music video featuring Saudi and Priddy Ugly.
Mohlabeng grew up listening to almost every artist because he believed that this helped him sharpen his writing skills, understanding of what message to convey in his music and getting a sample of what kinda sound listeners jam to.
He mostly listened to hip hop legends like Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G and was also confident in that God played a role in getting him off the streets to where he is today. The ex-gang and drug user continuously reiterated that music was an escape for him and that had it not been for hip hop, his life would have possibly turned out differently.
“I was part of the gangs growing up, committing a crime and doing drugs. But there comes a time when you decide to change your life around – and I’ve never looked back ever since.
“Bad company influenced me to start using drugs – that is all I knew. It felt good and right at the time but substance abuse will ruin your life completely.
“There are hideous things I had to do to feed my addiction – and today I look back over my shoulder at the horrible deeds I had committed, I am certainly not proud of my past.
“Some of my friends I used to chill with got arrested and others died. However, God gave me a second chance and I am proud I took it,” he said.
Mohlabeng attended at Ayanda Primary School, moved to Thutong Secondary School and later Seageng Secondary School. At the tertiary level, he managed to obtain a certification in Business Management.
His latest single titled ‘Ringo’ is named after the fabled Ringo Madlingozi. Mohlabeng aims to have this single aired on Channel O, MTV Base and other music channels; including prominent local radio stations.
“I’m currently concentrating on promoting this single and will drop an EP next year around May. The objective is to also build a large fanbase in Gauteng before releasing an album.
“So far, marketing our music hasn’t been stressful because I have connections in the music industry. I know what buttons to push and who to call. The only problem is finance, and I believe getting financial backing or sponsorship would go a long way in solidifying our vision,” he said.
To make a difference in Phillip Mohlabeng’s career please contact him on 067 172 7796. He requests for sponsorship, be it; transport, clothes, food or just financial support.
