Against Da Grain Entertainment/Columbia Recording Artist & Community Activist Fly Ty Has A Master Plan To Top The Charts, Find New Talent And Help End Gun & Gang Violence
As they say “Real Recognizes Real,” and it’s been a while, but we finally caught up with Artist and CEO of Against Da Grain Entertainment, Community Activist Tyshawn “Fly Ty” Johnson, a Real General in the tough game we call life. After being in the business for 37 years and working with the “Who’s Who” on the streets we can honestly say that Fly Ty is not like some of these “Fake Wannabe Cats” out there fronting about their Street Cred on their songs. This man was in the “Devil’s Den” and left with respect. He Earned His Stripes the old fashioned way by helping others who wanted to take their life to next level; standing up tall to protect family & friends against injustices; and keeping his word to help the less fortunate living in poor and disadvantaged communities.
All so often we taste success and forget about those that helped us get to the top, or individuals who are just looking for a little support. In life you can’t forget about the “Little Man” or the “Big Man” upstairs may forget about you. So many successful people fall off because they seem to forget the Rules of Engagement. “To He Whom Much is Given, Much is Required (Luke: 12:47 & 48).” A smart businessperson has to be intelligent enough to never forget the many prayers that were answered that took them over the top if they want future prayers to be answered.
We are once again looking forward to saving a lot of lives with Fly Ty as we did when he was “Up North.” You can believe that when this man puts his mind, spirit and talent to work he will make an impact on the entertainment industry and the community that will be heard worldwide. This brother is on a mission and has the potential to become one of the most Highlighted Success stories ever told coming out of the ‘hood. America is a forgiving nation. We root for the underdog and respect those that get back on the horse after falling off to make something of their life. We will be following Fly Ty’s journey down the Road to Success and this is the first of a series of articles that will keep you informed about his career, personal life and work as an activist in the community. Now let’s get into the interview.
Fly Ty Question & Answer Interview
Q—Where did you grow up and now reside?
A—I grew up in Queens, NY and now I live in Atlanta, GA.
Q—Tell me about your school history?
A—I didn’t have much history; I dropped out in the 9th grade. I actually got my GED and Bachelors while in Prison.
DJ Clue?
Q—How did you get started in the music industry?
A—I always had history in the industry. I was actually the first person to ever record a song from jail over the phone on a major album, DJ Clue “The Professional (Pt. 2),” when he was signed to Rocafella Records.
Q—Tell us about your relationship with the Desert Storm Crew?
A—That’s my family; we all grew up together and Clue, Envy, Webb, Nitty, Chubby Baby and Skane took care of me my whole time in Prison.
DJ Envy
Q—What projects are you working on now that you feel will take this industry by storm?
A—Right now my Single “Smoking Mirrors” with French Montana is going crazy. The video is on MTV and Revolt and my new Single “Mexico” with Jazze Pha and Murrille is doing real good so I’m blessed.
Jazze Pha
French Montana
.
.
.
.
.
.
Q—Let’s talk about the hot videos you have out.
A—Yes I currently have the “Smoking Mirrors” video with me and French Montana out. It’s on MTV Jams right now and everywhere else. I also have the “Usher Raymond” video out with me, Juelz Santana, Lil’ Durk and Cap One and I just shot the video for my new single “Who,” which will be out soon.
Juelz Santana
.
Lil’ Durk
.
.
Q—What’s coming up in the future?
A—My Album “My Life, Your Entertainment” will be out the first week in April on Against Da Grain/Columbia Records.
Q—What does a normal day in the business entail for you?
A—Soon as I wake up I get myself together, go to the gym, then I’m on the phone with my manager and he usually gives me the schedule for the day.
Q—How hard is it to make it in the music business today and what advice would you have for those looking to land that deal?
A—It’s hard but anything worth getting isn’t gonna come easy. My advice would be to set your mind on a goal and don’t let nothing stop you until you achieve it.
Jay Z
Q—What artists and/or executives inspired you to take your dream to the next level?
A—Definitely Jay Z because he comes from the same walk of life as me and if he could do it I know I could as well.
Drake
Nicki Minaj
.
.
.
.
.
.
Q—What artists do you like today?
A—I like Drake, Meek Mill, Fab, Nicki Minaj, especially the way she handles herself in a male-dominated industry, and a few others.
Meek Mill
Fabolous
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Q—Let’s talk about the Clubs you are involved with in Atlanta and Miami?
A—I own the “Room Service” clubs; one in Atlanta and one in Miami, so we’re working bro!
Q—What are your goals in the entertainment industry and in your personal life?
A—My goal is to continue to provide a solid foundation for my family and everyone around me while at the same time being a shining example for those looking to break into the industry.
Q—We know your heart is all about giving back to the community so what plans are in the works?
A—I’m looking to do more charitable work and getting more involved in the community.
Q—Do you have a message for our youth?
A—Yes, don’t never let anyone define you by your worse deed, whatever you put your mind to you could do it.
Hip-Hop Against Gun & Gang Violence logo
Q—So we understand you will be working with the Hip-Hop Summit Youth Council on two very important initiatives; the “Hip-Hop Against Gun & Gang Violence” project and the “End Black on Black Crime Project (EBBCP).” Why are both of these undertakings important to you?
A—Yes, anything that I could do to deter the youth from making the same poor decisions that I made at 16 years old than that’s what I’m going to do so I’m for anything that’s going to rid our communities of the black on black senseless crimes. So I’m all for it.
End Black On Black Crime logo
Q—How can anyone get in touch with you?
A—You could follow me on Instagram and Twitter @IAMFLYTYY. My Instagram and Twitter handles are the same. Thanks for having me.
For more information on the career and/or work we will be doing with Fly Ty hit us up at: RandyKFisher@gmail.com.
Posted by Charles Fisher and Randy Fisher (Twitter / FB / Instagram @HHSYC).
