A Date With Pigeon John

He’s back. Not that he was ever really gone, but somewhere between his antics with LA Symphony, numerous tours, and guest appearances on almost every album released this year, Pigeon John found time to record the newest installment in his quest for rap domination “Pigeon John is Dating Your Sister.” PJ, now a married man, still resides in L.A., still busts clever lines over dope beats, and is still the fun-loving action hero we’ve all come to know and love. So what’s changed? More than you know.

“The new album is a tighter, better, version of Clueless,” states Pigeon. “There’s some big name artists on the album and fresher beats. It discusses a lot deeper issues than my last album.”

As strange as it sounds, to an extent, PJ gets serious on his new record dropping August 26th on Basement Records. Guest appearances from Mikah 9 and Abstract Rude add to an already fabulous album. Along with all of this, Pigeon John says that he has taken major strides with his music and grown a tremendous amount in the past few years.

“I am into a lot of different bands now,” says PJ. “I’ve grown a lot as a listener and it’s helped my music to be not so self focused.”

With the album set to drop soon, the first single, “Life Goes On” featuring Abstract Rude is already on its way. The video for the song was recently shot in downtown L.A. over 2 days and will premier soon. Many jaws dropped when they saw the name ‘Abstract Rude’ on the list of featured emcees on PJ’s new album. And according to Pigeon, Abstract did not disappoint.

“Life Goes on is an aggressive, straight ahead song. Abstract came in the studio and knocked down the song in one take. It was great working with him.”

Along with this new album, PJ recently wrapped up quite possibly one of the most successful Christian hip hop tours of our time, ‘Hawthorne’s Most Wanted Tour’ with Redcloud and Malachi Perez. Traveling to cities all over the United States, Pigeon added that it was the best tour he’d been on in awhile. PJ has also been active on the summer festival scene, recently performing at Sonshine Festival and can be seen at Soulfest later this summer.

Over the past few years, Pigeon John’s solo career has taken off. With lots of radio airplay, a very successful first album, and extensive touring, Pigeon John has become a ‘household’ name in the Christian music market and is expanding to the mainstream audience. However, PJ is probably best known for his extended stint with L.A. Symphony. With rumors of several LAS albums in the works and a possible new record deal, the excitement over L.A. Symphony has continued to grow. But according to PJ, the group has recently gone through some new, and very shocking changes.

“L.A. Symphony has actually downsized recently. J Beits, bTwice, and I are no longer a part of L.A. Symphony the group,” says Pigeon. “They’re shopping around their new stuff to different labels. We’re still a part of the L.A. Symphony family, but won’t be playing as active of a roll in the group.”

Though L.A. Symphony has changed their look, Brainwash Projects is still intact. PJ and bTwice are writing their second full-length album right now and it is set to release next spring on Basement Records. Adding to the excitement, the BPs new album will feature a collaboration with their long-time friends LPG.

With all of the hype over PJ’s new album, it is apparent that Pigeon John’s music is set to stay in steady rotation in CD players across the nation. With expanded exposure comes more opportunities, which PJ is ready to take advantage of.

“It feels good. I love being able to meet the people, and see the people. Just hanging out with the fans. I just want people to know that no one’s alone. Not only is God with people, but people are with people. I want my music to encourage them, to be a genuine handshake. I want to sit down and know the people. They need to know that God loves them.”

One of the most genuine and down to earth people on the planet, PJ is sure to receive many hand claps with his new album. There may not be another emcee quite like Pigeon John. But that’s okay, with a loving heart and a genuine message in his music, there’s enough of Pigeon John for everyone to enjoy.

Kiel H.

Posted by sphere at July 21, 2003 08:56 PM