Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Johnson.
Hi Ashley J, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
At the age of six, I gave the ultimate compliment to hip hop when I started rapping. In the culture I grew up in, my family was heavily involved in the 90s era. During that time, the music significantly influenced me, how it sounded, how it made me feel, and the perspective I developed. My family life and music were hand in hand. Music was a part of every aspect of my life which led me to be the first place winner in The Black Expo at the age of 12 for rapping. That win opened doors to opportunities that I’m still cultivating today. Even when I became a motivational college coach for the Board of Education, I would motivate the students with the same energy I used when I was 12 and competed against many talented acts. I had a gut feeling that I could utilize my gifts to the world by doing what I love to do, and that’s to entertain through my positive lyrics and speeches. This type of drive has led me to become the CEO of my own entertainment company, allowing me to be the show and the business. You’ll understand exactly what I mean if you know anything about James Brown.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
“Nothing good in this life comes easy.” Dealing with business fraud/ fraudulent personalities/ money schemes/ manipulations of emotions/ broken promises, etc. During my navigation of this business, I had to strongly deny some of the tropes that have been placed on women. In this industry, being overly sexualized and dealing with backdoor tradeoffs is a common dominator we have to face.
I remember being trapped in a record deal scam, manipulated into becoming the “First Lady of MMG,” which is Rick Ross’s label. At that moment, I knew I was taking a risk, but when you want to accomplish your dreams and goals, you will do just about anything as bad as you want to breathe. Long story short, the frauds that pretended to be Rick Ross’s label that scouted me out from my Instagram page; did not succeed with a seasoned artist like myself. Not only that, but when God is working in your favor, you must understand that every experience is part of his divine plan. So I don’t ask God why he’s allowing inevitable roadblocks along my path, but instead, my vibrations spiritually speak to him, asking what he wants me to learn and do in the process of hindrances. Being that experience is the best teacher, I believe my trials and tribulations have made me an inspiration, and because of that, I will “Never let fear stand in the way of my passion.”
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Lyricist / radio personality / podcaster / motivational speaker- all four platforms are under Ashley J Entertainment. My company was established in 2019, and the foundation is still a growing progress. You must be willing to trust the process and believe that what’s meant for you is for you. I am proud of my motivational speaking background because it has helped others discover who they truly are. I have polished my raw talents and can deliver very well through my presence. Over time, the skills I have mastered make me different by the uniqueness of how my knowledge and character are perceived. Through my growth, I’ve found myself to be a realist that is unapologetically me.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Authenticity – because you have to stay true to yourself and tell your OWN story. I don’t feel like any soul on this earth is like me; I have a magnetic vibe in which people are drawn to my personality and my success. When you know who you are, then you know who you are not. I’m so in tune with who I am, but more importantly, the phenomenal woman I’m becoming- only my actions will speak louder than any words I can say in this interview. If I had to describe myself, I’d say I’m a country girl from Kentucky who likes to rap and ride horses. I’m organic, and I’m pretty amazing if you ask me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://g.co/kgs/uvZvkY
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TheRealAshleyJ
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshleyJ502
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/_TheRealAshleyJ
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/TheRealAshleyJ
- Other: https://music.apple.com/us/album/charge-it-to-the-game/1518056064
