We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful LaMar “Smoktagous77” Johnson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with LaMar “Smoktagous7” Johnson below.
Hi LaMar “Smoktagous77” Johnson, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
Hello!! My optimism came from a period in my life between the years of 2008 – 2012. Those were the hardest years I have ever faced as a husband, father & provider. However, through it all, I continued to trust in God and remained optimistic. I had to trust in my belief and know that all things would work out for the good. Even amid oppression and darkness, the SUN will shine and all will be fine. I also had to remember the lyrics to a great song by Sounds of Blackness – ” As long as you keep your head to the sky, you can win. Be Optimistic”…
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Sure! I am a professional musician of over 30 years from Detroit, MI currently residing in metro Atlanta, GA. Throughout my career, I have worked with both local and major artists ranging from The Floaters to Arrested Development. I have traveled the world many times playing drums on 6 of 7 continents – my top 3 places to visit/perform are Australia, New Zealand & Dubai.
I have played drums on numerous recordings from different music genres throughout my career.
In 2018 I went back to school and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Audio Production from Full Sail University. Since that time I have been focused on building my artist brand, Smoktagous77 & my production company, Tis I…Entertainment LLC.
In 2009, I started a drum school called Smok’s Woodshed Drum School. I have been blessed to teach a multitude of students, ages 6 and up, the art and passion of drumming. This continues to be my way of giving back to my community, sharing my knowledge of an instrument that has paved the way for me.
My superpower is creating music. I understand the power of music. I understand that music is the Universal language that speaks through frequencies when there are no lyrics. The lyrics are words attached to the frequencies that cause all sorts of good or bad emotions – which is why I choose to create music and lyrics that are good for the human soul.
The best songs are birthed from the heart. Whatever emotion the writer is feeling is then transferred to his or her music and released to the world. That being said, I am almost in the final stages of completing my masterpiece. An album that is my life story. An album that will inspire, heal, & motivate. I do not have an official release date because it keeps changing LOL, but please know that it is coming, so be on the lookout!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
- Failure – never be afraid to fail. The more you lose the harder you will work to win.
- Focus – TRUST ME!!! You will be thrown all kinds of distractions from EVERYONE that will throw you off focus. But hear me (or read this ) If You Lose Your Focus, Take The Needed Time to Recharge Then Return To Your Captain Seat AND HIT THE THROTTLE!!!!
- Believe/Affirm – Write down your “I Am…”,
Whatever you want to achieve – “I Am…
Whatever you desire – “I Am…”,
Whatever the goal – “I Am..”,
Health, Healing, Trauma, etc – “I Am…”
Whatever good you are seeking, write it down and read it daily.
Through it all remain optimistic. Each level gets harder. But if you fail, get back up and focus on the goal, believe in that goal, and achieve that goal.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
ABSOLUTELY! Teamwork makes the dream work my baby. I am always looking to collaborate and work with Like-Minded individuals. If you are interested and experienced in team building, branding, songwriting, production, mixing, mastering, booking, & managing please contact me on IG @smoktagous77
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/smoktagous77
Image Credits
Tis I…Entertainment LLC Melissa Holley
