Producer Johnny Jackson aka Johnny J passed away Friday in L.A. County Jail, of an apparent suicide. Born in Juarez, Mexico and raised by adopted parents in South Central, Los Angeles, Johnny J was one of hip hop's first Latino producers. He scored a breakout hit with Candyman's body rockin 'Knockin' Boots' in 1990 and released solo album 'I Gotta Be Me,' in 1995, but he is best known for his work with 2Pac, which includes 'How Do U Want it,' 'All Eyez On Me,' 'All bout U' and 'Picture Me Rollin.' He also produced songs for Nate Dogg, Craig Mack, Bizzy Bone and others. His synthy, hard-hitting production style suited Pac perfectly, and the two recorded over a hundred songs together, the majority of which went unreleased until after Pac's death.
The circumstances surrounding his death are still coming to light. He was in L.A. County Jail due to a recent DUI arrest and the authorites say he took his life by stepping off one of the jail's top tiers. He leaves behind a wife and two children. He was 39.
Reader Comments(1 of 1)
SIR SMOOTHat 10-07-2008
God bless him and his family. He helped put together pacs greatest and most memorable work. May he rest in peace.
thadirtbikerat 10-08-2008
Yo J!
I Will always remember the first time you came into my studio, wide eyed with all the humility of a person destined to learn quickly from all those that came before you. Those that knew you then will also remember how much fun you had in almost any situation and your slightly dark sense of humor. We went through some challenges but in the end we made the first of your many platinum records together, It was one of the most fun projects I ever worked on. Those that were there know what I'm sayin. I was truly shocked to hear the news that your life had ended in such a strange way. From the outside it seemed like you had everything to live for. Though it had been years since I'd seen you a few years back when I ran into you at a spot in studio city you still seemed the same, older and a little more serious, but still the same light of optimism shined in your eyes, and unlike so many others, at that time, the success didn't seem to go to your head. I hope the world gets the truth about what happened with you, its hard for me to believe you felt so hopeless that you wanted to leave this place now. No matter what it was you will be missed and remembered by millions through your gift of music. My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to you and those close to you that have been left behind. R.I.P.
Donovan
Princessniya521at 10-19-2008
r.i.p johnny j i'm sad that it ended that way but you home now