When it’s time for football and stuff, its 99% football and 1% music.
The Titans’ running back recently stopped by the dopehouse to talk football, his new record label, working with Lil Wayne and more.
2DB: How long has your new record label Flashy Lifestyle Ent been in the works?
Chris Johnson: It’s been in the works for some time now. When it first came out, it was actually called Fast Money Entertainment, which I felt like was somewhat close to a lot of [other] names. I have an affiliation with Young Money and I felt like it was too close to Cash Money and Young Money. I felt like the name was too close to that. So I decided to switch it up and we came up with Flashy Lifestyle Entertainment.
2DB: Are there any rappers that you looking forward to collaborating with?
Chris Johnson: To be honest, when I do record I hope to get something with Lil Wayne — and he is a friend of mine. I want something with Rick Ross and Plies; just a different couple of artists, because at the end of the day, I’m really focused on being the co-CEO with my business partner Kenny Turner and letting my artists blow up. I can’t say that my main focus is being a rapper; my main focus is playing football. I just feel like it’s something to do in my spare time to have fun.
2DB: How long have you known co-CEO Kenny Turner, and when did you guys start the label?
Chris Johnson: Actually, we [Kenny Turner] grew up together, that’s my best friend. The label has actually been out close to a year, but at first it was called Fast Money Ent, so I like I said, we switched it over too Flashy Lifestyle Ent.
2DB: And who are some of the artists you have on the label?
Chris Johnson: We have a few solo artists like Pressure Dommer, Lil EZ, Stakkhouse and Ballie. In addition to those four solo artists, we have a group called The Elite Squad. There are three different dudes in the group. They’re sort of like The Rich Kids, that’s the type of group they are, One of our artists, Ballie hasn’t been doing a lot of recording right now because he has a situation he’s taking care of in another city. Once he’s done with his situation, we will start getting more of his music and he’ll be more involved.
2DB: Right, I feel you, totally. Do people around you worry about spending more time on music than football?
Chris Johnson: No, because football is number one. I do the music thing or whatever when I’m not doing anything. Football ultimately comes first and it’s not even close. If I had to break it down from 100%, I would say that when it’s time for football and stuff, it’s 99% football and 1% music. But when I’m in the offseason and don’t have to worry about football, then I can put a lot more work into the music side of things.
2DB: Ok, I like that right there. Last question, one of your good friends Mike Sims-Walker who also plays in the league as a wide receiver, he’s a free agent once the lockout ends, of course. How much are you hoping to see him in a Tennessee Titans uniform next season?
Chris Johnson: That would be great. With the Titans type of offense we run, how they [defenses] like to stack the box, it wouldn’t hurt us to get another great receiver. I feel like he’s a very good player so I would love to have him as an addition to our team.
Big shouts to Justin Melo and the homie Jonathan Hay for conducting the interview.
