October 3, 2008 – We lost one of the most influential producers in establishing the West Coast hip-hop movement. Johnny J got his first big break in the hip-hop game when the song he produced for a high school friend landed at the number 9 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 The cut was Knockin’ Da Boots by Candyman and it drove the platinum success of the album “Ain’t No Shame In My Game.” Three short years later, after being introduced to Tupac Shakur by Pac’s crew member Big Syke, the two recorded “Pour Out a Little Liquor” for the Above the Rim movie soundtrack and “Death Around the Corner” for Tupac’s Me Against the World album. Johnny went on to produce over 100 songs with Tupac, many of which form the basis of much of Pac’s posthumous work. The most known collaborations between the duo are “How Do You Want It” “All About You” from All Eyez on Me. Johnny died of a speculated suicide while serving time for DWI on October 3, 2008.