By: Alison Jobe
The alternative hip hop, poetic rapper, and spoken word artist Frank Lopes Jr. professionally known as Hobo Johnson released his album The Rise of Hobo Johnson on November 7, 2017 with 10 songs called Sex in the City, DeMarcus Cousin and Ashley, Dear Labels, Mario and Link, Father, Romeo and Juliet, Creve Coeur 1, 3%, Jesus Christ, and The Ending. The way he goes about performing his content is very unique because he is more of a poetic rapper with music in the background saying/singing his music in a rhythmic way and he talks about very personal stuff going on in his life.
The song “Dear Labels” explains how he would rather write an analytical thesis for a song then just another average and basic pop song. He talks about how he bleeds tears and sweats everyday of the week from all the hard work that he does just so he can get enough money to pay his rent and to get well enough known, so he can buy his mom a house that he can go visit every weekend. The song Father talks about how his dad has lived with having to live with his mom who he refers to as a monster who is manipulative and fake. She can be nice 1 minute and then just snap at the next. She is also referred to as a wasp after he learns about the birds and the bees and she takes half of everything. The father tries to keep courage and strength throughout the relationship, but the mother keeps bringing him down and eating away at him making him feel weak. The song Romeo and Juliet explains about his relationship life and how he tries to make it last, but all the girls he dates just wants to have sex, get drunk, and not settle down. He also speaks about his parent’s relationship and uses a biblical reference to his mom being made from Adam’s rib, but her marriage went south, so a snake came and convinced her to go to dinner and his dad found out and got loud and knocked things over on the ground. All the relationships in his lives are a train wreck and their falling out of love and it is really tough on him. The song 3% speaks about chasing your dreams and not letting anything get in your way not even your self-esteem, friends, and family. People are telling him he has got a 3% chance to make it to fulfill his dream, but he thinks he can make it because it is what he truly wants. He knows he is talented and has prayed that 1 day he would get to sing to a crowd and their jaws will drop because they believe he is so good. Everyone who says he has got a 3% chance to make it he responds to that saying you have only a 3% chance of being happy doing the job you hate even though you make more money then me I am at least happy and chasing my dreams. The song The Ending explains about him wanting to make a difference and hoping for best, but preparing for the worst. He talks about how he has worked so hard to be in the music business, but he does not really want to be apart of it anymore because everyone writes the same and expects him to do so too and he wants to be different and unique with his own style which I personally love.
Overall Hobo Johnson’s album is very moving and inspiring to me and can show everyone a new way to express their feelings.
