“I’ve Been Very Inconsistent”: Big Star Johnson Gets Honest About His Music Career
“I’ve Been Very Inconsistent”: Big Star Johnson Gets Honest About His Music Career. South African hip-hop artist Big Star Johnson has shared candid insights into the challenges of reality TV success, the pressures of the music industry, and his own artistic journey, offering fans a raw look at the truths behind his career.
In a revealing discussion, Johnson addressed the common narrative surrounding competition winners in music shows. “Every competition winner doesn’t do as well as some of the other contestants who come out in the game,” he explained.
He pointed to what many call the competition curse, noting how audiences tend to root for those who did not take the top spot. “So, like the competition curse, we’ve all heard about that. I don’t know what it is. I think people love to favour the underdog. There must be the underdog theory.”
Johnson did not shy away from self-reflection, acknowledging periods of uneven output in his discography. “Another uncomfortable truth is that I’ve been very inconsistent with my music releases over the years. I can’t tell you why. I think there’s just a whole lot of life in between the music.” He added that some observers believe he has fallen short of expectations. “And some would say I never met my full potential. That’s the truth. So, let’s keep discussing these truths, right?”
The artist also touched on his experience during The Hustle Season 5, where the show portrayed him in a particular light. “The other side of the truth is that the Hustle Season 5 tried to paint me as this musical genius, right?” Johnson described growing tensions with his label, particularly around authenticity in marketing. “Where I feel like my internal conflict began with the label was when they told me that you can’t sell the truth.”
He recalled the difficulty of stepping into a larger-than-life role on television while still building his foundation as an artist. “And I came up with a TV show where I had to be the hardest MC, whereas there were a lot of fundamental things I hadn’t done. And it was very difficult to tell that story at that point in my career. That’s just the truth, too.”
Despite the challenges and internal conflicts, Johnson’s passion for the genre remains unwavering. “I think I love hip-hop. I love hip-hop with all my heart.”
The remarks have sparked conversations among fans about the realities of post-competition careers, the balance between commercial expectations and artistic integrity, and the enduring spirit that keeps artists like Big Star Johnson connected to their craft. As he continues to navigate his path, his willingness to discuss these truths offers a refreshing perspective in an industry often focused on highlights rather than hurdles.
