Dan Johns is the Shogun. The South Carolina native is the definitive oxymoron: a Southern Emcee. Dan seamlessly navigates the divide between country grammar and true-school lyrical construction. Simply stated, the soul may be bible-belt, but the content is all boom-bap. His extensive and almost exhaustive catalog is a testament to his love of the mic.
Opus 20 is a musical reflection of Dan Johns’ creative DNA—a seamless fusion of modern techniques and technology, classic boom-bap foundations, sharp lyricism, and the timeless weight of classical instrumentation.
In his earliest days as an emcee and producer, limited resources shaped limitless creativity. Without access to a dependable turntable, Dan turned to bargain-bin CDs from record stores and thrift shops, often landing on classical records that fit both his budget and his curiosity. Those constraints helped carve out a sound that stood apart from his peers—cinematic, textured, and intentional. Over time, Dan Danger refined that approach, striking a balance between polish and grit while staying rooted in the essence of hip hop.
On Opus 20, Dan Johns steps fully into his role as both sole producer and primary emcee, presenting a cohesive body of work that traces his evolution from his early experiments to his present-day mastery. Contributions from Finale, Sound Dope, Akshun, DJ Mark Ellavenson, Will Pz, Al Montgomery, and Antonia Marquee serve as touchstones along that journey, highlighting different eras, collaborations, and creative growth.
As a nod to his formative years—writing and recording over whatever instrumentals were available—Opus 20 includes instrumental versions of every track as part of the official release. Consider it both an invitation and a challenge: study the craft, respect the art, and give credit where it’s due. (No biting allowed.)
If Opus 20 resonates with you, Dan Johns asks just one thing: share it with others who might connect with it, and support the journey by liking, subscribing, and following wherever the music lives.
