Effort pales in comparison to genuine passion.

My name is Jonny, and I am currently a sophomore at BU’s Business School, as well as an amateur rap songwriter.

I initially got into rap simply because I enjoyed listening to it. The more I listened, the more I understood the differences between various music genres and found it increasingly interesting. Fortunately, I had some basic music theory knowledge, so I started to try making simple beats and filling them with lyrics, creating my own little songs. Although my skills were average, I felt a sense of achievement with every small step forward.

I believe the most charming aspect of rap music is its ability to directly express one’s attitude and emotions. It can tell a touching story or vent feelings of dissatisfaction and anger. So, when I felt particularly oppressed during the pandemic lockdown, I wrote my first very emotional song called “Falling”; after finishing the IB exams, I wanted to criticize the education system, so I wrote a song called “Don’t Touch IB” and posted it online. It went viral overnight, with millions of views and shares; more often, I use songs to document the moments of my life, my emotions, and experiences.

Since the 10th grade, I have become increasingly obsessed with rap music creation and realized my shortcomings in the field. For example, I can compose music, but I lack knowledge in mixing to create a sense of space between instruments. I can write and sing, but I have no idea how to use mastering to balance the loudness of the final Master output. I look for tutorials on YouTube to teach myself and explore the path of music with my limited resources. Apart from my school’s required courses, I spend almost all my free time on music production.

Many people have asked me the same question: If you love music so much, why didn’t you choose a music major in college? I think that many excellent music producers I know are not from music majors. I want to maintain a pure love and reverence for music while also becoming a person with more possibilities, someone who has a profession besides music. Looking back now, I see that my choice was correct. While completing my business school studies, I can often ride my scooter to the Berklee College of Music to make music with my friends.

So far, I have released dozens of songs and an album, and I am currently working on several new songs. Each time I create a new song, I feel it represents my best level to date and that my previous songs were not good enough and too naive. Haha, perhaps this also indicates that I have been making progress. I have been exploring and trying various styles of rap, sometimes wanting to create something very “explosive,” and sometimes trying something very “melodic.” I enjoy this process very much; it’s truly “playing with music.” When I create a high-quality song with substance, I am very excited. For example, my most satisfying work to date, “Down-to-Earth,” is the song that best aligns with my listening experience and personal values.

On this path of music, I have been very smooth sailing. I consider myself happy and lucky. I have a family that has always supported me, and I am especially grateful for my friends who have always been my most loyal fans, cheering for me, and supporting and encouraging me from the beginning until now. Normally, I am a person who cares about others’ feelings, but in the world of music, I am very determined. I don’t care about others’ doubts, don’t demand others’ likes and recognition, and only follow my inner expression. I make music simply because I love it!

If there is any unexpected gain from “rap music creation,” I think it is that it has made me more confident. For example, after my song “Don’t Touch IB” became a hit, many people encountered me offline and were very enthusiastic and friendly towards me, filling me with confidence; when I meet a fitness expert in the gym, even if I stand next to him, I will still maintain my confidence because I know I am strong in rap; when I encounter a top student with good grades, I won’t feel inferior, I know I am strong in rap… I don’t need others’ recognition. I know I have strong talents and hobbies, which is enough to keep me confident.

In the future, I hope to successfully complete my business school studies while accompanying my music throughout my life, starting one new beginning after another in my life, and enjoying every day of life.

I also want to say that I believe choice is greater than effort. When the choice is correct, your efforts become more meaningful. If you ask me how to choose, I will tell you: choose your passion because in the face of passion, effort and persistence are insignificant: everything will come naturally and be enjoyable!

- Johnny

Boston, USA

Jerry Zhao｜Content curator

Jerry Zhao｜Editor

戴盈盈｜Translator