Artist Profile - JDP

Johnathan “JDP” Pratt was born on the South Side of Chicago May 7, 1987. He grew up listening to a wide variety of music drawing influences from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Bob Dylan, LL Cool J, and Jay-Z. An avid do-it-yourselfer, JDP began writing, producing, and recording own his own music in high school, perfecting his sound and learning every aspect of hip hop’s creative processes.

In 2007, while attending Columbia College Chicago, JDP formed Flyy City Media Group L.L.C., a company housing all of his production, management and marketing. With the help of his business partner/manager Jay Torres, JDP began performing throughout the city of Chicago opening up for The Cool Kids, Soulja Boy, Shawnna, Yung Joc., Rich Boy, GLC, and many more.

In 2009, JDP released the mixtape “Air Raid”, sponsored by Los Angeles based clothing company IM King.The project featured Swedish hip hop sensation Adam Tensta, local favorites YP and Big Homie Doe, as well as professional skateboarder turned rapper, Terry “T.K.” Kennedy. The mixtape’s pop infused single “Release” led to JDP’s inclusion in URB Magazine’s annual Next 100 issue alongside Drake, Asher Roth, Theophilus London and Freddie Gibbs. His second single, “Styrofoam Cups,” also garnered a solid of buzz after the video was made its round on a number of popular blogs (HipHopDX and FakeshoreDrive), and the track was featured on the mix shows of Chicago’s #1 Hip Hop station, 107.5 WGCI.

Following “Air Raid”, JDP released 2010’s “High Times” (hosted by former Miss High Times Sara Newton) and 2011’s “Where Anything Goes Vol. 2” mixtapes showcasing both original tracks and industry freestyles. Next up is the electro-pop infused album “Purple”, an ode to the highs and lows of the life of an artist. With the addition of his live band, The Smoking Section, JDP continues to take his brand and music to the next level.