Wichita, Kansas may not be known as a national hotbed for hip-hop music—and Caucasian rap, at that—but if John Keenan has his say, that’s about to change. The self-styled composer and musician released the album “Where I Went Wrong” (WIWW) on Full Circle Entertainment in 2012, a masterful 19-track opus that meshes its R&B foundation with a remarkably unexpected array of aural pedigrees.

There’s also a strong message within the music—a far cry from the typical bravado, T&A and cash-infused opulence that pervades so much of the hip-hop genre. In fact, “WIWW” is a testament to humility, healing and the long road to recovery, following Keenan’s personal battle after years of addiction to drugs and alcohol. Consider this an austere antidote to hip-hop’s proverbial bombast.

But in total, the project offers the declaration of a young man’s journey—along a jagged pathway etched in tough life lessons and hard knocks. “My music gives me something to focus on, to channel frustration, to convert heartbreak or pain into something positive,” Keenan says. But there’s also universality to “WIWW”: “I’m not looking to make a load of money from this; I’d like to offer others the inspiration to make different choices than I did. If someone is struggling and wants help, maybe they can gain some small thing from my experience. I’m no expert, but I’ve learned a lot and want to share it the best way I know.”

For information:
JohnKeenanonline.com
twitter @jkeenanonline
facebook.com/johnkeenanonline
youtube.com/johnkeenanonline