Johnny Venus – THE 11TH HOUR (Album Review)

Johnny Venus absolutely shines in “THE 11TH HOUR.”

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TOP 5

5. CAN YOU PRAY FOR ME

I think the special moments on this album come when Johnny Venus taps into his crooner side. However, one of his brightest moments as a rapper comes on the outro, “CAN YOU PRAY FOR ME.” On the track, he brings out his most aggressive delivery to speak to his lows, his need for community, his reliance on the Lord to pull him out of a dark place, and his ways of shaking off a funk. Backing him up are beautiful background vocals and production that feels almost therapeutic. It’s almost like the track brings everything back down to earth.

4. I WANT YOU BACK

You know how some people’s apologies just feel phony? I can tell you right now, the apology we get from Johnny Venus on “I WANT YOU BACK” sounds real af. His vocals throughout the track sound defeated and hurt. Hell, I wouldn’t be surprised if he recorded it while gripping the thighs of the chick he hurt, Usher-in-the-“Confessions”-video style.

3. PORSCHE 911

When were y’all gonna tell me Johnny Venus had the voice of an angel? On “PORSCHE 911,” he goes into full-blown crooner mode as he pays homage to a chick with a pretty brown round whose nurturing actually changed him as a man. The chorus is unbelievably catchy, the passion feels real, and Johnny’s vocal range surprised me. I also really like how the production isn’t completely soft; it features tons of bass and strategically places Uncle Luke’s “pop that, don’t stop” sample.

2. ON & ON & ON

Johnny empties the clip to open this project. On “ON & ON & ON,” you get some of his most charming, emotional vocals, along with a moment where he hits us with more assertive bars. He explores the search for love, trust, and meaning through partying and digital distractions, all while drifting through a world consumed by war, environmental destruction, and uncertainty. Everything from the catchy chorus to the elegant production makes this track absolutely wonderful.

1. SO BEAUTIFUL (Ft. 6LACK)

There are so many interesting things about this track. First and foremost, I genuinely wonder how the hell Sia ended up on this s**t. No, I’m not surprised that she collaborated with Tobe Nwigwe; I’m surprised that she appears on the song where he and Fat Nwigwe talk about gang ties and being real ninjas. It is also fascinating to hear Tobe and Fat’s ferocious energy clash with Sia’s beautiful vocals and the track’s slick production. When it is all said and done, “DISGUISE” sounds tough, elegant, and heart-pumping.

SONG-BY-SONG RATING

11:00 (N/A)

ON & ON & ON (4.5/5)

PORSHE 911 (5/5)

RUNWAY KILLER (4.5/5)

SARAHTONIN (Ft. Ink & Alissia) (4.5/5)

AMERICAN DREAM (4/5)

SO BEAUTIFUL (Ft. 6LACK)(5/5)

I WANT YOU BACK (5/5)

FENG SHUI (4/5)

SWALLOWED PRIDE(4/5)

NIGHTMARES (4.5/5)

CAN YOU PRAY FOR ME (Ft. Spillage Village & Asha Imuno) (4.5/5)

RGM RATING

I have a theory: Johnny Venus would’ve been a superstar in the ’90s. On THE 11TH HOUR, he makes real grown-folk music that you need to internalize, appreciate, and probably play on a record player.

The biggest revelation for me is his voice. Johnny delivers beautiful highs, impressive range, and melodies that make his singer side feel like a place he belongs. He sounds comfortable being tender, but he’s just as convincing when he gets into his emotional bag. On top of that, he nails the choruses in ways I would’ve never imagined.

I also love how he writes about love. There’s attraction, gratitude, regret, and an understanding that being cared for can change somebody. The lyrics feel organic, meaningful, and deep because he gives those emotions room to breathe. When he moves into faith, uncertainty, or needing people around him, it still feels connected to the same person telling his story.

For those who love his rap s**t, there’s still something here for you. He carefully chooses when to bring out the bars, almost treating them as a luxury. When he gets assertive, it feels like there’s a reason for it, and that makes those moments hit harder.

Additionally, the features fit into his world, and the production feels pure, smooth, and, when needed, crunk. Overall, THE 11TH HOUR makes a strong case for Johnny as more than a rapper who happens to sing. He sounds like somebody who should’ve been doing this all along.