Ellsworth Raymond Johnson was a notorious New York gangster of the 1930’s. A part time burglar and pimp, Johnson regularly flaunted large rolls of cash and wore the latest in clothing designs. An unreasonable man, he was quick-tempered and extremely violent at a young age. Born in Charleston, S.C., he moved to Harlem as a small boy with his family, who nicknamed him after the knot on the back of his head.

They called him “Bumpy.”

Terrance Boykins was born and raised on Chicago’s notorious South Side. While the 23-year-old has the looks of a pimp, he actually sold crack as a member of the 4 Corner Hustlers, a branch of the infamous Vice Lords. His story may have ended there had it not been for the murder of his brother four years ago. Born with the gift of gab, he decided to give rapping a try as a full time profession and chose a name made infamous 70 years earlier.

They call him Bump J.

In 2003, Bump was discovered by a Chicago producer, Xtreme Beats, who connected the fledgling rap artist with Kanye West's former manager, Phil Edwards, and record industry executive Free Maiden.

Under their guidance, Bump J and his crew, the Goon Squad, began building a huge following in the streets and on local radio where two of Chicago’s urban stations have a “Bump J Hour” featuring music by the artist.

After reportedly selling more than fifty-thousand copies of his two underground mixtapes, 2003’s Live From Bedrock and Welcome To Grimmeyville, the rapper was courted by several major labels before signing with Atlantic Records, who will release his as-yet-untitled debut early 2005.

I recently caught up with Bump J to discuss the history of Chicago rap music, the current “king of the streets,” and the future of the city’s professional sports teams.

What were your plans before November 18, 2001, the day your brother was killed?
Honestly, I was on the road to destruction. I was in the streets. My brother always told me to do something with my [talent]. Rap came easily to me so I was like fuck it.

How did you hook up with Xtreme Beats?
I was doing a lot of sh*t on the underground. I was actually trying to buy some beats from him. For one reason or another we didn’t hook up, so me and the Goon Squad got back [on the grind]. We was doing free shows and talent contests and he was a judge at one. After, he pulled me to side and [the relationship] went from there.

What did you learn from your mixtape experience?
It’s the best promotion. I gathered so much attention selling mixtapes. We would always be doing something to help the company grow: passing out flyers, passing out turkeys on Thanksgiving. I want to always be doing something to [grow the company.] Continued on page 2 »