Kids Issue Double cover with willow and Jaden Smith

Paris Johnson
A Rising St ar By: Anitra Scott
Yes, the ?picture? was quite clear in a
dance studio located in the ?Queen City? of
Charlotte, North Carolina. Paris Johnson is
the 11 year old sensation born and raised
in a small town of North Carolina. She is
one of the newest young divas entering the
music business, in which she is very busy
paving her way in the industry. Paris
Johnson is certainly a ?force? all on her own.
We caught up with Paris and a few of her
dancers, Inchantis Stroud, Sienna Duys,
and Mylie Stone, practicing for her latest
video. Jeremy McConaughey, the
choreographer, was pleased with this team
of young ladies. The song titled, ?Dance
Until You Drop?, is Paris?current project
with producer, J. Stylz. The young ladies
were hard at work under the bright lights.
Perfection was an understatement.
Precision was quite evident, as the singing
and dance team moved about on the solid
wood floor dressed in their stylish dance
gear. There was nothing short of excellence
as I watched each young lady perform with
Paris. The execution of the coolest ?hip
hop? moves was in play. There was no
sweat for these ladies as they ?wowed? me.
Practice does make perfect. Dancing is such
a transmittable art so much that others like
me seem to want to join in and learn the
steps, the choreography. There is
something about dancing. It is a release of
happiness. I was amazed at the level of
talent Paris has. So, I asked which famous
artists inspired her. ?One of my favorite
artists is Rihanna. I like her because her
voice is so unique. My favorite song is
?Work?. I like her fast ?up-beat island style?.
I also like the dances and moves of
Beyonce?, her choreography is amazing.
The artists I grew to enjoy through my
parents are Mary J. Blige, and James Brown.
I like fast music. I actually performed ?Just
Fine? by Mary J. Blige at the Apollo a couple
years ago?. When did your parents discover
your talent, and where was your first
performance? ?When I was younger we
were outside decorating around Christmas,
and I was singing a song that I made up. My
mom listened to me and was surprised at
my voice. She said, ?You can sing? I did not
know you could sing like that?. Then she
called my dad over to listen. After they
started practicing with a voice trainer. I
have been singing since I was about three
years old. I am 11 now, so I have been
singing for eight years. I started singing in
church. Then as I enhanced, I started
singing at concerts and competitions and
other places?. Many of us mimic the songs
and dances of artists both past and
present. However, we forget that there is a
lot of sweat and tears behind the scenes
we don?t see. Artists in fact experience
quite a bit as they perfect their talent. It is
not always easy for performers. There is a
high volume of travel and performances
required to be accepted in the industry. It
can sometimes be quite a task for most
artists. For this reason, I have that much
more respect for these artist no matter the
age. I asked Paris what she would say to
any performer starting in the music
industry. ?I would say never give up even if
it gets hard. The more you try the easier it
will get, over time. I say work hard because
performing as an artist takes a lot of work. I
have been doing this for eight years and it
has not always been easy. My dad says
always give 110% because even if you slack
off by 10%, your outcome will be at 100%.
He tells me that everyday?. The maturity
level of these young ladies was astounding.
Paris informed me of her need to keep a
great relationship with her dance team and
how they support each other during
performances. They all certainly have a
great support system and know the need to
keep those who support them closest. The
support of family and friends is very
important. I asked Paris if she had a best
friend. With no hesitation she stated her
best friend Khaliya, was like the ultimate