Swagger Dagger (aka JohnnyTheDreamChaser) is an up and coming hip-hop artist hailing from Valley Stream, NY. He has been rapping for 10 years and is especially influenced by one person in particular: His elementary school music teacher. She taught Jonny how to read notes, rhyme, record, and write.

When I first stumbled upon Johnny and his track "Supreme Being" I knew I had to talk to this dude. I immediately reached out and here we are. Johnny is on his way to main stage and beyond. Join us as we chat it up talkin' music, influences, and pancakes. Delicious, Fluffy Pancakes.

BlindKnowledge.com

Hey, everybody, this is Joey B.

Here at Knowledge.

This degree presented by Blind Knowledge here on the Blind Knowledge Network.

It has been a long time, a long, long, long time since you've heard this voice and probably never seen this face.

But you better get used to it because Blind knowledge is coming for you.

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It's coming for you with love.

@Blindknowledge.com Right now, this is the Spotlight series with me, Joey B.

Of Knowledge, this degree, and my friend here.

This is Swagger Dagger, out of New York, out of Valley Stream, New York.

Also goes by Johnny the Dream Chaser.

Johnny.

What's up, my dude?

Joey.

What's up, my guy?

What's going on, man?

Hey, man.

It's a.

It's a good night.

It's a good night.

It's good to see you.

It's time, man.

It's about time.

Absolutely.

You know, I just.

I have so many questions because, you know, I randomly found you on, I think it was Instagram or Soundcloud or wherever it was.

And, you know, for me, I'm a musician going back to when I was 16.

You know, played guitar forever, you know, played drums and bass and all kinds of little things.

Nice, nice.

I recognize real, you know, real recognize real kind of thing.

Yeah, absolutely, dude.

I recognize good talent.

I heard your music and I just was like, damn, we got to get this guy on for an interview.

And here we are.

We did it.

We did it.

We did it.

Thanks for joining me.

So what I understand, man, you're 24 years old, you're out of Valley Stream, New York.

Yes, sir.

And you are a hip hop artist.

Yep.

And recently your album just dropped.

Can you tell us a little bit about the name of the album and what you got going on with it, whether promotion wise or what's going on with that?

Yeah, so I just dropped my album, like, almost two months ago, called In Swagger We Trust.

It's my very first project ever that I've ever dropped in, like, ever.

Cool.

Like a very long.

It's been a very long time coming.

I think it's very.

Just like my introduction and like, sort of reintroduction to who I am.

You feel me?

So I think it's just very, like.

It's very like, you know, it's.

It's just.

It's been such a long time that, you know, because before this, I wasn't even even able to even get in the studio.

I couldn't even get.

I didn't have money at the time, and I was just like, you know, just like.

But, you know, around, like, just.

I was just pretty much, like, just putting out my own content on Instagram, though.

That was like, the only way I was able to really, like, really be able to, you know, get people to notice me.

I think that was really the only way for me to really, like, not only, like, establish my talents, but also just like.

Like, let people see me, who I as.

Who I am, and just, you know, just sort of get that glimpse of, you know, who I am as an artist.

And then people have always been asking me over the years, like, oh, man, like, you know, what's this music gonna sound like?

And I think now, you know, and I'm, you know, I'm just very excited that it's even out to begin with, you know.

Yeah, it must be exciting.

Yeah, you basically, you started at the bottom.

Not to go into a Drake song, man, but you started at the bottom, which is where all musicians start.

You know, we all start somewhere.

We start from the jump.

And you've worked your way up.

You're using Instagram.

You're, you know, you're basically, you know, there's something called guerrilla marketing where, you know, you put bumper stickers on the back, stop signs, and you throw around flyers to promote yourself, you know, on the underground.

You're basically doing that with music.

Basically, you know, you're on, you're unsigned, and you've been doing this a while.

How did you get from that point of Instagram, you know, Basements, maybe, you know, Fruity Loops, you know, using those programs and the beat makers.

How did you.

From there to now, you got your.

Own album, you know.

Well, definitely, though, because I've had my own job on the side, so I've definitely been able to have been.

I've been blessed enough to, you know, you know, utilize those things and, you know, just being able to, you know, know, I think it's just, like, certainly just knowing the right people.

I think it's just knowing the right people.

It's like, really, you know, you'll be able to really, you know, work with, you know, and I think that's just what you really need to, you know, trust with, you know, as far as, like, people with your vision and, you know, there's a certain people in your corner, and if you get those people, like, in your corner invested in you, and as long as you just, like, you know, keep the energy going.

Because there was some point, like, I didn't even know if I wanted to make music anymore.

At some point.

Wow.

But, you know, it was just more so the fact of, like, you know, at the time, I was like, I don't know if this is gonna be like, is this.

Should I still.

Still be doing this at this age or.

But I think it was just like that.

That feel and that hunger inside of me, that was just more like.

It was like that.

It's like, you know, it's like that innate, like, reaction in me just to keep going.

So I think it was just more hunger.

Hunger?

Yeah.

Yeah, yeah.

I mean, it's just.

It just.

It's just hunger, you know?

I mean.

And I think.

To say the least, I think I was very grateful, you know, to even make it at least this far, and which I.

Which I never thought would happen ever.

You know what I mean?

So I think.

So that's why me.

I just take it one step at a time, and I just try to count my blessings more and more.

Yo, that's humble.

My man Swagger Dagger on here.

This is knowledge.

This degree here on Blind Knowledge.

If you've never heard of Johnny the Dream, the.

Sorry, Johnny the Dream Chaser, but Swagger Dagger, I always call him Johnny the Dream Chaser because I love that name.

And I think it's like, you could do, like, an alter ego thing.

You could be Swagger Dagger and Johnny the Dream Chaser.

Hit him.

Hit him with both.

But, hey, man, we got Swagger Dagger, and, you know, it's interesting, man.

It's got to be tough, like, for me, you know, I don't want to get into my story, but from what I understand, you know, we all.

When we all start as musicians, or in your.

Your case, an artist, a legit rapper writing his own stuff.

You know, it's tough to get out there and get heard.

Especially today, like, you know, trying to get signed and just trying to find a place to play.

Just trying to find a venue that'll take you on.

That's got to be tough, man.

Especially in your neck of the woods over in New York, you know, it's got to be competitive.

It, dude.

It's.

It's.

I think.

I think the one thing I think is just really my.

At least the one thing that's definitely stood out for me is, like, just my transparency, my honesty, and.

And just me trying to provide good energy.

Even though it's like.

Even though sometimes it's a jungle, it can be definitely a jungle.

As far as, like, you know, just trying to, like.

Just trying to, like, you know, it's like every day, you're like, just rolling the dice, trying to make something great and, you know, and even sometimes, like, even when you have, like, those, like, mental blocks in your head and like, just those, like, you know, like, sometimes you have those doubts in your mind and you're just negative thoughts.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Like, they creep up on you, dude.

Like, they creep up on you real quick and.

But I think the cool thing about it is amongst all of it all, you know, I think as long as you just keep.

Just keep pushing and look and looking past.

Look, looking past that and just keep pushing forward, I think that's just the.

I think that's just what the end result is.

Because, like, you know, sometimes I would go.

I would have to.

I was just lucky enough to go, you know, back from, like, let's say, from Brooklyn to Queens, and I had to go, like, to different areas just to get.

Just to perform.

You know what I mean?

Like, I got, like, I have to, you know, work with, like, not have to pay.

A lot of people don't know that when you.

When you're coming up, you gotta actually pay to play.

And.

Yeah, you gotta pay to play.

When you go past pay to play, to get paid to play, that's when the professional part comes in.

That makes you a pro.

Yeah.

I mean, I think I'm.

I think I'm still just getting my.

My feet wet at the same time, you know what I mean?

Because I feel like I've had a lot.

I have a long, long way more to go.

But I love what I do as far as, like, just being.

I love what I do as an artist and just really writing and performing.

I mean, recording is kind of like the middle part of it, but writing and performing, it is like, just like.

It feels 10 times better.

Like, just thinking of, like, oh, like, I. I got something, you know, it just feels.

It just feels good, you know, it just feels like a release.

And like, even with this album, right, like, you know, just even looking at some of the songs that I wrote, Wrote on it, I might be even looking at them from a different perspective.

Let's say one or two years.

One or two years from now and being like, you know.

But I think this album in particular is definitely the one album where I could just feel like, you know what?

I did everything right.

Like, I know the one.

This is the one thing I know I'm confident about to be like, you know what?

Yeah, I did.

Even though there's, like, maybe one song I could have done better on, because sometimes I do.

Sometimes I Do be hard on myself sometimes a lot.

But I think this is the one album I can just feel, I feel like, you know what?

I did it.

I definitely did it.

No question about it.

And I can look back 1, 2, 3 years from now and be like, yep, I, I, at least that I did.

Right?

So I think that's just, that's so cool because.

Yeah, because we're all kind of perfectionists and I can see it in you too.

Like, maybe you go back after the mix and it's like, well, maybe that, you know, that high pitch tone could be a little lower.

Or maybe I could have hit this syllable on this rhythm note or.

Yeah, man, it's, it's like a big brain funk is what happens sometimes.

And that's cool, man.

You can actually, you can look yourself in the mirror and say, wow, I did a great job.

I put all this effort and time in.

It's going to pay off.

It is paying off.

And at the end of the day, you love it, you're proud of it, and no matter what happens, it's yours, right?

Yeah, exactly.

Yeah, exactly.

And I think, you know, prior to that, you know, I've definitely taken like some losses, you know, just do personal stuff and family stuff, but, you know, you know, but you know, I think at the end of the day, like, you know, I just, I try to just, you know, stay focused and just focus on what, Just where the better days could take me.

You know what I mean?

So I think that's just where, you know, where.

I think that's just where I'm focused on right now because I think I just, and I feel like I'm, in a way, I'm working towards my future more so than that ever.

Some very.

Oh, hell yeah.

You know, I'm saying.

So I'm very, like, excited not only for the next project I'm working on, but, you know, just, I think just everything in life.

Because, you know, I think over the past 10 years has been such a roller coaster for me because I started like off in high school, like, just like, you know, in a way rapping, but like battle rapping kind of, in a sense, but also just like really, just like, you know, but when people know I could really write and rap, it's like, oh, my God, you really.

He's really talented.

He's really good, you know, and he's really, I think it's just more of like a, you know, it's like, is it.

So I think over the 10 years, I think it's definitely, you know, I think I'm very lucky to say, like, I've.

I've kept it solid for the past 10 years due to the ups and downs and, you know, the sideways stuff and, you know, But I think more so at the end of the day, I can.

I can definitely look in the mirror and be like, yeah, I can still do it.

And I. I can still, you know, like, I'm like, my skills ain't too rusty, you know, Definitely not even.

Dude, you're just getting started, bro.

You're just getting started.

And 10 years right in the game, 10 years out the jump at 14 into 24, you're only 24.

You're just a young cat, man.

You have so much ahead of you.

I think if you just keep grinding like you are, keep doing what you're doing, I mean, you know, sky's the limit.

You know, maybe there's luck or maybe there's a little skill, but, you know, you gotta roll the dice, right?

Yeah, of course.

Yeah.

I think.

I think it's more like, you know, just believing in yourself and just really having that confidence.

I think more so in just, you know, just being like, you know.

What?

Yeah, just being like it.

Sometimes you just got to be like it, you know, that's what it is, you know?

Exactly.

It's just.

It just is what it is, you.

Know, I mean, you're gonna do it or you're not.

Yeah, yeah.

Either you're gonna do it or not, because sometimes it does, you know, it does.

It does.

Like, because like we said earlier, it pays to play, you know, you gotta pay to play, you know, you gotta, you know, you know, and then that.

That takes you even farther.

You know what I mean?

I think essentially at the end of the day, and then people notice it and be like, oh, shit, he's really on top of shit.

So, yeah, he's out there working, trying, you know, give and give him back.

You said you're all about good vibes and things.

Like, you know, I. I love that, you know, I'm the same kind of way, you know, one love and, you know, good music and just try, you know, vibing and chilling.

But I gotta.

I gotta go a little off topic for a sec because I learned something about you which is really interesting for not Nardoire, I'm not going to come out of nowhere things, not yet, at least.

But, you know, I was reading, so you're.

You're strongly influenced by an elementary teacher who really kind of taught you the way.

Can you expand a little on that, you know?

What happened there?

How.

How did they let me know, like, how did they guide your way?

Why was it so inspirational for you?

This teacher?

Yeah, she was.

Her name is Ms. Kisser.

She was, like, such a real inspiration to me, personally.

Shout out to Ms. Kisher.

You know, like, you know, she.

She's in Seattle right now.

She lives in Seattle right now.

But, you know, she's been such a inspiration to me personally because, you know, she's just been, like, the realest.

It's just.

It's indescribable to me because, like, she was, in a way, like a second mom to me because, like, you know, anytime, like, you know, anyone was like, you know, you know, anytime the kids were, like, playing out sometimes, I was, in a way, like, her apprentice in a way.

I was kind of like a, you know, little, you know, like, you know, like, you know, like when you have, like, the one, you know, important person, but then you have, like, the little sidekick, like, just running around.

Yeah.

What does this one do?

What does this one do?

What is it?

Mentoring, almost.

Yeah.

You know, it was like, you know.

Yeah.

You know what I'm saying?

So I think that was just what it was.

You know, it was like, you know, she.

She put me on to the early classics, you know, like, Ray Charles, you know, even some of the Beatles, you know, you know, John Mayer, even a little bit, you know, And I think that's kind of what my soul side comes from because, like, revolving around that, you know, alternative world.

Yeah.

And it's just like, you know, she was just, like, really so influential to me, and it was like, oh, my God.

Like.

Like, she.

So, you know, I think she was just like.

She taught me everything, like, how to, like, find rhythm.

But she was a music teacher.

Yeah, she was a music teacher.

So, like, you know, I would.

And I would just help her out, like, around class and just, like, you know, was like, the one teacher I was so always excited to see every time.

Like, you know, even though sometimes, you know, she.

I did.

Was misbehaving a little bit.

But, you know.

Johnny.

Johnny.

Yeah.

Like, you know, like, sometimes she was just like, you know, she would put me up like, Johnny.

That was not nice sometimes, you know.

No, but, you know, she kept you honest.

It sounds.

Sounds like she kept you humble.

No, no, no, But.

No, but she was.

She was just the biggest thing to ever.

Like, she.

Like, without her, I wouldn't be doing what I love doing.

And I think she was amazing.

She definitely gave me, like, that alley.

Like, she kind of gave me the torch and was like.

Like, run, my child, run with this.

Yeah, it was like.

And you know, you know, and.

And of course, we kind of.

We still keep in contact to this day still, which is really cool.

That's very cool.

Really.

Watch me grow.

I think she's the one person that really saw me as like a little toddler, like, just squirming around, just like, you know, just like, you know, playing around with the.

The keys on the.

You know, on the piano.

And like, I. I usually used to play drums even too.

And like.

Like she was telling me, like, really branch out.

And I think so.

I think so now that I'm here, like, she, like, Like I'm.

I'm sure she's proud of me somewhere.

I think, oh, we're gonna have to get this over to her because we're shouting her out.

You know, it's tough to find a good teacher too.

And when you find one, you know, it's so influential and it's just so great.

And it can really.

Like, in your case, it kind of opened this new path.

Like, did you listen to a lot of music growing up before that, or was this like a.

Just like a total game changer for you?

Yeah, in a way.

Yeah, it was kind of a game.

I think it was both, though.

I think I'd say the most, because, you know, I just, you know, because I was.

Because she kind of put me around like, the early alternative, because I wasn't around like, let's say the.

The Guns N' Roses and, you know, the Molly Crue era, but.

Oh, wow, Nice.

You know, but she didn't put me on to some of that.

But I was sort of raised around, like, you know, at least some of my personal influences, you know.

Gym class heroes, you know, the Fallout Boys.

Yes, sir.

You know, take a look at my girlfriend, man.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Panic at the Disco, which is like one definitely.

Yeah.

So that kind of era was like, definitely like, you know, just, you know.

So I think, yeah, like, definitely rock and roll.

But I think, you know, just rock and roll was definitely like that, you know, definitely an inspiration to me personally.

So I love that, like.

Like, I'm always a hip hop kid, but sometimes rock and roll.

I love Lucas.

That's so cool.

That's so cool.

So you're so well rounded with your influences.

It's.

It's so cool to listen to because some people are kind of pigeonholed, you know, they all.

If they're hip hop artists, you know, at least, you know, from what we understand from what we hear from what's out there in pop culture and these interviews, you know, Eminem looked up to Dre, and 50 cent kind of looks up to Eminem in a way.

And then there's like, it's all hip.

Hop, hip hop, hip hop, hip hop.

It's cool to hear, like, the well roundedness.

You said Guns N Roses, like, whoa.

Okay, so you're bringing some.

You're bringing some hard rock into your.

Into your music, because you must be taking everything you've learned and everything you've listened to and all these life experiences and putting pad to paper, or putting pen to paper, rather.

Oh, yeah.

And just getting it out there.

It's so cool.

Yeah.

100% Like me.

Like, that's just what it is for me.

Like, I've always been.

Like, the things that I write about are just what I go through, but also just what I may feel at the moment.

And sometimes, you know, I may say something just to, like, you know, talk my shit, you know, like, even in records, like, you know, like, even in, like, you know, like, even in, like.

I mean, I'll.

I'll tell a story, but sometimes I just talk my.

Just to talk my.

Yeah.

You know, different strokes for different folks, different songs, you know, different vibes.

For sure.

Sometimes you got to lay down the law and, you know, take that top level, maybe get that ego going.

And sometimes you got to be humble.

I can understand that a thousand percent.

Yeah.

And I think that's just what the cool.

That's the coolest thing about it is, you know, I get to really.

I.

Like, that's just the coolest thing about it because, you know, sometimes, you know, like, I've always felt in charge when I'm writing, you know, I mean, especially in charge.

And I could just really be like, you know what?

Like, like, even though I may feel something and be like, you know, if I hear the right beat and I just like it and.

And the thing with my music, it's very.

I try to diverse it a lot, you know, just from Boom Baby.

And I think.

I think my versatility kind of shows it.

And especially in this next album that I'm working on.

What's Good?

Doing, like, a lot more.

And I'm just very, you know,.

Hell yeah.

That's cool, man.

That's cool.

Johnny, we're chilling out here.

This is Knowledge.

This degree here on Blind Knowledge, hanging out with Swagger Dagger, AKA Johnny the Dream Chaser.

Johnny, what is the name of the new album, dude?

Self Progression.

Why, why?

Why that Name my buddy.

Me and my boy, Stefan Jasper.

He lives like, not too far from my house.

Like, just a few minutes.

Like, just a few minutes from my house.

Like, not even like, it's like literally like a minute walk.

Shout out to Mr. Jasper.

What's up, dude?

We were.

I saw him.

I was just going for like a regular walk and then, you know, he just saw me and I was like, yo bro.

Like.

Because we haven't seen each other in a minute because we've been kind of been.

We've been boys since like, you know, he's always supported me behind the scenes and we've always, like, you know, been homies for a while.

Like, so he pulled me.

He pulled me over to yo bro, you know, out of the new guy, like, out of everyone in the city he's met.

Like, like, bro, you're.

You're the only dude that's very.

Been consistent and very like, really grinding and really been putting your out there and really working, working, working, working.

When it's like.

And I was like.

And it really stuck with me for a minute and I was like.

And I kind of laughed it off.

I was like, I don't know.

But I mean, when I also look at.

From the other side, that's to my horn.

I mean, Yeah, I think more so.

And I don't mean it like, in a conscious sense of like, oh, yeah, I'm better than all these.

Sure, sure, sure.

Yeah, I had to do it 10 times better.

But you know, in the sense, you know, I think, you know, I think it's just more like, you know, me realizing like, oh, man, maybe I am.

Maybe like, yeah, I'm.

I've been really, really been like, working, working, you know, because I think after Interactive We Trust, I thought I was gonna take maybe just a little bit of a break, but I think I was like, you know what?

I think I have one more in me.

Just, you know, I gotta.

I think I got.

I think I got just one.

I gotta Few extra bullets.

Got some energy to get out.

Yeah, yeah.

You know what I mean?

And it was just like, you know, and I. I think that's when the name kind of hit me.

It's like, oh, self progression.

Because it's like, you know, now I. I think I just want to prove that, like, you know, I'm not one of those artists that like, puts an album out and then just like, you know, kind of drifts off and, you know, you know, for the next two, three years, like, I want to be able to show like, no I'm still here.

Like, I'm really here to.

I'm.

I came to play and I'm.

And I'm here to stay for, well, however long, you know, until.

You know, until God calls me.

Like, I'm.

I'm here to play.

Until God calls me.

I'm here to.

I mean, I'm here to do shit, you know, I'm saying, like, I'm really here to really, you know.

You know, not only make my mark, but also just, like, you know, really do what I love doing and, you know, just always showing love to my, you know, all the.

All the same artists that are in the same lane I'm in and just, you know, So I think it's really just me really just really, you know, just.

Just.

Just trying to prove myself a lot more.

But this.

I think, in Spike will be trust.

I was a lot.

It was a lot more soulful and, like, me just telling my story.

But this one, I'm just more like, you know.

Yeah, I'm good.

This is kind of like.

Even when Eminem did Kamikaze, this is kind of like my Kamikaze in a sense, but not without, like, this, but.

But this is sort of like my Kamikaze who just more like, experiments.

Yeah.

A little more.

Yeah.

Experimenting a little more with different sounds and, you know, just definitely, like.

Yeah, just like, just trying to.

Just trying to, like, you know, keep the momentum just going, just, you know, an extra.

Just an extra mile, you know, and just let them be like, oh, like, he's really consistent, you know.

So I think that's just the main thing that I want to really do.

And.

And, of course, it still has the same elements as far as, like, you know, the storytelling and, you know, the honesty in it.

Just like, in Swagger We Trust.

But, you know, I think I wanted to, like, really just, you know, just give it one extra.

You know, just.

Just give one more for the road, you know.

So I think just for now, just.

Yeah, until the next one comes, man.

I'm sure, you know, I'm sure after 10 years, you must have some backlog content, some notebooks that maybe you have to dust off.

I got a dozen of them, dude.

The bars, lines I wrote from, like.

Yeah.

Even songs I never finished.

And just, you know, it's.

It's.

It's.

It's a lot.

It's a lot to say the least.

Okay.

I'll take your word for it.

Yeah.

So on the music side, and by the way, right now we got Swagger Dagger.

The song is called supreme being on the background.

I don't know if you can hear it over there, John.

Yeah, I can hear it.

We got a jamming over here, man.

I'm kind of like.

I'm into this stuff, man.

Four songs.

Force distinct songs, man.

So you got the.

You got the writing, you got the delivery.

Are you on the production side at all, or do you work with specific producers?

Yeah, yeah.

Well, for this one, Supreme Being, my boy Colton, you know, he has a new single out called no, Not Enough Pockets, which is out now.

Right on.

Shout out to my boy Colton.

Shout out to Colton.

Yeah, he.

He just like.

Yeah, because I'm not really too full on the production side.

You know what I mean?

But I'm.

I could definitely get my feet wet with that.

It's usually one or the other.

Usually.

Yeah.

You know, I mean, but I could definitely get my feet well with that if I want to, but, you know.

But, you know, like, right now, I'm just, like, kind of working with, like, different producers, like Othello beats, you know, you know, and I'm trying to, like, once again, expand just, like, my sound, you know, a lot more, you know, so, you know.

Yeah.

When we listen to these songs, too, again, that one is Supreme Being.

We got on the deck, we got Valley Stream Soldier.

And I'm sure the audience will hear as this one fades out, the new one fades in four distinct songs.

We got in the background here.

Again, this one is going to be Valley Stream Soldier coming on in the background.

You know, some of these songs are fast.

Some of these songs are chill.

Some of these songs got different flows, you know?

Do you do that on purpose, or is it just come out that way?

Both, Definitely both, I think.

Yeah.

Because sometimes I try to, like, really switch it up and really, like, you.

Know, I noticed that.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Because I like with polyrhythms, sometimes, and sometimes you go with the offbeat.

It's pretty cool.

Is as someone, like, I understand my music theory, my.

My percussions and all that.

I hear you.

I hear you, like, doing something a little different at times.

It's pretty cool because it's all rhythmic.

It's.

It's almost like you go off time signature, but you still stay strong.

It's.

It's very cool.

So, you know, it.

Does that just kind of come on organically, or do you just try to, you know, keep plugging away and keep challenging yourself?

Yeah, yeah, I try to.

I try to challenge myself as far as, like, different beats.

I mean, but even if I don't like to be.

I just won't use it.

Fair.

Yeah, sure.

But.

But if it's something that like I could really be, like, oh yeah, this.

If I like it and like, you know, I can.

I know I can do well in.

And I try to also up.

Up myself.

I also try to raise the bar for myself a lot.

Every track I've definitely.

I've had, you know, I've had.

I've had a couple songs for.

But you know.

Oh, they all can be hits.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

You know, but you know, like, you know all.

Yeah.

You know what I'm saying?

Like all players have bad games.

You know what I mean?

Yep.

MJ did for sure.

Yeah.

You know what I'm saying?

Yeah.

You know what I mean?

Like, but you know, I think just, you know, being able to really, you know, like just spread yourself out and just push more and more and more and more and more heavily, that's when it becomes more.

And that's what winners do.

That's what great legends do.

You know, the best.

Going to the gym.

You know, athlete wise.

You know, Kobe used to say he was in the gym at like 5:00am, you know, then he'd do the game, then he'd lift and then he'd do the same thing the next day.

Yeah.

You know, that guy was spinning circles around people.

Oh, yeah.

It was a Kobe or Shaq.

Was it Kobe or Shaq?

I think it was both.

I think without the other, the, you know, without Kobe.

Shaq wouldn't have done it without Shaq because Shaq did it with Dwyane Wade.

Yeah, exactly.

Yeah.

He had Anthony Hardway or sorry, Penny Hard Way.

Yeah.

In.

In Orlando.

But that's a story for another time.

Yeah.

Johnny, I gotta know.

I gotta know.

I got some questions, man.

I got a whole clipboard of questions.

Yeah.

Because I like talking to you.

If you want to check out Swagger Dagger, he's over on Instagram at Johnny the Dream Chaser.

He's also.

Man, he's everywhere.

Spotify, SoundCloud, Apple Music, YouTube.

Check out Swagger Dagger.

Johnny.

Dude, why Swagger Dagger?

So we went.

It was back in 11th grade because I didn't really have a name at the time and I was just like trying to figure out like a name as far as like.

And we went to see the, the play.

The.

The Shakespeare play, Othello.

And.

Yeah, I think, I think, I think, I think so.

Yeah, I think so.

Something.

Yeah.

Shakespeare.

Shakespeare was the.

They say he was like the first hip hop rapper.

Crazy dude.

It was crazy like, and then I.

And I think at the end, it's sort of like, you know, he pulls out this dagger.

I forgot the quote.

I. I don't have the quote necessarily, but I got inspired by that.

And I think when, like, you know, to me, it kind of represented, like, conquering over everything you've been through and, like, just, you know, being.

Having like, that, you know, always rising on top no matter what stands in your way, just, you know, having that, you know, always just rising above anyone.

Anyone that couldn't do.

They can just do it.

So I think.

So when it comes to swagger, I got that, you know, to a T. I still need some pointers.

Like, you know, just like, you know, just like, you know, like, taking, like, standing your ground and just, you know, having confidence and always just believe in yourself.

So I think that's just when I combined the two together, it was like, swagger Dagger.

That's cool, man.

That's cool.

You sound like you'd be a cool big brother or a big cousin or just like, someone in the community that kids could look up to.

You're involved in any of that?

No, I mean, but I have my moments, though.

I have my moments here and there.

But, you know, but, you know, I think, you know, I mean, but, you know, I'd rather, you know, be honest as well, but also just show love to everybody.

Of course, you know, you know, hopefully, maybe I can't, you know, you know, hopefully I can one day, you know, but no, definitely come back to, you know, value streaming.

Just show kids that, you know, you can just do anything you put your mind to.

You know what I mean?

So, yeah, hopefully I could do that, you know, for.

For somebody out there, even if it's just one person or anybody out there.

You know what I mean?

So that's cool, man.

Johnny the dream chaser.

Swagger Dagger.

Coming from the heart, the soul.

The valley stream, bro.

Are you still living around there or.

Yeah, I'm still living around there.

Born and raised.

Yeah, born and raised.

Kicking it, but, you know, just still, you know, always.

Always staying focused, you know, branching out.

Sure, yeah, you know.

Sure.

You got.

You got any gigs coming up anytime soon?

You know, a month or two or tomorrow?

Yeah, I got one coming in March.

I have two shows coming up in March, which I'm very excited for.

Winter.

Winter is a tough time to get gigs, especially.

Yeah, it is.

It is.

It is wintertime, especially around New York, I'm sure.

Yeah, yeah, but in.

But, yeah, but in New York, you know, if we have the chance to.

If we get the chance to do it, we'll do it.

But, you know, definitely, you know.

Yeah, I definitely got some more shows, which I'm gonna be announcing more soon.

I got a little more surprises up my sleeve as far as.

But, you know, right.

Right now, I want to keep everything under wraps and just you know, kind of like, you know, because for me, like, I like to just, like, you know, let my work speak for itself and then just let, you know, you know, I mean, I'd rather just like.

Because, you know, used to be.

I used to be that kind of kid on the ground, like, oh, yeah, I'm out here, like.

But now I just, like, kind of work.

I like to just, like, work.

No.

Even though sometimes I may post a pic here and there.

But, you know, for the most part, I just try to, like, you know, try to let it be low key and then.

Yeah, yeah, Just, you know, catch everyone off guard.

Oh, let's talk more rock.

Kind of.

Yeah, exactly, exactly.

Exactly.

Just keep it.

Yeah, just let's talking more.

Doing this is what I.

And that's what's up.

If you're gonna do it, do it right.

Show them what's up.

I mean, you know, you could be a flash in the pan.

That's cool.

But who wants to do that, you know, Especially when you love it, you know, you're not necessarily doing it for a paycheck at this point point.

I'm sure that's hopefully down the line.

Maybe we can get some record labels on a spotlight for you here in the Spotlight series.

You never know, man.

Here.

Flying Knowledge.

We're just starting.

Yeah.

Johnny, you are a friend of mine, a friend of ours.

I'm happy we could do this.

I got one more question for you before we wrap it up, and it's something that I always ask my guests, and it's a little kind of off the wall.

So if you're ready.

Pancakes, waffles or French toast?

Pancakes.

Pancakes.

Yeah.

I like a little.

Yeah, you know, fluffy.

Oh, yeah.

A little fluff.

Yeah, a little fluff.

But I also, like.

I also went.

I also won the other day.

I went to.

My brother bought me, like, these.

I remember my brother used to buy.

We used to buy these strawberry waffles, these Strawberry Eggos.

Okay.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Beautiful, beautiful.

Props to the egg oak chef.

Yeah, yeah, absolutely.

That's cool.

I love ihop.

I could.

Yeah, bacon.

Drink chocolate milk all day long.

It's.

Me too.

Me too, dude.

Me too, dude.

Me too.

I told my brother all the time.

Like, yo, let's just.

Let's go to high hop one day, bro.

Like, you know, but, you know, yeah,.

After the show, let's go bring the girls.

1Am I hop drift, dude, man, I'm just so impressed.

I'm so glad you could come on.

You are.

You're the first spotlight in our Spotlight series.

Normally, I interview guests in person.

I've hung out in tour bus.

I've been behind the stage.

We are on the Internet, and I love it because I'm over here in Knowledge's Degree Studios.

Dude, thank you so much for, like, just being cool with me, being transparent with me, dude.

Like, thank you so much, man.

Like, I. I'm definitely honored to be at least the first guest, probably.

Oh, yeah.

And.

And this is just part one, man.

We're gonna check in with you six months to a year down the road.

Oh, yeah.

100.

100.

We're gonna have to see how Swagger Dagger's holding up, dude.

Yo, this is Swagger Dagger, AKA Johnny the Dream Chaser.

Check him out.

If you don't, I don't know what you're doing, man.

He's on Instagram at Johnny the Dream Chaser.

He's over on Twitter at Johnny the Dream one.

You can check him out as Swagger Dagger on Spotify, Soundcloud, Apple Music, YouTube.

You could probably check him out on CD.

I don't know.

He's probably everywhere.

The songs we heard today on the background, we had.

First we had Daytime Cruising.

Number two was Underground Monopoly.

Let's see, Number Trace was Supreme Being.

And right now, we got Valley Stream.

Soldier on here.

Johnny, before we go, is there anything you want to tell the fine folks listing about you or.

Or just anything at all that's on the top of your mind?

I just want to shout out, Joey B.

Blind Knowledge Network, of course, you know.

You know, once again, thank you guys for just rocking with me.

Shout out to my brother, who's probably not paying attention right now.

You know, I just want to say.

And of course, you know.

Yeah, yeah.

Get my boy Colton's new single Pockets out right now.

That's cool.

That's cool.

Keeping it simple, keeping it humble, keeping it real.

Johnny the Dream Chaser.

Thank you, my man.

Thank you so much.

I'd shake your hand and give you a hug if I could.

Yeah.

Unfortunately, we can't so we'll see you next time, guys.

Everybody, everyone, everywhere.

Joey B.

That is me.

This is Blind Knowledge.

The name of the podcast is Knowledge's Degree.

This has been the Spirit Spotlight series, episode uno with Johnny the Dream Chaser, AKA Swagger Dagger.

We'll catch y' all next time.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I think it's getting colder, but all we got is just forward.

Let's get going.

I'm that soldier, yeah eta.

We're getting closer, soldiers.

Don't lose your composure.

We may focus.

I'm that soldier, yeah I'm that soldier, yeah I'm a light one up for my in town Another one for everybody all around in my head.

That was fun.

That was dope.

That was dope, dude.

That was pretty dope.

That was dope, man.

Thank you again, Joey, man.

I'm so.

I'm so honored, man.

I can't hear you.

Can you hear me?

Can you hear me?

I can't hear you if you can hear me.

Can hear me?

Oh, oh, oh, Oh.

Can you hear me?

Can you?

Can you hear me?

How about now?

Can you hear me?

Oh, there you are, dude.

Yeah, when I hit the end of the recording, I hit the button, but yeah.

Yo, that was pretty fun, huh?

Oh, thank you.

No, thank Joey.

Thank you.

Yo, no problem.

I got you.

I got you, man.

I told you, man, I. I got you.

Yeah, sometimes.

And I'm glad you stuck with me because you could have just been like, who the is this dude?

Since he does interviews, man, and we'll wait two months, bro.

Listen to, dude.

I'm open minded.

I'm open minded, bro.

That's the one.

I'm always open minded, man.

I appreciate you, man.

Of course.

Yeah, absolutely.

I do what I can, man.

I'm a musician too, so I get the struggle.

I kind of, you know, I. I wish I kind of stuck with it more, but those.

Those negative thoughts really do creep up on it.

Like they say, you know, is this worth it?

You know, am I just embarrassing myself?

Kind of.

So you might still play.

I don't know if you can see I got guitars over here.

No.

Yeah, dude, you got it.

Definitely.

If you got anything you want to, I'll send my way.

I'll shout it out instantly, bro.

I appreciate that.

Well, it's not a problem that I'll do it in a heartbeat.

Not a problem at all.

Thanks, man.

Thank you.

I actually, I think that went really well.

One of my better interviews.

And because it's been a while too, that was.

It was a really good one, for sure.

I already tell.

Absolutely, man.

It's gonna be on YouTube sooner.

Yeah.

So what's gonna happen is this is gonna be the.

I'm backlogging content right now because I'm having a website built and my.

I have to do some.

I gotta do a bunch of stuff.

It was supposed to come out on.

Oh, yeah, yeah.

Remember?

Yeah, he told me February 1st.

Yeah, yeah.

And then my web development guy had a panic attack and just called me back today.

Oh, gosh.

I was like, scotty, because that.

Now I look like an.

Because I sent out this email and like, all this.

People, whatever.

Yeah, I get.

No, I. Dude, once again, that's when.

You say it, right?

Yeah.

As a creator, I sympathize, bro.

I absolutely understand, bro.

I've.

I've.

I've been there, bro.

I understand when it happens, you know, it is what it is.

And I'm fortunate to have 18.

18 Shows, and we got a lot going on in the kitchen.

And with this, I just want to let you know.

So I. I got the video.

I gotta go through it, you know, hopefully Skype held up.

Yeah, hopefully.

Yeah.

I think.

I think we did good, though.

I think.

I think it was good.

Oh, it was great.

Yeah.

Yeah.

And I say that.

I say that because we got you talking.

You said a lot of good things.

You know, I got to sh up a bit.

And you were able to.

I didn't have to keep interrupting, which is because I've had to do that.

And when people just start, you know, going monotone, like, you're really upbeat, you know.

You brought it.

You.

You brought it.

So did you, man.

Of course.

I always, dude.

Oh, I'm like, I'm doing this Blind knowledge.

I used to drink a lot, let's put it that way.

Now I don't.

Oh, my God.

So all the energy's back here, and it's like.

It's like being.

It's like being in my early 20s again.

It's pretty cool.

I get it.

I get it.

I get it, dude.

I get it, bro.

I get it.

So here's.

Here's what I want to do.

So I'm gonna go back this weekend and early next week, probably, I'm gonna edit the video.

I got the audio separately, too, just in case.

So we get the podcast.

So this will be on Spotify, the audio and everywhere.

The video is going to be everywhere.

YouTube is going to be right on the front page of Blind Knowledge is probably going to be the first thing people see.

Nice, nice, nice.

My ugly mug and your nice Smile.

Basically, I could use a little facial work myself, dude,.

But when it drops.

When it drops, I need you to promote it.

I need you to say, like, you know, and I'll let you know when that is.

And.

And what I'm gonna do too, is when that drops, I'm gonna promote the.

Out of you.

I'm gonna take all these links you sent me and we're gonna just promote you everywhere, and it's just gonna be a mutual thing and let's go from there.

And I'll.

And I can send you a copy of this too.

You can do whatever you can.

You said some cool things, so maybe, you know, you could even listen to a bag, maybe chop up some things and, you know, who knows, maybe you'll sample me song or something.

That'd be cool.

Maybe.

Yeah, maybe.

Yeah.

No, no, but it went great.

It was definitely great.

Definitely one of my favorite, best.

You had fun, right?

Yeah, no, yeah, yeah, definitely one of my favorite interviews I've done.

Appreciate that.

No, that's.

That actually makes me feel good.

Thank you.

Absolutely, man.

Yeah, of course.

It's.

It's not about bullshitting.

It's about being real.

Yeah.

Yeah.

100.

Yeah.

Yeah.

You were right up there with the Suicide girls.

You know, girls.

But yeah, almost, dude, I had a lot of fun.

Yeah.

No, no, no, me too, dude.

Me too, dude.

Me too.

I got work to do and I'm sure you got ladies to see or whatever you do.

I always.

I did, dude.

I always.

Me too.

Me too.

Oh, man, I just moved down here to St. Petersburg.

Yeah, it's so hard to find.

First of all, it's hard to find and make friends right now because I. I don't go to bar.

I don't really go out much.

I work constantly.

Like, I have my nine to five and then I got blind knowledge, usually for like four hours.

And in school too.

Yeah, I gotta say, I understand.

It's hard.

It's hard to make friends and it's hard to date.

Oh, it's so hard to dig.

Online dating thing, man, the apps.

I'm.

I'm trying, dude.

I sympathize to a T, dude.

If anything, they never work for me.

They never work out.

Yeah, so.

But no, dude.

No, but I had fun, dude.

I definitely had fun.

For a fact.

No, I'm glad.

I'll go out.

Me too.

All right, I'm gonna catch up with you later.

Later, man.

All right, Johnny.

Take care.

Thanks.

Thank you, brother.

Thank you, Jo.