Today we’d like to introduce you to Roselyn Johnson.
Roselyn, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Roselyn Johnson, but I go by Roz. I was born in Monrovia, Liberia, and came to the U.S. through New York when I was three. I’ve been in Minnesota for most of my life, and Brooklyn Park in particular really shaped me. It’s often called “Little Liberia” because of the strong Liberian community there, and growing up in that culture had a big influence on who I am.
Music has always been a part of my life. I grew up in church, and that’s where I really found my voice—I always felt like God could hear me more deeply when I sang. I spent a lot of time freestyling with my cousins, so in a way, music started at home. At first, I didn’t think of it as something I wanted to pursue professionally—it was just always in me.
Back in 2011, I started managing a friend who could really sing. She was incredibly talented, and together we gained close to a million views on YouTube, which was huge at the time. That experience opened my eyes to the music world and made me realize that I had a gift too. I’d always been a strong writer and freestyler, so I began taking my own artistry seriously.
When COVID hit, I went through a very difficult time, losing people close to me. I turned to music as a way to pour out my pain, happiness, and thoughts. Since 2020, I’ve committed to being consistent with creating, whether it’s writing, recording, or performing. For me, it’s never been about money—it’s about passion, expression, and truth. Over time, I’ve also realized: I’m really good at this, and I have something to share.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I would say it hasn’t been a smooth road, but one thing I’ve learned is that the journey is better than the destination—and I have to remind myself of that often. Financial barriers have probably been my biggest challenge, but I know that’s something universal. I try to make up for it by thinking outside the box, forming real relationships, and connecting with resources—not to use people, but to pour into each other and grow together.
It does get frustrating at times when I feel like, “Man, I’m so talented, I’m putting in the work, why isn’t it sticking yet?” But I always shift my mindset back to the real reason I do this. My art and my passion have to be my drive, not acknowledgment or head nods. That’s not how I measure my success.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m an artist, and I specialize in being authentic—whether that’s through my music or in real life. I think I’m known for my lyricism, my melodies, and my ability to tell a story in a way people can really feel.
I’m most proud of how far I’ve come and the fact that I never gave up. I started out writing and rapping in my sister’s and friends’ houses, and now I’m producing physical art that continues to grow. I know this is only the beginning and it will only get better from here.
What sets me apart is the simple truth that there’s literally no one like me. My thoughts, my energy, my DNA—I’m 1 of 1. I don’t box myself in, and I put my heart on my sleeve with everything I do.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory has to be watching my mom drink those canned V8 drinks. I always wanted one because it looked so cold and refreshing with condensation on it. One day, we were in traffic, and she had a can. I wanted it so badly that when she looked away, I grabbed it to take a sip—only to realize it was just tomato juice! I was so disappointed, thinking, “How did she make this look so good?” I’ve always admired my mom and looked up to her, and I’ll never forget her reaction—she laughed so hard, like she knew I was going to try that day.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ros_zor
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@bigroznotthelilone
- Other: https://youtube.com/@bandofilms
