In this episode of Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow, Milwaukee’s own Johnny Franchino  takes us on a journey through his deep-rooted musical DNA, starting with a childhood household that served as a "melting pot" of legendary sounds. He credits his diverse palette to his parents—his mother, who possessed a "beautiful voice," and his father, a former house DJ who infused house music into Johnny's blood long before he was born. This early exposure to greats like Anita Baker, The DeBarge family, Tevin Campbell, Keith Sweat, and James Brown laid the foundation for his later obsession with lyrical heavyweights. Franchino admits he was so consumed by music that his high school composition books were filled with bars instead of math equations, eventually leading him from battle rapping and poetry into a professional career defined by an relentless DIY work ethic.

Franchino’s evolution as an artist is marked by a series of ambitious projects and high-level collaborations that bridge the gap between street lyricism and experimental "spacey" vibes. He famously recorded his 40-track double album, Moon Rocks—split into "Mars" for the fellas and "Venus" for the ladies—in a single weekend, fueled by the influence of Nas, Big Pun, Tupac, and Outkast. Throughout the interview, he shouts out a constellation of collaborators who helped shape his sound, including his "ace" Infamy, producers KC Beats, Laser Smith, and SD Producers, as well as his rock band, The New Grey. Now focusing on his Aesthetix series with Mystic Music, Franchino is eyeing the global stage and major festivals, proving that his "seasoned with Lawry’s" approach and energy are ready for a worldwide audience.