Feeling like he was neglecting his Southern Funk/Rock upbringing passed down from his parents from Kentucky and North Carolina, he felt inspired for something new and exciting to develop—ultimately settling in on a new found passion.

Bass guitarist and all-around producer, Tone Whitfield a.k.a. Grumpy Smurf, has produced numerous songs for Bilal, Meshell Ndegeocello, Zap Mama, and others. Contrast to Hezekiah’s hip-hop background, Grumpy Smurf has always been a rock purist with an open mind.

Today, JOHNNY POPCORN is a crow on a mission. An alter ego that was inspired by Hez and Tone, who would jokingly put down fake names on open mic lists. When the host called out JOHNNY POPCORN, the crowd would chuckle in amusement. “I think we have a name for a band,” says Tone Whitfield.

If it’s riff-heavy, rolls off the tongue and is more filling, then it’s Johnny Popcorn.