Truth2TheYouth concert Saturday in Williamsburg

Johnny Bargo, known in the music world as JohnnyB, will headline a Christian hip-hop show Saturday in Williamsburg.

A local hip-hop artist is on a mission to deliver truth to the youth, and that includes the sometimes-ugly truth about his own life.

Thirty-three-year-old John Bargo, known in the music world as JohnnyB, will be taking the stage at the Williamsburg National Guard Armory Saturday as the headliner at the Truth2TheYouth hip hop event.

Bargo, who attended school at Corbin and Williamsburg, said he was heavily into hip-hop music in his youth just like many of the younger people are today.

However, Bargo was also into drugs and that led him to jail.

“In my teen years I was pretty wild and got into some legal trouble,” Bargo explained.

“I was raised in church and got wild,” Bargo added. “Then I realized my life was headed nowhere and just decided to give the Lord a shot.”

Bargo said that was the start of the long road back and in 2006 he was saved.

With hip hop music continuing to include lewd and suggestive lyrics, Bargo said his goal has been to give teens a positive alternative.

“My music was filthy,” Bargo said of the hip-hop he created in his younger days. “I decided to take my love of that style of music and give these kids something better to listen to.”

“It is a good tool to reach the masses of youth,” Bargo added.

Bargo’s new music has started developing a following.

The song “Do You Remember,” the lyrics of which talks about remembering the good times as children when hatred wasn’t no so prevalent in the world and trying to get back to that, has gotten play on 15 internet radio stations.

Following that, Bargo’s single “Change,” spreads the message that positive change is needed in the world and it is time to make those changes happen.

I’m trying to help our youth understand the way of love and peace in a land of corruption and evil desires,” Bargo said.

Bargo said change is one of the things Truth2The Youth is trying to bring about in the area.

“We don’t have anything, especially in Williamsburg, for the youth,” Bargo said.

“We are trying to get stuff in our town that will attract the kids and keep them out of trouble,” said Lisa Sanders, who is working to organize the event.

Along with JohnnyB, the show will feature fellow hip-hop artist Mac Seven.

In addition, Neal Sears, who attended Williamsburg High School in 2001, will give his personal testimony.

Tickets to the event are $10 each with children eight years old and under admitted free with an adult. Groups of 10 or more will qualify for a discounted rate.

“Some of the proceeds will be going to help a family whose house was burned to the ground,” Bargo said. “We are going to be helping them get back on their feet.”

More information is available on Facebook at Truth2theyouth.