EARTHGANG's Johnny Venus Releases Emotional Solo Single 'I Want You Back'

The Atlanta rapper opens up about heartbreak and vulnerability on his new track.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:24pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled, glittering gold sequin fabric, shot in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to create a luxurious, high-fashion aesthetic.Johnny Venus' vulnerable new single 'I Want You Back' showcases the EARTHGANG rapper's emotional depth and exploration of classic soul and R&B sounds.Atlanta Today

Johnny Venus, one half of the Grammy-nominated rap duo EARTHGANG, is stepping out on his own with the release of his new single 'I Want You Back.' The emotional, guitar-driven ballad is a raw plea for a second chance at a lost love, with Venus' soaring falsetto conveying the weight of his regrets. Produced by Dominique Sanders, the track was written by fellow artist Baby Tate and marks the beginning of Venus' exploration of more R&B, soul, and funk influences on his upcoming debut solo album.

Why it matters

As a member of the acclaimed experimental hip-hop group EARTHGANG, Johnny Venus has built a reputation for genre-blending and uncompromising artistry. 'I Want You Back' represents a new, more vulnerable side of the artist as he ventures out on his own, tapping into the classic soul and R&B sounds that have long informed his music. The track's emotional resonance is likely to resonate with listeners, showcasing Venus' growth as a songwriter and performer.

The details

On 'I Want You Back,' Johnny Venus lays bare his regrets over a lost relationship, pleading for a second chance to make things right. Produced by Dominique Sanders, the track features Venus' soaring falsetto over a wistful, guitar-driven backdrop. The song was written by fellow artist Baby Tate, who Venus credits with capturing the raw, honest emotion of the track. As he prepares his debut solo album, Venus is exploring a deeper dive into R&B, soul, and funk influences, building on the genre-blending sound he's honed with EARTHGANG.

  • The single 'I Want You Back' was released on April 3, 2026.

The players

Johnny Venus

One half of the Grammy-nominated experimental rap duo EARTHGANG, who is now embarking on a solo career and exploring more R&B, soul, and funk influences in his music.

Baby Tate

A Grammy-nominated artist who wrote the emotional ballad 'I Want You Back' for Johnny Venus.

Dominique Sanders

The Grammy-nominated producer who produced Johnny Venus' new single 'I Want You Back.'

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What they’re saying

“It's so raw and passionate. The song is a plea for a second chance. It's about a man who realizes that he's wrong and openly admits his mistakes to his partner. He vows that he'll do anything to make it right.”

— Johnny Venus, EARTHGANG member

“Love needs fighters, people willing to risk it all. The most impactful music to me is the raw stuff; the fearless songs where we stand bravely in our truth. I think this is just that.”

— Johnny Venus, EARTHGANG member

“The song was written for me by the artist Baby Tate. She's phenomenal.”

— Johnny Venus, EARTHGANG member

What’s next

As Johnny Venus gears up for the release of his debut solo album, fans can expect more emotionally raw and vulnerable tracks that showcase the artist's exploration of classic soul, R&B, and funk influences.

The takeaway

With 'I Want You Back,' Johnny Venus is proving himself to be a versatile and introspective artist, unafraid to bare his soul and venture into new sonic territories beyond his work with EARTHGANG. The track's raw honesty and emotional resonance suggest an exciting new chapter in the artist's evolution.