Karl Johnny Black/3.0

Karl “KJ” Johnny Black is a character role-played by Kongfue.
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==Description==
Karl Johnny Black, known as “KJ”, is a businessman, notorious criminal, second in command of Seaside and the former el Capitán for the Vagos. He is Norwegian-American and got the name Karl from his mother's side. His father's hometown is Texas. Often seen with his cowboy hat, KJ can been seen wearing dark clothes, several tattoos and his famous mutton chops. He is known for his "eagle-like" eyesight, razor-sharp honesty, and his infamous "KJ speech". He is a cunning businessman and is known to be very good with handling money. He is his friends' personal "financier" when they needed money for their other loans, businesses, or assets. 
KJ is heavily involved in the materials business through Seacycle and Sionis. KJ's main focus, however, is working with his best-friend Benji Ramos in the gun business, Hades. He is the other half of the Hades duo "Shadow and Squeaky" using the alias "Squeaky" in fronting with business connects to keep his identity safe. KJ can be also be found doing inventory refills with his wife Mari McKay for her business, Hoe Depot, and their shared business Achievement Unlocked. He is also an investor of XTC Entertainment, a record company where Molly Rollin is the CEO. 
KJ is extremely loyal to his chosen family and to people who were there for him at his lowest. He is very principled even as a criminal, keeping his promises and his business connections intact despite conflict. He is fair to his subordinates and treats them equally. He always prioritizes his family, putting them first above himself and his needs.
==Notable Events==
Early Days
Karl Johnny “KJ” Black was a bounty hunter alongside his father, in Texas, when a mission went awry and led to him fleeing the country for his safety. After he arrived in Norway, KJ tried to establish his bounty hunter career but ultimately failed because the city had no need for it. The city in Norway only accommodated private investigators and he didn’t fit that role very well. When KJ realized that he couldn’t continue his bounty hunting career in Norway, he became a mechanic in the city’s car mechanic shop. While working there he made connections and met a group of men called “Mazda Boys” (coined to the group because they were all driving Mazda cars in a variety of colors) who he became friends with and promptly introduced him to a life of crime again. These people knew that he was a bounty hunter back in Texas and therefore wasn’t afraid doing things that were against the law. Eventually, the Mazda Boys got into high crime and bigger businesses that made them the most powerful crew in Norway. KJ was the brain behind the group’s crimes, making sure that the crew didn’t get caught doing their illegal dealings. He was also the one in charge of handling the drug operations for the crew as well as their gun businesses. Eventually, with Interpol on their tail, due to their high profile organized crime, the Mazda Boys found it very difficult to continue their business in the city. KJ flew back to the United States and eventually settled in Los Santos to lay low from Interpol.
Barrio, Gangs, and The Vagos
When KJ arrived in Los Santos, he settled in Jamestown, which is more notoriously called “The Barrio”. KJ did not leave his criminal life behind even after arriving in a new city. He met a group called “Black Betty” that made a huge impression on him and it led him to decide to work for them and climb up the ranks. He did all types of petty crimes for them- selling gold watches, first-class pistols, and robbing houses among others. This all happened while he was living in Jamestown. KJ always saw the different gangs in the south side including the Vagos, the Ballas and the Marabuntas. He was very sociable and was approached multiple times by the gangs that wanted to recruit him. He was also approached by the Aztecas as well as Dundee, leader of the BBMC (No Pixel 2.0), who wanted KJ to join their gang. KJ and Dundee had a big meeting at the docks with former BBMC members like Benji and Reggie, as he was looking to join the BBMC. This was also the same time when KJ lived opposite to the Vagos turf and did work for Arush Patel “Speedy” Santana, leader of the Vagos. KJ was approved to buy an apartment in the South end of the Barrio, which was the cheapest real estate in the city where he eventually came across Speedy, who asked for his help with selling bigger guns like AK-47s. When KJ asked Speedy what it takes to be a Vago, Speedy laughed at him saying that “he needs to do a lot of shit” before being asked to join. Speedy gave tasks to KJ, which he did quite efficiently. He was then invited by Speedy to join the Vagos, despite not being well-liked by the other gang members because he was a “pepega” and made lots of mistakes. At this time, he turned down Dundee and the BBMC to join the Vagos. This was how KJ was recruited into the Vagos, with Speedy being the only one who believed in KJ.
Vagos Life
KJ rolled around the Southside with Arturo, Pablo and Mario. They taught him everything that he needed to know about the Barrio. He worked his way up to be a Soldado and was eventually promoted to the rank of a Capitano because of the way he viewed and handled the Vagos business. Although KJ was disliked by the people in the Vagos, he continuously improved and developed himself into a more empathetic and fair leader. He constantly improved his art of communication towards his peers in the familia, observing what works and what doesn’t. He was also extremely loyal to the Vagos, especially to Speedy, who took him in and believed in him and his abilities.
Towards the end of the old city (2.0), most of the Vagos, including KJ, were sentenced to years in prison.
When the Vagos moved to the new city, KJ got out of prison alongside other members of his familia and they all had to start over, as a gang, When it came to their business, the Vagos had to create connections and Speedy did that very well, with the likes of Benji and KJ as his aides, since they were the next two people in command. KJ was (and still remains) good at creating connections in the city, and was well respected by other gangs and criminals who were doing business with him. KJ also had a very good relationship with their supplier of meth, The Lost M C (their relationship continues to remain steady to this day). He was also in charge of the operations of pushing meth in Jamestown, even implementing a “Taco Truck” front. KJ made it mandatory for the Vagos to wear a disguise while selling meth to protect the familia, especially since they were being investigated under a RICO case and the PD were looking closely into their actions as a gang.
Being a Vagos Capitano had its challenges for KJ. Although he was reliable and efficient when it came to business (fair and thorough with the money that they earned from their drugs and their guns), KJ still struggled with the Vagos’ perception of him; constantly being questioned if he really was a good Capitano, or if he really fit the role to lead most of the Vagos. One of the main problems that they encountered or complained about KJ was his “speech”. KJ was brutally honest and had a hard time sugarcoating his words or “snake-tonguing” the boys when he found something to improve with them.
He also had a few internal fights within the Vagos like with Chino, with Cousin (Speedy’s cousin) after he shot him and his actions even led to a soldado being sent to the ICU after disrespecting him. There was also Leo who constantly terrorized KJ, disrespected him and constantly questioned his authority as a Capitano. This became a big issue for KJ until he got fed up with Leo and he shot him. Speedy stoody by KJ’s side and blooded Leo out because that’s what the latter wanted. Everyone in the Vagos except for Benji understood why KJ did that since Benji himself thought that he was not given the same respect that Speedy gets from the familia. Speedy called for a big meeting to put KJ in some sort of “Trial” and explain his side as to why he shot Leo. The trial went well and ended up with Benji pointing out (and coining) that he was “+1000 speech” during the meeting.
Everything went quite smoothly after that. However, KJ didn’t forget the things he had to put up with while running the main operations and raising money for the familia. His loyalty for the Vagos was so deep that he even bought a warehouse first, before buying his dream car. He always loaned money to the familia and funded Speedy with money and materials for his bench and other Vagos needs. Throughout his Vagos life in the new city, KJ developed a very close bond with Benji (#KENJI4EVER), after the latter supported him while KJ was crucified for not being a good leader. He then promised himself that if Benji, his best friend, ever left the Vagos, he would too.
Throughout KJ’s last months in the Vagos, Benji opened up to KJ about how unhappy he was with the Vagos and he felt like he wanted out. Benji was having a hard time deciding until KJ told him to “just decide whether to leave or not”. Eventually Benji decided that he would finally leave the Vagos. KJ, remaining true to his word, followed suit and was blooded out in front of the familia by a firing squad. Besides him, there were 11 other people in the Vagos who left on their own accord. The boys who KJ mentored and recruited reached out to him to say their goodbyes and told him that they respected him despite leaving the Gang. Arturo reached out to him as well to say his goodbye in secret.
Life After Vagos
After KJ left the Vagos, he told the others that he was not going to join a crew anymore but will always be supportive and protective to the family he chose (These were most of the people who left the Vagos after he followed Benji along with Ash). 
The first few weeks after leaving the gang, KJ did civilian work such as fishing and mining (as he was helping his sister Ash). He also enjoyed gambling in the casino, spinning the wheel and playing black jack at the 25k table (from which he is currently banned thanks to Dice God). He then focused on his business Under Arted (which came to a halt after his sister Cece's passing) and helping Uwu Cafe with their search for the high quality ingredients. During this period, KJ found himself making new friends and connections which was quite enjoyable for this yip yapper. Soon he joined Benji and the others for bank jobs and gun-selling and before he knew it, his small family was getting bigger.
Seaside
Following the birth of Seaside and its gradual growth as an established group in the city, the gang eventually developed an unspoken structure with Benji as the leader and KJ and Ash as his second in command. The trio, nicknamed The Trident, form the highest ranking structure of the gang and have been currently established as people to look up to within the gang and in the city for their leadership, influence and connections. As part of the Trident, it was clear that everyone looked to KJ to be a leader in Benji’s absence alongside Ash. While it was a hard process for Benji to get KJ to accept his position as a second in command, KJ has eventually warmed up to the idea of leading the group alongside his sister and best friend. Nowadays, KJ finds it much easier to express his opinions that affect the group as a whole, be it positive or negative (which can be annoying at times). Leaving his south side Capitano ways behind has been a gradual but hard process for KJ (you can still see bits and pieces of it sometimes), but his unwavering loyalty for Seaside and the Trident itself has allowed himself to grow into the position of a leader within the gang. As Benji’s right hand man, KJ deals with the gang’s day to day operations as well as selling guns to several of his clients throughout the city. KJ’s bluntness and professionalism has ensured steady business and invaluable connections throughout the city. While KJ may not be the best shooter or driver in the gang, he has developed the mindset of trying to better himself and helping out the family in any way he can - bet it by learning to drive better by racing or doing oxy to make sure the family stays stocked for the war. KJ may hate you or love you and he may complain about it but if you’re part of the family, KJ’s got your back. 
When Ash chose to leave Seaside, KJ took it upon himself to step up as the leader everyone needed him to be and held it together by being there for everyone, earning him even more respect and support throughout the family. KJ handled himself with grace and dignity throughout the entire transition which was recognised and praised by Benji, who knew exactly how much KJ had grown as a leader (since doubting his abilities to lead in the Vagos days). 
KJ is currently the second in command of Seaside.
==Romantic History==
===Present===
After his relationship with Mina ended, KJ chose to stay single and focus of helping his family (first the Vagos and then Seaside). With his occasional GIGACHAD-ing and smooth talking, one could find KJ flirting with several women. That was until Mari Mckay entered his life. They started off as acquaintances and eventually became really close friends, with KJ playfully yet respectfully flirting (as she was in a relationship/marriage at the time). This went on for 10-ish months. After Mari left her ex husband due to separate reasons, KJ and Mari both eventually admitted feelings for each other and continued to hangout and give each other space to sort out their feelings. 
On Sep 19 2022 (Sep 20 Australian time), Mari asked KJ on a date that went from a nice boat ride and food to a Seaside family race (gone wrong) and eventually prison. As tsunami crept closer, KJ's accidentally addressed Mari as his "friend" which led to a classic Mari confrontation which ended up with Kari officially being in a relationship. 
KJ and Mari are publicly in a relationship and have admitted to being in love with each other. 
Mari proposed to KJ on May 24 2023 at the Galileo Observatory, gifting him a custom ring and pet dog. KJ accepted before rushing to collect his own engagement ring, purchased for Mari ahead of his own planned proposal.
They got married in June 30, 2023 by the beach, in front of friends and family. Notable guests are Seaside, HOA, Rust, and Flop. Their reception was held at the Liquid Library. KJ gave Mari a Katana as a wedding gift. 
===Past===
*Kendra Davis - dated for eight months (in 2.0)
*Mina Rocket - dated for three months (May 22nd - August 18th, 2021)
==Interests==
KJ is an avid collector of toys from different food establishments around Los Santos. When he's not hanging out with his family or Mari, he is usually seen racing with his BMW or Double T or doing some petty crime. 
In the present, KJ loves to gamba by spinning the wheel, and betting on Big 21 (roulette) 
==Assets==
===Vehicles===
Type 	Photo 	Plate 	Description
Mustang 1965 	 	N/A 	Bought as a replacement for vehicle lost in the car culling of 2023
Mercedes-AMG G 63	199x199px	KJWAGON 	Light blue G-Wagon. Often used by other members of Seaside.
BMW M5 E60 	 	KJTIME 	Previously owned by Vinny Pistone and bought for 800k.
Known for its LOUD engine. Lost in the car culling of 2023
Subaru WRX 	 	KILLJOY 	Vin scratched and converted at H&O.
Lost in the car culling of 2023
News Rumpo 	 	K251134B	Bought for storage (also known as the "9's van")
BD BMX 	 	LWPTRZSM	Used occasionally to bike places when cars are either impounded or not at Tier 3
==Notable Quotes==
*"It's KJ time"
*"Waz Gucci"
*"Orale cabron, welcome to Attack-A-Taco how may I take your order?"
*".....KINDA."
*”...you know?”
*”You see what I mean?”
*"I'm gonna be honest..."
*"Play stupid games...win stupid prizes."
*"But at the same time...."
*" I can sell you sand in Sahara "
*"but why?"
*"How is that my problem?"
*"you're not wrong"
==Songs Featuring KJ==
<spotify uri="spotify:track:3x8mfcLqcXgohOEmzGUUNF?si=fbe8fb2e1dc442fc" height="80" width="400" />	<spotify uri="spotify:track:3oxIrZ2749gggvUHWAWMTG?si=7e443dfa67774977" height="80" width="400" />
<spotify uri="spotify:track:6EgAaenwAMKgVRNgkZJFty?si=eb2fa6187bf74229" height="80" width="400" />	<soundcloud url="https://soundcloud.com/zolo4real/seaside-anthem-zolo-ft-tui" />
<soundcloud url="https://soundcloud.com/pmoneyuk/seaside" /> 	<soundcloud url="https://soundcloud.com/sanauchiha/its-kj-time-whats-gucci-prod-jake-angel-beats" />
<soundcloud url="https://soundcloud.com/paff071/barrio-patrol-ft-arturo-chino" /> 	<soundcloud url="https://soundcloud.com/cryosphere/you-know-who-it-is-feat-char" />
<soundcloud url="https://soundcloud.com/sanauchiha/whats-gucci-demo" /> 	<soundcloud url=" https://soundcloud.com/paff071/esv-song" />
==Music Videos==
File:Old_Los_Santos_-_P_Money_feat._No_Pixel_(Official_Music_Video)|P Money - Old Los Santos
File:P Money - Seaside (Official Music Video) - NoPixel|P Money - Seaside
File:Paff - Casino (A Benji Song) - Official Music Video - NoPixel|Paff - Casino
==Gallery==
Main Page Editors: Cheeky, Warrior