LED strip keeps blowing transistor
Most 2n2222 transistors have a max Ic collector current of 800mA. If each LED (only one color) drew 20mA and you had 60 (usually what a 2m strip has) of them that would be 1.2A which means you'll burn the transistor out. If your using this with a controller, then it could source amps of current which will also kill the transistor.

The other problem with modifying the schematic is NPN's are lossy and generate loads of heat under high currents. It would be better if you stuck with the original irlb8721's as a low side switch.   They must be used as a low side switch and not high side.