XV (rapper)

Last updated
XV
XV performance Dancefestopia 2013 2014-01-28 00-39.jpg
Johnson in 2013
Background information
Birth nameDonavan LaMond Johnson
Born (1985-07-09) July 9, 1985 (age 38)
Wichita, Kansas, U.S.
Genres Hip hop
Occupation(s)Rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active2000–present
Labels Warner Bros.
Website squarians.com

Donavan LaMond Johnson [1] (born July 9, 1985)[ citation needed ] better known by his stage name XV is an American rapper, singer and songwriter from Wichita, Kansas. He first gained major attention after the release of his twelfth mixtape Everybody's Nobody, for which he received two awards from DJBooth.net. [2] His name, XV, refers to the age (15) at which he began his musical career. [1] On Monday July 26, 2010, XV announced that he had signed a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records via his Twitter page. [3]

Contents

Music career

XV knew he wanted to pursue a career involving music. However, he did not become serious about the venture until a close friend died prior to him entering high school. His moniker, XV, the Roman numeral fifteen, refers to his age at the time he began his musical career. [4] He graduated from Wichita Southeast High School in 2003. XV worked with producer Michael "Seven" Summers from 2005 to 2012, but since then the two have had a falling-out. [5]

After releasing Everybody's Nobody, XV received national attention and subsequently signed a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records on July 26, 2010, which he announced via his Twitter account. Although two other labels were vying for the artist, he chose Warner Brothers stating he felt the label had room to expand. [5] [6] In an interview with HipHop DX, XV stated that his album The Kid with the Green Backpack was aimed to be released in the first quarter of 2013 with Just Blaze serving as the executive producer. The album was never released. [5]

Mixtapes

The Square in the Circle

On July 8, 2008, XV released the mixtape Planet Squaria: The Square in the Circle as a free download. [7] Most of the mixtape was produced by Summers, accompanied by samples of electronica bands Chromeo and Freezepop, and rock bands Gorillaz and Smashing Pumpkins. The mixtape also featured Lil' Wayne.

40 Days & 40 Nights

XV released a new song every morning and night for 40 days (80 tracks total) as a project for his blog. Afterwards he compiled the series into a mixtape available as a free download which featured both the morning and night songs in chronological order of their release dates. [8] The mixtape included artists such as Usher, The Killers, Mickey Factz, Cory Gunz, Tyga, Wiz Khalifa, Kanye West, 88-Keys, and Flobots amongst others. There were 15 original tracks mixed in with the remixes and freestyles recorded over already-made beats.

Everybody's Nobody

XV's released Everybody's Nobody on July 31, 2009. The mixtape was hosted by DJ Enuff, mixed by DJ Benzi, and presented by Subconscious Threads and received 2500 downloads within the first 12 hours. [9] [10] Features include Wiz Khalifa, Big Sean, Colin Munroe, Harlem's Cash, and Ne-Yo. Most of the mixtape is produced by Seven. [11] The song "Mirror's Edge" was premiered by DJ Enuff on New York City's top Rap/Hip-Hop radio station Hot 97 (WQHT) on July 3, 2009. [12] The mixtape was also reviewed by DJBooth.net. [13]

Everybody's Nobody was the first mixtape that helped XV gain fame outside of Kansas. Although the mix tape did not receive immediate acclaim, it has now been downloaded over 30,000 times. [14] XV said of it, "I think that Everybody’s Nobody was it. I felt it was before I made it, I felt it was before it was released, when I sat there and watched the comments, and I saw the posts – and I still see, to this day, people sayin’, “I just heard of this dude XV. Download Everybody’s Nobody – this sh*t is crazy!" Like, seeing that on different days, and that came out July 31, and it's 2010, and people are still finding it – I feel like, that's what skyrocketed me to become XV. That was the project." [15]

It has been stated that DJ Benzi will be remixing the mixtape under the new title Everybody's Nobody: We Got the Remix!. [16] [17]

Vizzy Zone

XV teamed up with DJ Ill Will & DJ Rockstar to produce Vizzy Zone . The project included all original production as well as features from the likes of Mike Posner, Talib Kweli, Bun B, Chiddy Bang, GLC, Colin Munroe, Killer Mike, and Mac Miller. Vizzy Zone, like Everybody's Nobody, received over 30,000 downloads. [18] XV explained that he made Vizzy Zone for his fans to DJBooth. He said, "This one I’m really doin’ for my fans. I'm not doin’ it for my fans as far as, them just wanting music from me... And with me bein’ in the position I'm in right now, I need to hit them with something they can bump, since Everybody's Nobody came out seven, eight months ago. So that's my ultimate plan: give them some good music that follows up Everybody’s Nobody and that's as good as Everybody’s Nobody, while I prepare The Kid with the Green Backpack which, right now, is amazing." Vizzy Zone still received strong reviews, but many believe that it wasn't good enough to follow up Everybody's Nobody. [15]

Zero Heroes

On April 15, 2011, XV released Zero Heroes. Critics have said it is the best XV release to date, and one of the top 2011 mixtapes. The mixtape features Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy, Donnis, Kendrick Lamar, Cyhi Da Prynce, Vado, and more, along with Production from J. Cole, Just Blaze, Omen, The Awesome Sound, Swiff D, The Lieutenant, and of course longtime production partner Seven. Days later after the release, a bonus song came out entitled "Famous", featuring Jazmine Sullivan & Sez Batters. The mixtape has received over 120,000 downloads and 2 records in the Top 20 on The Hype Machine.

Popular Culture

On June 15, 2012, XV released Popular Culture. The mixtape features Slim The Mobster, Raja, B.o.B, Emilio Rojas, ScHoolboy Q, and XV's brother Sez Batters. Production from The Awesome Sound, Xaphoon Jones, D. Good, DJ Tech-Neek, TNGHT, and Odd Couple. The mixtape has received over 90,000 downloads.

Madness Begins (EP)

On March 18, 2014, XV released Madness Begins (EP). The mixtape has no feature but really good productions from The Awesome Sound, Zuki, Jay Beatz, Big Jerm and Childish Gambino. XV announces it's just the beginning of a series of projects.

March Madness Vol.2 : Sweet Sixteen

On March 21, 2014, just 2 days after Madness Begins (EP), XV released March Madness Vol.2 : Sweet Sixteen. On this mixtape, XV spits 16 new verses over 16 different bars and takes beats from 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G., Kanye West, Wiz Khalifa, J. Cole, Pharrell Williams and more.

Musical style and influences

XV's musical style employs the use of soulful, old school beats combined with a "futuristic twist". [1] His voice is described as "youthful yet deep [with] a refreshing articulation", drawing comparisons to Drake. [1] In an interview with Spinner, XV described his music as universal as he employs melodic beats but includes "heavy and hard hitting drums which keeps the hard and street essence of hip hop instilled in the music". [4] He continued that his lyrics reflect his charismatic personality and he enjoys to play on words and create different song concepts. [4] He also revealed his fascination with video games. [4] One of his more popular songs, "Mirror's Edge", was inspired by the video game of the same name. He said, "The song isn't talking about the video game, I just felt it fit the same mood as that video game and I liked the fact that the game was about running free and defying laws of gravity in real life". He also created the song "Final Fantasy XV", which alludes to the Final Fantasy video game franchise, particularly Final Fantasy VII . [4] In an interview with HipHop DX, XV described how he enjoys collaborating with other artists and learning about their styles and incorporating elements of them within his own. [5] He cites fellow artists Andre 3000, Rivers Cuomo from Weezer, Jay-Z, John Mayer, Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco as inspirations for his music. [4]

Discography

Studio albums

EPs

TitleEP details
Awesome EP!
Day Ones
  • Released: June 5, 2019
  • Format: digital download

Mixtapes

Singles

List of singles, showing year released and album name
TitleYearAlbum
"Awesome" [23]
(XV featuring Pusha T)		2011Zero Heroes and Awesome EP!

Related Research Articles

Lateef Daumont, better known by his stage name Lateef the Truthspeaker, or mononymously as Lateef, is a hip hop artist from Oakland, California. He is a member of several hip hop groups such as Latyrx, Lateef and the Chief, and the Mighty Underdogs. He was the founding member of the Solesides collective, which became Quannum Projects.

Ramone Johnson, better known by his stage name Cashis, is an American rapper who was born and raised in Chicago, but moved to Irvine, California. He was most notably featured on the Shady Records album Eminem Presents: The Re-Up with Eminem and the record label, and released The County Hound EP in 2007. The County Hound EP sold 6,700 copies in its first week and debuted on the US Billboard 200 at number 106. He's best known for appearing on Eminem's song, "You Don't Know", featuring 50 Cent and Lloyd Banks.

Izza Kizza is an American hip hop recording artist and MC, currently signed to Timbaland's Mosley Music Group label. He is known for creating mixes with an eclectic flow and versatile style, recalling some of hip-hop's most playful moments.

<i>The Darkside Vol. 1</i> 2010 studio album by Fat Joe

The Darkside Vol. 1 is the tenth studio album by American rapper Fat Joe. The album was released July 27, 2010 by Terror Squad Entertainment and E1 Music. The album's production was handled by Cool & Dre, Streetrunner, DJ Infamous, Just Blaze, Scram Jones, DJ Premier, Raw Uncut, and Scoop DeVille, among others. The album also featured guest appearances came from Trey Songz, Too Short, R. Kelly, Cam'ron, Clipse, Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yelawolf</span> American rapper from Alabama

Michael Wayne Atha, better known by his stage name Yelawolf, is an American rapper. Born in Alabama and raised in Tennessee and Alabama, he embarked on his career independently in 2005, releasing one extended play (EP) and four mixtapes until 2010. It was not until 2010's Trunk Muzik EP that Yelawolf started to gain mainstream attention, culminating with Yelawolf signing a deal with Interscope Records. His first release on a major label was a reworking of Trunk Muzik, titled Trunk Muzik 0-60 (2010).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jay Rock discography</span>

American rapper Jay Rock has released three studio albums, 10 mixtapes, 12 singles and 30 music videos.

<i>The Appeal: Georgias Most Wanted</i> 2010 studio album by Gucci Mane

The Appeal: Georgia's Most Wanted is the seventh studio album by American rapper Gucci Mane. It was released on September 28, 2010, by 1017 Brick Squad Records, Warner Bros. Records and Asylum Records. It serves as a sequel to his previous studio release The State vs. Radric Davis (2009), which was released after the Atlanta rapper's incarceration from prison. The album debuted at number 4 on the US Billboard 200, with first-week sales of 61,450 copies; it has sold an estimated 169,500 copies as of the week ending of August 21, 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wiz Khalifa discography</span>

American rapper Wiz Khalifa has released seven studio albums, one compilation album, one soundtrack album, three extended plays (EP), two collaborative albums, 84 singles, sixteen promotional singles, twenty-one mixtapes, and 82 music videos. After signing to independent record label Rostrum Records at a young age, Khalifa released his first mixtape Prince of the City: Welcome to Pistolvania, and his first studio album, Show and Prove (2006). Following the release of Show and Prove, Warner Bros. Records signed Khalifa in 2007 as part of a joint deal with Rostrum. At Warner, Khalifa released the singles "Youngin' on His Grind" and "Say Yeah". The latter became his first song to appear on a Billboard chart, peaking at number 20 on the US Hot Rap Songs. Disagreements with Warner over the release of a purported major-label debut album led Khalifa to departed from the label, and release his second studio album Deal or No Deal in 2009 on Rostrum Records alone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Waka Flocka Flame discography</span>

The discography of Waka Flocka Flame, an American rapper, consists of two studio albums, 41 singles and 28 mixtapes. His highest-charting single, "No Hands" featuring Roscoe Dash and Wale, peaked at number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kid Ink</span> American rapper and record producer (born 1986)

Brian Todd Collins, known professionally as Kid Ink, is an American rapper, singer-songwriter and record producer. He released his debut independent album Up & Away in 2012, following an EP titled Almost Home, and his first major studio album My Own Lane in 2014. The latter spawned the singles "Show Me", "Iz U Down", and "Main Chick". On February 3, 2015, he released his third studio album Full Speed, which spawned the singles "Body Language", "Hotel", and "Be Real".

Carlos Coleman, better known by his stage name King Los or simply Los, is an American rapper. He originally signed to Yung Berg Label & Bad Boy Records during the 2005 in conjunction with his Bloc Incorporated record deal. After his deal fell through he returned to releasing music independently. Los signed to Diddy's Bad Boy Records again in February 2012, which is now distributed by Interscope Records. However, in March 2014, he would announce that he was again leaving Bad Boy and After Platinum Interscope. He is currently signed to Hitmaka's Yung Fly Movement label.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dizzy Wright</span> American rapper

La'Reonte Wright, known professionally as Dizzy Wright, is an American rapper and record producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Killer Mike discography</span>

The discography of American rapper and recording artist Killer Mike consists of six studio albums, three collaborative albums, five mixtapes and eleven singles.

<i>God Willn</i> 2013 mixtape by Juelz Santana

God Will'n is the seventh mixtape by American rapper Juelz Santana, released on January 14, 2013. It is Santana's first solo project since 2005. The mixtape features guest appearances from Jadakiss, Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Fabolous, Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, Lloyd Banks, Future, Jeremih, Jim Jones, Wale and Bounce. With production coming from Sha Money XL and Jahlil Beats, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jarren Benton</span> American rapper

Jarren Giovanni Benton, is an American rapper from Decatur, Georgia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Webby</span> American rapper

Christian Walcott Webster, better known by his stage name Chris Webby, is an American rapper from Norwalk, Connecticut. Chris Webby has released many mixtapes such as the DJ Drama-hosted Bars On Me (2012) and his EP There Goes the Neighborhood (2011), which peaked at number 101 on the Billboard 200. He has worked with various artists such as Freeway, Mac Miller, Joell Ortiz, Big K.R.I.T., Method Man, Apathy, Prodigy, Bun B, Tech N9ne, Jarren Benton, and Kid Ink. In 2013 he and his label, Homegrown Music, signed a deal with E1 Music. He then released Homegrown, another EP, in November 2012. Webster released his debut studio album Chemically Imbalanced on October 27, 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jon Connor</span> American rapper from Michigan

Jon Kevin Freeman Jr., better known by his stage name Jon Connor, is an American rapper and record producer. Connor has released various mixtapes and an album effort during his career including the Jay-Z inspired The Blue Album, and the Eminem inspired The People's Rapper LP. His debut studio album, Unconscious State was released in 2013. Shortly thereafter, he was signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment from 2013 to 2019, where he did not release an album. In 2015, he garnered notoriety for being featured on Dr. Dre's album Compton (2015) as well as The Game's album The Documentary 2.5 (2015).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skeme</span> American rapper (born 1990)

Lonnie Kimble, better known by his stage name Skeme, is an American rapper from Inglewood, California. Skeme has collaborated with various West Coast rappers such as the group Black Hippy, Bizzy Bone, The Game, Dom Kennedy, Nipsey Hussle, E-40, Casey Veggies and Problem among others. In 2012, Skeme released his debut studio album Alive & Living under RBC Records. His second studio album Ingleworld was released in 2013 by MADE Headlines.

The discography of American hip hop recording artist Gunplay, consists of two studio albums, three compilation albums, ten mixtapes, and eleven singles. He has also released and recorded music with Southern hip hop group, Triple C's.

Brian Honeycutt, best known by his stage name Kobe or Kobe Honeycutt, is an American R&B singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, he is perhaps best known for his collaborations with American rapper Eminem, including 2010's "Talkin' 2 Myself" and "Cinderella Man", as well as 2014's "Die Alone".

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Highfill, Samantha (September 30, 2010). "Up-and-coming rapper 15 brings a fresh sound to hip-hop". Vox Magazine. Archived from the original on July 2, 2011. Retrieved December 25, 2011.
  2. ↑ Best New Artist (Unsigned/Independent) of 2009. DJBooth.net. Retrieved on 2011-12-10.
  3. ↑ Source, The (July 26, 2007). "XV Signs To Warner Bros". The Source. Archived from the original on July 24, 2011. Retrieved July 26, 2010.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Needham, Rob (February 24, 2010). "XV Interview: SXSW 2010". Spinner. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved December 26, 2011.
  5. 1 2 3 4 Graham, Nadine (October 17, 2011). "XV Confirms Just Blaze Will Executive Produce "The Kid With The Green Backpack"". HipHop DX. Archived from the original on December 21, 2011. Retrieved December 26, 2011.
  6. ↑ Koroma, Salima (July 26, 2010). "XV Signs With Warner Bros". HipHop DX. Archived from the original on July 2, 2011. Retrieved December 26, 2011.
  7. ↑ "The Square in the Circle free download". TheCoolUniverse.com.
  8. ↑ XV: 40 Days and 40 Nights complete Archived January 9, 2010, at the Wayback Machine at TheCoolUniverse.com
  9. ↑ Everybody's Nobody Archived January 12, 2010, at the Wayback Machine at TheCoolUniverse.com
  10. ↑ XV profile at TripleTimeX1.com
  11. ↑ DJ RTC XV: Everybody's Nobody Cover Art/Tracklisting. 21 July 2009
  12. ↑ XV: Mirror's Edge at DJBooth.net
  13. ↑ Review of Everybody's Nobody at DJBooth.net
  14. ↑ XV – Everybody's Nobody Hosted by DJ Enuff, DJ Benzi // Free Mixtape @. Datpiff.com (2011-12-05). Retrieved on 2011-12-10.
  15. 1 2 XV Interview. Djbooth.net. Retrieved on 2011-12-10.
  16. ↑ XV – Mirror’s Edge (prod. Seven) [Radio Rip] | 2dopeboyz Archived July 7, 2009, at the Wayback Machine . 2dopeboyz.okayplayer.com. Retrieved on 2011-12-10.
  17. ↑ XV feat. Freddie Gibbs & Shawn Chrystopher – Me, You (Remix). Nah Right (2010-01-06). Retrieved on 2011-12-10.
  18. ↑ XV – Vizzy Zone Hosted by Dj Ill Will & Dj Rockstar // Free Mixtape @. Datpiff.com (2011-12-05). Retrieved on 2011-12-10.
  19. ↑ Winter Wolves by XV & MIKE SUMMERS, 2022-03-04, retrieved 2022-03-13
  20. ↑ "iTunes – Music – Awesome EP! – EP by XV". iTunes Store . Retrieved November 5, 2012.
  21. ↑ XV. "Zero Heroes". MixBoot. Archived from the original on 17 May 2014. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
  22. ↑ XV. "Popular Culture". MixBoot. Retrieved 17 May 2014.
  23. ↑ "iTunes – Music – Awesome (feat. Pusha T) – Single by XV". iTunes Store . Apple . Retrieved November 5, 2012.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.