5.24.2023
CNN Mikey Signs with Polo G’s ODA (Only Dreamers Achieve) Label, in JV with 25/7 Songs
The Toledo Rapper Shares “For My People” Video Single
The Young Rapper Shows Off the Honest Lyricism and Natural Melodic Ability That Impressed Polo G, As He Brings Out His Toledo, OH Community for a Heartwarming Video
The Announcement:
Processing his pain with heartfelt melodies, CNN Mikey represents Toledo, Ohio to the fullest. Today, the 21-year-old rapper announces his signing to ODA (Only Dreamers Achieve), the label founded by Polo G, in a joint venture with 25/7 Songs, the newly created label and publishing arm of LA based 25/7 Management (founders include Mike Maloian and Patrick MacDonald). Blessed with a tuneful, yet conversational delivery, Mikey’s strong sense of storytelling about his life of struggle and the steps he takes to overcome endeared him to Polo. His serendipitous rise from abject poverty to potential rap stardom make him a perfect fit on Only Dreamers Achieve.
Polo and Mikey announced the new signing this week on The Cruz Show, on L.A.’s 92.3 station.
Growing up in South Toledo, Mikey bounced between trailer parks and public housing. His parents suffered from addiction issues–a topic that Mikey returns to in his music and on social media–meaning Mikey needed to grow up fast. He found solace in music as an outlet to exercise his demons, and his infectious and affecting songs quickly won hearts in his city’s fledgling rap scene, and eventually Mikey moved to L.A. to pursue music full time. Mikey caught the attention of Polo G the old fashioned way–he spotted Polo with his brother Trench Baby at LAX, approached them and asked them to listen to his music. Though they were hesitant at first, Mikey convinced them to listen to one of his songs. The Capalot twosome were immediately hooked, and within six months, Mikey had a deal in place with ODA.
Mikey’s new video single and ODA debut, “For My People,” is an anthem dedicated to his family, friends, and supporters and ashowcase of the natural ability and engaging storytelling that endeared him to Polo G that fateful day at LAX. Produced by Major 7, JHURLY & Omar Grand, the song is blessed with spindly guitar melodies and thumping 808s that set the scene for Mikey’s soul-baring bars. Switching between athletic flows on the verses and a bouncy, octave-leaping hook, Mikey is an open book, speaking on his love for his mother and sister, and worries for their safety: “Mama’s stuck, she’s overdosing, this one ain’t the first time / Every day I think about your death, I’m glad you still alive.” Towards the end of the song, the heavens open in the form of romantic violins and past despair transforms into hope for the future.
In the video, Mikey shines a spotlight on life in his Rust Belt hometown, examining his past and showing how people in Toledo live. Directed by Boomin Films, the video finds the young rapper traveling through his past in a red pickup, reflecting on his hard times and reveling in the support of his city’s community. As high as he might rise in his career, CNN Mikey will never forget where he came from.
With his new label deal and much more music on the way, CNN Mikey never takes an opportunity for granted. Expect big things from CNN Mikey in the near future.
Watch “For My People”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6BKRrGoqkU
Stream “For My People”: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/cnnmikey/for-my-people
Check out the signing announcement at Billboard HERE
Photo credit: Swaggy Nick
Polo G & CNN Mikey
(Photo credit: Benji Allen)
Please contact Michelle, Kerry, or Chris for more info.
Links:
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“For My People”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6BKRrGoqkU