Donovan Johnson (born July 9, 1985) 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. In which he received two awards from DJBooth.net. His name, XV, refers to the age (15) at which he began to create music. On Monday July 26, 2010, XV, announced that he signed a Recording contract with Warner Bros. Records via his Twitter page.
Career
Since 2008, XV has obtained his following through hip-hop blogs and his use of Twitter. Much of XV's work has been done alongside fellow Kansas native and producer Michael "Seven" Summers (Tech N9ne, Mac Lethal).[4][5] On Monday July 26, 2010, XV, announced that he finalized and signed a Recording contract with Warner Bros. Records via his Twitter page. His upcoming mixtape is set to drop on September 9, 2010.[6]
[edit] Mixtape: 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 band Smashing Pumpkins. The mixtape also featured Lil Wayne.
[edit] Mixtape: 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.[8] 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.[9] 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.
Mixtape: Everybody's Nobody
XV's released his most recent effort "Everybody's Nobody" on July 31, 2009. The mixtape was hosted by DJ Enuff, mixed by DJ Benzi, and presented by Subconcious Threads and received 2500 downloads within the first 12 hours.[10][11] Features include Wiz Khalifa, Big Sean, Colin Munroe, Harlem's Cash, and Ne-Yo. Most of the mixtape is produced by Seven.[12] 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.[13] The mixtape was also reviewed by DJBooth.net.[14]
It has been stated that DJ Benzi will be remixing the mixtape under the new title 'Everybody's Nobody: We Got the Remix!'.[15][16]
[edit] The Kid With The Green Backpack
XV and Seven entered the studio in 2008 to begin working on a new album "The Kid With The Green Backpack", a concept album inspired by Johnson's inability to comply with everyday style and ideas in school. Throughout middle school, XV was commonly known amongst his peers as 'the kid with the green backpack', as they were unaware of his actual name.[17] XV documented assorted studio visits with YouTube videos "Making TKWTGB", complete with live brass and string instruments.[18] The studio album has not yet been released, however it is scheduled for a 2011 release.[19]
Discography
Mixtapes
* 2006: "The Definition"
* 2006: "The Definition II"
* 2006: "The Complex Experiment, Vol. 1"
* 2007: "The Definition III"
* 2007: "The Complex Experiment, Vol. 2"
* 2007: "The Complex Experiment, Vol. 3"
* 2007: "The Definition IV"
* 2008: "Recycle Bin"
* 2008: "Planet Squaria: The Square in the Circle"
* 2008: "40 Days/ 40 Nights"
* 2009: "Please, Hold"
* 2009: "Everybody's Nobody"
* 2010: "30 Minute Layover"
* 2010:
"Vizzy Zone"
°
[edit] Albums
* 2006: "Complex"
* 2011: "The Kid With The Green Backpack"
