XV
Meet XV, the talented rapper born as Donavan Johnson from Wichita, Kansas. Bitten by the music bug early in life, XV began writing and rapping at a young age. By the time he was in high school, he had already developed a reputation as a gifted emcee.
In 2006, XV released his debut album, Complex, which helped establish him as a rising star in the underground hip-hop scene. The album marked the beginning of his long-running collaboration with producer MIKE SUMMERS [Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Lil' Wayne]. XV followed up with a string of successful mixtapes, including Everybody's Nobody, Vizzy Zone, and Zero Heroes, featuring collaborations with well-known artists such as Wiz Khalifa, Kendrick Lamar, and B.o.B.
Despite his success online, multiple nationwide tours, and even signing a major record deal with Warner Bros., XV never released a major label album and returned to independent releases in 2014. Nevertheless, he continued to work with notable artists and producers, including Statik Selektah, MURS, and Talib Kweli.
XV made a major return in 2024 with his critically acclaimed album Blog Era Is Dead, successfully released through EVEN and later distributed on digital streaming platforms. The album’s impact was amplified by standout singles Ambrosia, For Anybody, and Bang Bus, which gained traction on streaming services, earning placements on major Spotify and Apple Music playlists and surpassing over 1 million album streams on Spotify alone.
In addition to his album's success, XV released the Kansas-driven single and hometown anthem HOME in celebration of the 150-year anniversary of Home on the Range. The song became a breakthrough hit on Kansas radio, solidifying his presence as a cultural ambassador for his home state.
Continuing his independent movement, XV remains a powerhouse performer, headlining his own tours and shows nationwide. His ability to blend nostalgia, introspection, and innovative storytelling with a modern sound has solidified his reputation as a visionary in hip-hop. As he continues to push creative boundaries, XV’s legacy as one of the most talented and influential rappers of his generation continues to grow.