Johnny Polygon
Encyclopedia
Johnny Polygon is an American
rapper and singer. He first gained attention with his video for a song called “Bag”, which ultimately led to him being signed to DJ Green Lantern
’s Future Green Entertainment label. In 2009 he released his first EP entitled Group Hug. On February 14, 2010 Johnny released an official mixtape, Rebel Without Applause, which features his single “The Riot Song”. Johnny has also worked with Nas
, Kid Cudi
, Amanda Diva
, and Gabe Real. As of April 1, 2010, Johnny decided to drop from his label and continue on as an independent artist.
, Johnny Polygon first gained notice on a local battle scene. Looking for something more, he moved to Hollywood to pursue his music career. It was in Los Angeles
where Johnny met Nathan Morse, who approached him about making a music video for his song “Bag”. The video was eventually entered into an online competition and gained notice from DJ Green Lantern
. Liking what he heard and saw, in 2008 Green Lantern signed Johnny to his label Future Green Entertainment.
he moved to New York
where they recorded a song together called, “Price on Your Head” which is featured in 2008’s Grand Theft Auto 4 and its soundtrack. That same year Johnny was featured on Nas
’ 2008 Untitled
album, singing the chorus for the song “Black President
”.
’s Inaugural Address, performing “Black President
” with Nas
. That same year he released his first EP Group Hug on Invasion Records. On July 17, 2009 Johnny was featured in Vapors Magazine
and on September 14 he was again featured in YRB Magazine. Johnny also made a cameo appearance in Kid Cudi
’s video for “Pursuit of Happiness
”.
Johnny’s “Riot Song” is also featured on HBO’s 2010 series How to Make it in America
and its mixtape, “How to Make it in America Mixtape” presented by Kid Cudi
, DJ Green Lantern
, and Broke Mogul. During the intro of the track Cudi states that Johnny is “…the illest up and coming artists”. Kid Cudi is featured on Rebel Without Applause, performing a remix with Johnny to “The Riot Song”.
Presented by DJ Green Lantern
and Karmaloop.com, Johnny released an official mixtape on February 14, 2010 titled Rebel Without Applause. The album features guest appearances by Kid Cudi
, Amanda Diva
, and Gabe Real. Following his mixtape release, a video for “The Riot Song” debuted on February 23. The video is a Wile E. Coyote & Roadrunner inspired live action cartoon, using over 3,000 real paper cut outs to tell the story, with no repeating images.
On March 31, 2010 Johnny went on Los Angeles
’ KPWR
's POWER 106 FM THE TAKEOVER with the LA Leakers and DJ Reflex. During the show he performed a freestyle over The Black Eyed Peas
' Imma Be
. In the July 2010 issue of Oklahoma Magazine Johnny had a featured spread. Johnny made an appearance on the Dead Prez
song, NYPD, which was in the 2010 movie Brooklyn’s Finest.
During a show in Los Angeles on April 1, 2010, Johnny announced to his fans that he was moving forward as an independent artist.
Johnny's video for "The Riot Song" premiered on MTV2
’s show subterranean on July 28, 2010 Also in late July, “The Riot Song” music video was added VH1 Soul
and mtvU
Following the release of his video of “The Riot Song” on MTV
eventually breaking MTV
's Top 100 peaking at #8.
On November 16, 2010, Polygon released an official 30-track mixtape presented by Orisue, titled Catch Up. It is composed of tracks from his career up to this point as well as remixes, collaborations with other artists, and unreleased tracks. He followed this up with an EP, on December 15, 2010, called "Wolf in Cheap Clothing" that contains seven new tracks.
In 2011, Polygon returned to his Oklahoma roots when he was featured on the back of This Land Press
's January print issue as a part of the paper's "True Tulsa" portrait series.
In an interview published in April 2011, Polygon revealed that when a label based out of San Francisco offered him a record deal, on the condition that he transplant himself to the Bay Area and represent it as his hometurf, Polygon declined out of loyalty to his hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
In 2011 Polygon stopped by Los Angeles’ Knocksteady Live, and performed a new song from his upcoming project, Pussy Gun, for their podcast.
, and Cudi
and what its like to be in the shoes of Johnny Polygon.
Official Mixtapes
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
rapper and singer. He first gained attention with his video for a song called “Bag”, which ultimately led to him being signed to DJ Green Lantern
DJ Green Lantern
James D'Agostino , better known by his stage name DJ Green Lantern, is an American-Italian-Puerto Rican DJ and hip hop music producer from Rochester, New York. In 2002, D'Agostino was signed by Eminem to become the official DJ for Shady Records after DJ Head stepped down for undisclosed reasons...
’s Future Green Entertainment label. In 2009 he released his first EP entitled Group Hug. On February 14, 2010 Johnny released an official mixtape, Rebel Without Applause, which features his single “The Riot Song”. Johnny has also worked with Nas
Nas
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...
, Kid Cudi
Kid Cudi
Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi , better known by his stage name Kid Cudi , sometimes stylized KiD CuDi, is an American rapper, singer and actor. He first gained major attention after the release of his debut mixtape A Kid Named Cudi. In 2009, his single "Day 'n' Nite" reached the top five of the...
, Amanda Diva
Amanda Diva
Amanda Diva is a female rapper, actress, and former replacement of the musical group Floetry.- Personal life :...
, and Gabe Real. As of April 1, 2010, Johnny decided to drop from his label and continue on as an independent artist.
Early life
Originally from Tulsa, OklahomaOklahoma
Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state...
, Johnny Polygon first gained notice on a local battle scene. Looking for something more, he moved to Hollywood to pursue his music career. It was in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
where Johnny met Nathan Morse, who approached him about making a music video for his song “Bag”. The video was eventually entered into an online competition and gained notice from DJ Green Lantern
DJ Green Lantern
James D'Agostino , better known by his stage name DJ Green Lantern, is an American-Italian-Puerto Rican DJ and hip hop music producer from Rochester, New York. In 2002, D'Agostino was signed by Eminem to become the official DJ for Shady Records after DJ Head stepped down for undisclosed reasons...
. Liking what he heard and saw, in 2008 Green Lantern signed Johnny to his label Future Green Entertainment.
Music career
Once Johnny signed with DJ Green LanternDJ Green Lantern
James D'Agostino , better known by his stage name DJ Green Lantern, is an American-Italian-Puerto Rican DJ and hip hop music producer from Rochester, New York. In 2002, D'Agostino was signed by Eminem to become the official DJ for Shady Records after DJ Head stepped down for undisclosed reasons...
he moved to New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
where they recorded a song together called, “Price on Your Head” which is featured in 2008’s Grand Theft Auto 4 and its soundtrack. That same year Johnny was featured on Nas
Nas
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...
’ 2008 Untitled
Untitled Nas album
The untitled ninth studio album by American rapper Nas was released by Def Jam Recordings and Columbia Records on July 15, 2008 in the United States, with earlier dates in some other countries. Its original title—Nigger—was changed due to controversy surrounding the racial epithet...
album, singing the chorus for the song “Black President
Untitled Nas album
The untitled ninth studio album by American rapper Nas was released by Def Jam Recordings and Columbia Records on July 15, 2008 in the United States, with earlier dates in some other countries. Its original title—Nigger—was changed due to controversy surrounding the racial epithet...
”.
2009–Present
In 2009, Johnny made his television debut on BETBet
Bet or BET may refer to:* A wager in gambling* Basic Economics Test * Bet , the second letter in many Semitic alphabets, including Aramaic, Hebrew, Phoenician and Syriac* Brunauer-Emmett-Teller isotherm. See BET_theory...
’s Inaugural Address, performing “Black President
Untitled Nas album
The untitled ninth studio album by American rapper Nas was released by Def Jam Recordings and Columbia Records on July 15, 2008 in the United States, with earlier dates in some other countries. Its original title—Nigger—was changed due to controversy surrounding the racial epithet...
” with Nas
Nas
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...
. That same year he released his first EP Group Hug on Invasion Records. On July 17, 2009 Johnny was featured in Vapors Magazine
Vapors Magazine
Vapors Magazine is a progressive metropolitan lifestyle publication focusing on Art, Fashion, Music and Skateboarding. Founded in 2000 by Jason Maggio and Chris Hull in Sacramento, California, the nationally distributed magazine is now published out of Los Angeles.The magazine has featured covers...
and on September 14 he was again featured in YRB Magazine. Johnny also made a cameo appearance in Kid Cudi
Kid Cudi
Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi , better known by his stage name Kid Cudi , sometimes stylized KiD CuDi, is an American rapper, singer and actor. He first gained major attention after the release of his debut mixtape A Kid Named Cudi. In 2009, his single "Day 'n' Nite" reached the top five of the...
’s video for “Pursuit of Happiness
Pursuit of Happiness
Pursuit of Happiness is the thirteenth album from Arthur Loves Plastic and was released in 2006.- Awards :Pursuit of Happiness won the 2006 Wammie for Best Recording in the Electronica Category.- Release notes :...
”.
Johnny’s “Riot Song” is also featured on HBO’s 2010 series How to Make it in America
How to Make It in America
How to Make It in America is an American comedy-drama television series that premiered on HBO on February 14, 2010. The series follows the lives of Ben Epstein and his friend Cam Calderon as they try to succeed in New York City's fashion scene...
and its mixtape, “How to Make it in America Mixtape” presented by Kid Cudi
Kid Cudi
Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi , better known by his stage name Kid Cudi , sometimes stylized KiD CuDi, is an American rapper, singer and actor. He first gained major attention after the release of his debut mixtape A Kid Named Cudi. In 2009, his single "Day 'n' Nite" reached the top five of the...
, DJ Green Lantern
DJ Green Lantern
James D'Agostino , better known by his stage name DJ Green Lantern, is an American-Italian-Puerto Rican DJ and hip hop music producer from Rochester, New York. In 2002, D'Agostino was signed by Eminem to become the official DJ for Shady Records after DJ Head stepped down for undisclosed reasons...
, and Broke Mogul. During the intro of the track Cudi states that Johnny is “…the illest up and coming artists”. Kid Cudi is featured on Rebel Without Applause, performing a remix with Johnny to “The Riot Song”.
Presented by DJ Green Lantern
DJ Green Lantern
James D'Agostino , better known by his stage name DJ Green Lantern, is an American-Italian-Puerto Rican DJ and hip hop music producer from Rochester, New York. In 2002, D'Agostino was signed by Eminem to become the official DJ for Shady Records after DJ Head stepped down for undisclosed reasons...
and Karmaloop.com, Johnny released an official mixtape on February 14, 2010 titled Rebel Without Applause. The album features guest appearances by Kid Cudi
Kid Cudi
Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi , better known by his stage name Kid Cudi , sometimes stylized KiD CuDi, is an American rapper, singer and actor. He first gained major attention after the release of his debut mixtape A Kid Named Cudi. In 2009, his single "Day 'n' Nite" reached the top five of the...
, Amanda Diva
Amanda Diva
Amanda Diva is a female rapper, actress, and former replacement of the musical group Floetry.- Personal life :...
, and Gabe Real. Following his mixtape release, a video for “The Riot Song” debuted on February 23. The video is a Wile E. Coyote & Roadrunner inspired live action cartoon, using over 3,000 real paper cut outs to tell the story, with no repeating images.
On March 31, 2010 Johnny went on Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
’ KPWR
KPWR
KPWR is a commercial radio station located in Los Angeles, California, broadcasting to the Greater Los Angeles area on an analog signal and in HD Radio...
's POWER 106 FM THE TAKEOVER with the LA Leakers and DJ Reflex. During the show he performed a freestyle over The Black Eyed Peas
The Black Eyed Peas
The Black Eyed Peas are an American pop group , formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1995. The group includes rappers will.i.am, apl.de.ap, and Taboo, and singer Fergie. Since the release of their third album Elephunk in 2003, the group has sold an estimated 56 million records worldwide...
' Imma Be
Imma Be
"Imma Be" is a song performed by the American hip-hop group The Black Eyed Peas taken from their fifth studio album The E.N.D. The song's title is a slang expression, meaning "I am going to be" or "I will be" [something or some activity]. Initially released as a promotional single, the song went on...
. In the July 2010 issue of Oklahoma Magazine Johnny had a featured spread. Johnny made an appearance on the Dead Prez
Dead Prez
Dead Prez stylized as dead prez is a hip hop duo from the United States, composed of stic.man and M-1, formed in 1996 in New York City, New York. They are known for their confrontational style, combined with socialist lyrics focused on both militant social justice and Pan-Africanism...
song, NYPD, which was in the 2010 movie Brooklyn’s Finest.
During a show in Los Angeles on April 1, 2010, Johnny announced to his fans that he was moving forward as an independent artist.
Johnny's video for "The Riot Song" premiered on MTV2
MTV2
MTV2 is a cable network that is widely available in the United States on digital cable and satellite television, and is progressively being added to analogue cable lineups across the nation...
’s show subterranean on July 28, 2010 Also in late July, “The Riot Song” music video was added VH1 Soul
VH1 Soul
VH1 Soul is a digital cable and satellite television channel and is the sister network to VH1. It showcases R&B, funk, soul, and Motown music from various periods....
and mtvU
MtvU
mtvU is a division of Viacom's MTV Networks which produces a 24-hour television channel that is available on more than 750 college and university campuses across the United States, as well as several digital cable packages...
Following the release of his video of “The Riot Song” on MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
eventually breaking MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
's Top 100 peaking at #8.
On November 16, 2010, Polygon released an official 30-track mixtape presented by Orisue, titled Catch Up. It is composed of tracks from his career up to this point as well as remixes, collaborations with other artists, and unreleased tracks. He followed this up with an EP, on December 15, 2010, called "Wolf in Cheap Clothing" that contains seven new tracks.
In 2011, Polygon returned to his Oklahoma roots when he was featured on the back of This Land Press
This Land Press
This Land Press is Oklahoma's first New Media company based out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was founded by Michael Mason, an Oklahoma-born author, journalist, and editor....
's January print issue as a part of the paper's "True Tulsa" portrait series.
In an interview published in April 2011, Polygon revealed that when a label based out of San Francisco offered him a record deal, on the condition that he transplant himself to the Bay Area and represent it as his hometurf, Polygon declined out of loyalty to his hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
In 2011 Polygon stopped by Los Angeles’ Knocksteady Live, and performed a new song from his upcoming project, Pussy Gun, for their podcast.
The Johnny Polygon Show
Johnny also has his own online show on karmaloop.tv. The premise of the show revolves around Johnny and his life as an artist. Now on its second season, the show has featured stories about him, NasNas
Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, who performs under the name Nas , formerly Nasty Nas, is an American rapper and actor. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in hip hop and one of the most skilled and influential rappers of all-time...
, and Cudi
CUDI
CUDI is a non-profit consortium to build and operate a Mexican high-performance backbone network for research and education, Internet-2 Mexico.-Overview:...
and what its like to be in the shoes of Johnny Polygon.
Discography
EP's- Group Hug (2009)
- Wolf in Cheap Clothing (2010)
Official Mixtapes
- Rebel Without Applause (2010)
- Catch-Up (2010)