Congrats MGK, ASH, Byron, and the whole team!
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Aug. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — MGK, the rising rapid-fire rapper from Cleveland who became the first MC in history to win the famed Amateur Night competition at the Apollo, has been signed to Bad Boy/Interscope Records. Â Information about his forthcoming debut album, Lace Up, will be announced in the near future. Â MGK has continuously impressed with his exciting and exhilarating live performances at SXSW and Bamboozled, as well as on the Warped and Lil Wayne tours, just to name a few. Â Far more than a rapper, he is quickly becoming the voice of a new generation as he attracts new fans with each show.
“The moment we started the EST 19XX movement during the recording of the Lace Up mixtape, I made a pledge to my fans to protect our brand and become the honest voice of our generation,” said MGK. Â ”We represent the underdogs, the outcast, the uncool. Â We are a true cult with a loud voice.”
MGK first caught the attention of Bad Boy Entertainment CEO Sean “Diddy” Combs thanks to his online viral videos, including those of his memorable showcases at SXSW. Â The excitement grew after Combs heard mixtapes from MGK –especially Lace Up–and also MGK’s personal story, which had cultivated a devoted fan following.
“MGK is a breath of fresh air,” said Combs. Â ”He’s not just a star, he’s a movement!” Â Added Harve Pierre, President of Bad Boy: “MGK is a great addition to the Bad Boy team. Â He speaks for a generation of kids who are just like him. Â Fans relate immediately to his lyrics, his flow and his energetic live performances.”
Penning rhymes about personal issues from addiction to family, MGK has become a symbol of relentless perseverance for his fans. Â Hailing from a broken home and having lived in nearly a dozen cities, MGK found hope in rap while in a Denver high school. Â He later attended high school in Cleveland, where he built a local following through his heartfelt lyrics, passionate performances and the release of his first mixtape, Stamp Of Approval.
After graduation, the 18-year-old MGK was forced to fend not only for himself but for a child. Â His daughter Casie gave him new incentive to work even harder. Â A trip to New York’s famed Apollo Theater in 2009–he won twice–truly launched his career. Â The mixtapes 100 Words And Running and Lace Up landed shortly thereafter. Â The MC’s catchphrase of “Lace up,” which began as a mixtape interlude, became a call to arms for fans. Â Earning Best Midwest Artist at the 2010 Underground Music Awards, his “Alice In Wonderland” clip then won Best Music Video at the 2010 Ohio Hip-Hop Awards, where MGK has nabbed Best Live Performer two years in a row.
MGK states, “We decided to partner with Bad Boy/Interscope because they understood our idea and the importance of keeping our integrity. Â They want to give us their resources to help share our vision with the rest of the world. Â This is not about mainstream success. Â EST 19XX represents a cultural shift, a worldwide revolution. Â Lace the F*@* Up!!!!”
Viral videos:
Cleveland – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKdJicpVxoY
Chip Off The Block – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWgr_p0ykwo
SOURCE Interscope Records