Toledo’s CNN Mikey Signs With Polo G, Shares “For My People” Video

Source: Audible Treats (Photo credit: Benji Allen)

CNN Mikey represents Toledo, Ohio to the fullest. The 21-year-old rapper recently announced 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.