CNN Mikey impressed his mentor Polo G with his conversational melodies and lyrics that process his pain. Never one to keep his emotions under wraps, the young Toledo, Ohio native shares “Talk About It,” an uptempo new single. Layering a Jersey club-style five-beat pattern atop Einer Bankz‘s signature ukelele, “Talk About It” mirrors Mikey’s growing ambitions, and the fast-paced life that he intends to lead as a rising rap star: “Momma told me Imma die young with all the risks I take/But momma, I gotta live fast, can’t take no breaks.” As the percussion heats up during his hook, Mikey takes the time to directly address haters, hangers-on, and snakes in the grass, loudly proclaiming his intention to keep it 100 at all times.
“Talk About It” follows “For My People” as Mikey’s second single since signing to Polo G’s ODA (Only Dreamers Achieve), 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). 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 and Polo discussed their new partnership on The Cruz Show, on L.A.’s 92.3 station, in May. Mikey then went viral on TikTok, garnering over 2 million views–and more, while the standout single “For My People” earned coverage at BET.
With his deal in place with ODA and much more music on the way, CNN Mikey never takes an opportunity for granted. Expect big things from CNN Mikey in the near future.
© 2023, Seth "Digital Crates" Barmash. All rights reserved.
