Johnny Polygon

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Johnny Polygon

Johnny Polygon in Silverlake, California
Background information
Birth name John Armour
Born (1984-05-15) May 15, 1984
Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Origin Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
Genres Hip hop, alternative hip hop
Occupations Rapper, singer-songwriter, record producer, music video director
Years active 2001-present
Labels Invasion Music Group (2008-2010)
Unsigned (2010-present)
Associated acts Gabriel Royal, Kid Cudi, Dead Prez, Nas, Amanda Seales
Website www.johnnypolygononline.com

John Armour (born May 15, 1984), better known by his stage name Johnny Polygon, is an American hip hop recording artist from Tulsa, Oklahoma. He has released music independently and also under DJ Green Lantern’s Invasion Music Group label.[1] After releasing several self-released albums and relocating to Los Angeles, in 2008 Polygon met Lantern, who then offered him a deal and a chance to record music together in his New York City studio. In 2009, Polygon released Group Hug, his debut extended play (EP) and his first release under Invasion Music Group. In 2010, Polygon followed his EP with Rebel Without Applause, his first official mixtape which included the promotional single, "The Riot Song". On April 1, 2010, Polygon announced he was no longer signed to Lantern's Invasion Music Group imprint and would continue to release music independently.

Polygon has worked with high-profile artists such as Nas and Kid Cudi. He frequently works with his longtime friend and Oklahoman Gabriel Royal and has also worked with Amanda Diva, Dead Prez and Yelawolf. Since 2001, Polygon has released seven albums with his latest being The Nothing (2013). He is currently working on his eighth studio album, Pussy Gun. Polygon is also looking to new opportunities with Armatura Production Haus, a new endeavor that will umbrella various multimedia projects: music video production, television, film, and a new children’s books he’s working on. “It’s just a fan-funded production company,” he said. “My label is my fans.”[2]

Biography

1984-2008: Early life and career beginnings

Tulsa, Oklahoma where Polygon grew up and proudly calls his hometown.

Johnny Polygon was born John Armour on May 15, 1984, in Cleveland, Ohio. His family soon relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Polygon was raised and proudly claims as his hometown.[3] Polygon first encountered hip hop through breakdancing.[2] Polygon would sneak into Retro Night at Cain’s Ballroom with some of his underage friends. One night they snuck in and witnessed a rap battle; Polygon then swore the next time Cain’s hosted one he’d enter. Polygon did, and won.[2] One of the disc jockeys there, DJ Shabazz, invited him to record an album. Word spread among his friends and the small but dedicated hip hop crowd in Tulsa.[2] Polygon continued participating in local theater groups and rap battles, helping him develop a sense of stage presence and projection.

As a teenager, Polygon attended Booker T. Washington High School, Central High School and Project 12 High School, all of which he was kicked out of.[4][5] Later, with much determination, he dropped out of high school and told his parents he wanted to be a rapper.
"I told my parents I want to do music, and they were like you can’t really do that here. So my dad was like ‘I’ll give you a ride—where you want to go, L.A. or New York?’ And the weather was nicer in L.A., so I was like ‘let’s go there.’"[2]

Ultimately surviving on the underground Midwest scene for several years, amassing several self-released albums, Polygon headed out to Hollywood, to further his music career.[2] He went to Los Angeles with only $300 and a thousand copies of his first CD Leggo My Ego (2004), which he sold to strangers on Hollywood Boulevard, chatting up a couple hundred people a day.[2]

It was in Los Angeles where Polygon met Nathan Morse, who approached him on making a music video for a song of his titled "Bag". The video was eventually entered into an online contest. The video caught the attention of one of the judges of that contest, DJ Green Lantern.[3] Liking what he saw and heard, after months of back and forth, in 2008 Green Lantern invited Polygon to New York, where he then signed Polygon to his label, Invasion Music Group.[2][6] Once Polygon signed with DJ Green Lantern, he moved to Brooklyn, they then recorded several songs including “Price on Your Head”, an original song written for 2008’s Grand Theft Auto 4 video game.[6] That same year Polygon was featured on fellow American rapper Nas’ 2008 untitled album, singing the chorus for the song “Black President”.

2009–2010: Mixtapes, Group Hug and Wolf in Cheap Clothing

In 2009, Polygon made his national television debut on BET’s Inaugural Address, performing “Black President” with Nas.[7] He later released his debut EP Group Hug, under Invasion Music Group, on May 12, 2009. On July 17, Polygon was featured in Vapor Magazine and on September 14, he was again featured in YRB Magazine.[3][8] Polygon made an appearance on the Dead Prez mixtape Pulse of the People: Turn Off the Radio Vol. 3 (2009). He was featured on the song, "NYDP", which was also featured in the 2010 film Brooklyn’s Finest. In late 2009, Polygon made a cameo appearance in Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness” music video, alongside fellow rappers Drake and Consequence.[9]

On February 14, 2010, Polygon released Rebel Without Applause, a mixtape presented by DJ Green Lantern and Karmaloop.com.[10] The mixtape features guest appearances from Kid Cudi, Amanda Diva, and longtime friend and collaborator Gabe Royal.[10] Following the release of the mixtape was a music video for “The Riot Song”, which premiered on February 23.[11] The video is a Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner inspired live action cartoon, using over 3,000 real paper cut outs to tell the story, with no repeating images. Johnny Polygon’s “The Riot Song” was featured on HBO’s 2010 series How to Make it in America and included on the How to Make it in America Mixtape presented by Kid Cudi, DJ Green Lantern and Broke Mogul.[12] During the intro of the track Cudi states that Johnny is “…the illest up and coming artists”.[13] On March 31, 2010, Polygon visited Los Angeles’ KPWR's POWER 106 FM THE TAKEOVER with the LA Leakers and DJ Reflex.[14] During the show he performed a freestyle over The Black Eyed Peas' hit single "Imma Be". In the July 2010 issue of Oklahoma Magazine, Johnny Polygon had a featured spread.[15]

Polygon also had his own online show on karmaloop.tv.[16] The premise of the show revolved around Polygon and his life as an recording artist. On its second season, the show had featured stories about him, Nas, and Kid Cudi as well as what its like to be in the shoes of Johnny Polygon. In 2010, Polygon's song "Ebonics", was included on the soundtrack to the film The Rock 'n' Roll Dreams of Duncan Christopher. During a show in Los Angeles on April 1, 2010, Polygon announced to his fans that he was moving forward as an independent artist. Polygon's video for "The Riot Song" premiered on MTV2’s show subterranean on July 28, 2010.[17] Also in late July, “The Riot Song” music video was added to VH1 Soul and mtvU.[18] “The Riot Song” video, eventually broke MTV's Top 100 peaking at #8.

On November 16, 2010, Johnny released an official 30-track mixtape presented by Orisue, titled Catch Up. It is a compilation album composed of tracks from his career up to 2010, as well as remixes, collaborations with other artists, and unreleased tracks. The tape was released in promotion for his second EP, Wolf in Cheap Clothing (2010). Wolf in Cheap Clothing was released for free download on December 15, 2010 to critical acclaim.[19]

2011-present: The Nothing and Pussy Gun

In 2011, Polygon returned to his Oklahoma roots where he was featured on the back of This Land Press' January print issue, as part of the paper's "True Tulsa" portrait series.[20] In an interview published in April 2011, he revealed earlier in his career 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 hometown, Johnny Polygon declined out of loyalty to his hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma.[21] In August 2011, Polygon stopped by Los Angeles’ Knocksteady Live and performed "Limosexsuperstar", a new song from his upcoming project, Pussy Gun, for their podcast.[22] Polygon's album Pussy Gun, had been announced for a 2012 release under Bananabeat Records.[23]

On March 7, 2012, Polygon released a trailer for a song titled "My Shit >" and released the song for free download via his Facebook page.[24] Almost eight months after performing the song for Knocksteady TV, Polygon released the un-mastered audio for Pussy Gun's lead single, "Limosexsuperstar". On September 7, 2012, via his Twitter feed, Polygon announced that he is no longer signed or affiliated with Bananabeat Records and would release Pussy Gun independently.[25] The music video for his song "My Shit", was also released on September 7.[26] Polygon made his directorial debut in November 2012, directing the music video for THURZ's "Are You Not", features vocals from Polygon himself.

On December 12, 2012 Polygon revealed he would be releasing a project preceding the release of Pussy Gun. He stated the project would feature 7-12 brand new songs and would be released in early 2013, while announcing Pussy Gun for late 2013.[27] On February 27, 2013 Polygon released The Nothing. The 12-track album was the product of collaborations with record producers Picnic Tyme, Daygee Kwia, ACDMY and Mateo. The album was co-produced, mixed, and mastered by Manhattan-based record producer Alex Gruenberg.[28]The Nothing was available for free download and later on March 4, 2013, for digital purchase.[29] Later that month Polygon embarked on a U.S. national tour which began in Tulsa at The Vanguard on March 20, with Pac Div and After the Smoke.[2]

Discography

Albums

List of albums, with selected details and year released
Title Album details
Journey to I
  • Released: 2001
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: CD
Soldier and the Dancer
  • Released: 2002
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: CD
Plan B
  • Released: 2003
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: CD
Leggo My Ego
  • Released: 2004
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: CD
Meaty-Ogre
  • Released: 2006
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: CD
The Nothing
  • Released: February 27, 2013
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: CD, digital download
Pussy Gun
  • Released: 2014
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: CD, digital download

EPs

List of extended plays, with selected details and year released
Title Album details
Group Hug
Wolf in Cheap Clothing
  • Released: December 15, 2010
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital Download

Mixtapes

List of mixtapes, with selected details and year released
Title Album details
Rebel Without Applause
  • Released: February 14, 2010
  • Label: Invasion Music Group
  • Format: Digital download
Catch-Up
  • Released: November 17, 2010
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital Download

Guest appearances

List of non-single guest appearances, with other performing artists, showing year released and album name
Title Year Album Artist(s)
"Melt My Heart to Stone (Remix)" 2008 N/A Adele
"Price on Your Head"[30] Grand Theft Auto IV: Liberty City Invasion N/A
"Black President"[31] Untitled Nas album Nas
"Neon"[32] 2009 Spandex, Rhymes & Soul Amanda Diva
"Colorblind"[32]
"Big Bad Wolf"[33] Must Be Nice Jabee
"NYDP"[34] Pulse of the People: Turn Off the Radio Vol. 3 Dead Prez
"Danger"[35] 2011 The Where Is CH Process Charles Hamilton
"Battle of the Century, Part I"[36] The Extended Play EP T.J. Miller
"Lemonade"[37] 2012 N/A Cisco Adler, Dirt Nasty, Yelawolf
"Are You Not"[38] 517 W Queen Tape THURZ

Music videos

As lead artist

List of music videos, showing year released and director
Title Year Director(s)
"Bag" 2004 Nathan Morse[39]
"The Riot Song" 2010 Shellie Lewis, The Graphic Foundation, Philip Sportel[40]
"What Sadness" 2011 Johnny Polygon[41]
"Invincible" Tommaso Cardile[42][43]
"My Shit" 2012
"Limosexsuperstar" 2013 Austyn Jeffs[44][45]
"Purple Mess"

As featured artist

List of music videos, showing year released and director
Title Year Director(s)
"Neon"
(Amanda Diva featuring Johnny Polygon)		 2009 Lyn-don McCray[46]
"Are You Not"
(THURZ featuring Johnny Polygon)		 2012 Johnny Polygon[47]

References

  1. ↑ Joshua Kline (April 19, 2011). "Ambassador Polygon". This Land Press. Retrieved February 11, 2012. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 Wall, Holly (March 11, 2013). "RAP UP: Johnny Polygon". This Land Press. This Land Press LLC. Retrieved May 21, 2013. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Madeleine, Sophie (2009-07-17). Johnny Polygon. 
  4. ↑ http://blog.bomarr.net/2009/04/17/johnny-polygon-thats-you/
  5. ↑ http://taliaferrotimes.wordpress.com/2012/10/20/johnny-polygon-booker-t-s-paragon/
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "DJ GREEN LANTERN’S FUTURE GREEN ENTERTAINMENT IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE SIGNING OF JOHNNY POLYGON". 2008-07-06. 
  7. ↑ "BET's Inauguration Address". 
  8. ↑ Young, Danieal (2009-09-14). JOHNNY POLYGON- TULSA, OKLAHOMA. 
  9. ↑ "Freshly Baked". 2010-07-07. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Johnny Polygon droped his first mixtape, 'Rebel Without Applause' presented by Karmaloop and DJ Green Lantern on Valentines Day 2010". 2010-02-14. 
  11. ↑ "Johnny Polygon - The Riot Song (Video)". 2010-02-23. 
  12. ↑ "How to Make it in America Mixtape". 
  13. ↑ "Johnny Polygon Bio". 
  14. ↑ polygon-freestyle-x-takover.html/#respond/ Johnny Polygon with the LA Leakers and DJ Reflex on Power 106 THE TAKEOVER
  15. ↑ Many Sides of Johnny Polygon by Mark Hines
  16. ↑ The Johnny Polygon Show Returns
  17. ↑ "Johnny Polygon's "The Riot Song Video". 2010-07-28. 
  18. ↑ Riot Song on mtvU
  19. ↑ in Cheap Clothing
  20. ↑ This Land Press True Tulsa: Johnny Polygon
  21. ↑ Kline, Joshua. "Ambassador Polygon." This Land Press, 19 April 2011. Accessed 20 July 2011.
  22. ↑ "Johnny Polygon – limosexsuperstar (Video)". 2DopeBoyz. 2011-08-16. Retrieved 2011-08-16. 
  23. ↑ Bananabeat Records - Official Site
  24. ↑ "[Video] Johnny Polygon - "My Shit"". TheWellVersed. 2012-03-07. Retrieved 2012-03-08. 
  25. ↑ Johnny Polygon - Official Twitter Stream
  26. ↑ "Johnny Polygon - My Shit [FULL] [Official Video & DL]". Youtube. 2012-09-07. Retrieved 2012-09-19. 
  27. ↑ Polygon, Johnny (12 December 2012). Twitter (JohnnyPolygon) https://twitter.com/JohnnyPolygon/status/278900350587650049 |url= missing title (help). Retrieved 17 December 2012. 
  28. ↑ http://www.2dopeboyz.com/2013/02/26/johnny-polygon-the-nothing-lp-album-stream/
  29. ↑ "The Nothing – Album by Johnny Polygon". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved May 21, 2013. 
  30. ↑ "Grand Theft Auto IV: Liberty City Invasion – DJ Green Lantern > Overview". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved December 22, 2012. 
  31. ↑ "Nas – Nas > Overview". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved December 22, 2012. 
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 "Amanda Diva – Spandex, Rhymes & Soul FreEP". The Smoking Section, LLC. March 3, 2009. Retrieved December 22, 2012. 
  33. ↑ "Jabee - Must Be Nice // Free Mixtape". DatPiff. Idle Media Inc. 2011-04-17. Retrieved 2014-01-15. 
  34. ↑ "Pulse of the People: Turn Off the Radio Vol. 3 – Dead Prez > Overview". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved December 22, 2012. 
  35. ↑ "Charles Hamilton - The Where Is CH Process // Free Mixtape". DatPiff. Idle Media Inc. 2011-01-14. Retrieved 2014-01-15. 
  36. ↑ "The Extended Play EP – T.J. Miller > Overview". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved December 22, 2012. 
  37. ↑ http://fistintheair.com/2012/04/11/cisco-adler-lemonade-ft-yelawolf-dirt-nasty-johnny-polygon/
  38. ↑ "Thurz - 517 W Queen Tape // Free Mixtape". DatPiff. Idle Media Inc. 2013-06-03. Retrieved 2014-01-15. 
  39. ↑ "Johnny Polygon, "Bag"". MetaCafe. Collective Digital Studio, LLC. February 6, 2008. Retrieved September 21, 2012. 
  40. ↑ "Johnny Polygon – "The Riot Song"". MTV. Viacom Media Networks. August 11, 2010. Retrieved December 18, 2013. 
  41. ↑ "VIDEO: JOHNNY POLYGON – "WHAT SADNESS"". OklahomaRock.com. May 8, 2011. Retrieved December 18, 2013. 
  42. ↑ "Thurz f. Johnny Polygon - "Invincible"". HipHopDX. Cheri Media Group. July 17, 2011. Retrieved December 18, 2013. 
  43. ↑ "VIDEO: JOHNNY POLYGON – "MY SHIT"". OklahomaRock.com. September 13, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2013. 
  44. ↑ "Johnny Polygon – LimoSexSuperstar Music Video". stupidDOPE.com. July 24, 2013. Retrieved December 18, 2013. 
  45. ↑ "Johnny Polygon – Purple Mess Music Video". stupidDOPE.com. November 25, 2013. Retrieved December 18, 2013. 
  46. ↑ ""NEON" FEAT. JOHNNY POLYGON OFFICIAL VIDEO!!!!". www.amandaseales.com. Amanda Seales. August 12, 2009. Retrieved December 18, 2013. 
  47. ↑ "Thurz f. Johnny Polygon - "Are You Not"". HipHopDX. Cheri Media Group. November 21, 2012. Retrieved December 18, 2013. 

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