Los Angeles—10 years ago, a 15-year-old kid named Donavan Johnson from Wichita, Kansas, decided that he wanted to seriously pursue music as a career. He took on the moniker, “XV”, the roman numerals to 15; due to the young age he made the decision to become a rapper. And on Wednesday, July 22nd, he officially signed his first record deal with Warner Bros. Records.

Born and raised in Wichita, Kansas, XV, has been a recognized name in the local Hip-Hop music scene for years. From performing at high school talent shows to opening for big name acts such as Twista, Mike Jones, Ying Yang Twins, and many more, XV has made a name amongst his peers and established a strong following in his hometown. But it wasn’t until XV began using his knowledge of the internet and all of its outlets to his advantage to garner a buzz and fan base nationwide to attract Warner Bros. Records to signing him.

The summer of 2009, XV released his breakthrough mixtape, “Everybody’s Nobody”, online for free download. After getting spun on New York’s Hot 97 radio station, being featured on over 100 music blogs and websites, receiving over 100,000 downloads and touring with Kid CuDi and hip-hop group, The Clipse, XV’s “Everybody’s Nobody” fell into the hands of a young A&R at Warner Bros. Records who played it for Kevin Kusatsu, the man responsible for bringing XV to the label.

After meeting with A&R, Kevin Kusatsu in Los Angeles and Executive Vice President, Todd Moscowitz in New York, XV decided to sign to Warner Bros. Records, being the one of the first Hip-Hop artist from Wichita to sign a major label record deal. Now, with a record deal, a highly anticipated mixtape titled “Vizzy Zone” releasing in August, and another national tour beginning on August 4th, XV is set to make a name for himself and for his hometown. XV will also be performing in Wichita’s Freaknic Jam on Friday, July 30, 2010.

Read on about XV at ICTHipHop.com