MAFI

Born and raised in Memphis Tennessee, Mafioso, birth name Courtney Johnson, was heavily influenced by the Memphis underground rap scene. Influenced by Memphis rappers such as Skinny Pimp, Three Six Mafia & Eightball & MJG, Mafi then began to develope his own style. At age 15 he moved to Freeport Illinois, (hometown of BET founder Bob Johnson) and continued to perfect his craft. Known for his rapid fire delivery, quick wit and massive wordplay, Mafioso then added the Midwest style to his growing resume'. His cousins then introduced him to the "New York" sound. " I just noticed that they were using a lot more metephors than I was used to hearing in the south" he states. " They were really lyrical, and I was fascinated by that." Breeding all these styles of rap into one style has made Mafi a "beast" on the microphone. " I feel like I can get on a track with the likes of Eminem, Twista, 50 cent or anybody and hold my own, cause I'm me, and I got that 'Mafi Flow", says the 29 year old rapper. Mafioso plans to drop his 1st solo album under his own imprint Crown Muzik. The label is now in search of a label deal in hopes of getting distribution so that the world can see what 'The Talk' is all about. MAFI is also an acronymn for all the places he's lived to develope the style that he has... Memphis-Atlanta and Freeport Illinois. Be on the lookout out for Mafioso's 1st solo album, his highly anticipated... "Idol to my Rivals." Get ready....cause this is going to get reeeally interesting!