Matt U Johnson

Matt U Johnson is one of the hottest artists in the industry right now, a tour de force that’s starting to see all his hard work developing his unique sound pay off in a big way. 

Johnson, a young up-and-coming star in the reggae and pop music world, has been taking the industry by late with a couple of smash hit singles – including one done in collaboration with legendary rap artist Snoop Dogg – and shows zero sign of slowing down anytime soon.

Initially from Staten Island, but with a family history that stretches back into the Caribbean islands of Jamaica, Johnson moved with his family when he was still relatively young to El Paso, Texas. - Street Wise Journal

El Paso’s Matt U Johnson kicked off a brand-new tour on August 27, 2022, and is already ramping up speculation that his newest album is just around the corner.

 

Johnson, originally from Staten Island in New York before moving to El Paso (then going to the United Kingdom, Canada, and LA – amongst other spots to develop his career), has worked hard to establish himself as the “next big thing” in the pop and reggae dance hall space.

 

Johnson is a multifaceted entertainer who is more than just a musical artist. This is someone that has performed in the most prominent fashion shows on the planet (including a Fashion Week NYC Mercedes-Benz event), has been investing a ton of time at indie film festivals, and has worked in from the mic and behind it to produce smash hits.

 

Fans of Johnson had been able to listen to his music for almost a decade, though this artist got his big break when he released the 2020 single “Gwan Get It.”

 

This reggae-inspired pop dance hit quickly became a massive hit on Spotify, garnering multiple hundreds of thousands (and growing) of streams and being remixed several times – with those remixes getting thousands of plays, too.

 

Johnson followed up the 2022 hit with another absolute banger, a collaboration with legendary rap artist Snoop Dogg and Canadian artist Karl Wolf. The song “Pon Fire” can only be heard on the artist’s SoundCloud profile.

 

Some in the industry were slightly surprised that Johnson would get a chance to collaborate with two heavy hitters in the music industry, Wolf and Snoop. But these people likely didn’t know that Johnson had worked with Snoop years ago (back in 2013) when snoop was performing and entertaining at exclusive Hollywood Hills and Anaheim parties.

 

Back then, Johnson was just starting to find his sound but had a unique opportunity to learn directly from one of our most influential artists in recent times. Snoop indeed showed quite a bit to Johnson that helped further develop his sound, and the legend saw something in the young artist – as evidenced by the fact that he wanted to collaborate so closely on this new single.

 

However, Johnson has been collaborating or working with Snoop and Wolf aren’t the only big-time artists.

 

Johnson has also been the opening act for reggae superstars like Buju Banton, rappers Mann and CashOut, and even Christina Eustace, a Latin Grammy nominee. That performance had Johnson and Eustace playing to a sold-out house of more than 35,000 people! - Newstrail.com

BY JANIECE CAMPBELL

Music is universal, a power that stretches to all corners of the globe. This edition, we’re introducing you to rising star Matt U Johnson, a multi-dimensional artist bringing a well-rounded sound and a worldwide understanding of the art to the industry.

Born in Staten Island, New York, Matt U offers a musical experience far beyond the realms of his hometown. He has moved around quite a bit, living in Ontario from 2018-2020 and now currently residing in El Paso, Texas, a few places that have exposed him to various cultures and connections. His remarkable talents have allowed him to open up for reggae superstars including Buju Banton and I-Wayne as well as Canadian rapper Jazz Cartier.

Matt U is a lyrical force to be reckoned with, bringing a uniquely seasoned musical style to the table. With roots in Jamaica, as a native of New York and as an avid traveller, he flawlessly fuses solid elements of Pop, R&B, Hip-Hop, Reggae and EDM to make an earth-shatteringly irresistible sound that compels you to move. - Toronto Carribbean

The Face of musivv MIXERS (a segment dedicated to featuring artists outside of the Middle-East) Matt U Johnson set to release a major single with hip hop icon Snoop Dogg and international Lebanese-Canadian pop sensation Karl Wolf. Currently residing in the borderland Matt U Johnson has been grinding in the industry for quite some time now and is determined to showcase his eclectic sound to the world with this new release ‘Pon Fire.’

The multi-faceted virtuoso said the journey was “quite the process” having producer Riddimofsoul work on the track from a distance. “My producer is in London, Ontario and I’m in El Paso, Texas on the border of the USA and Mexico. So we ended up sending files back and forth and believe it or not some files were recorded via my iPhone (laughs).”

MUJ’s eclectic and extensive musical background with experience, combined with his overwhelming determination for performing, has led to his up-and-coming career as an artist that can’t and won’t be stopped. It is not a surprise he caught the attention of global music-industry big names.

The connection to the award-winning and legendary Snoop Dogg was organic when the two met in Los Angeles. As for Dubai-raised artist Karl Wolf, having lived and spent some time in Toronto, Canada paved the way and open doors for Matt to connect with the superstar. The stars were aligned as one would say. “I was talking with Karl Wolf for some time now over Instagram because I had lived in Toronto, Canada for a year we knew some of the same people,” said Matt. “It’s an amazing feeling having these two legends on the track. Very humbling,” he added.

With roots in the Caribbean nation of Jamaica and his birthright in Staten Island, New York, Matt U has been bringing a new and improved flavor to the music industry. His lyrical singing style is unique, blending solid elements of Pop, R&B, Hip Hop, and Reggae along with EDM. With his recent release ‘Gwan Get It’ with Canadian hip hop legend Choclair & Latin Grammy nominee Sito Rocks gaining international recognition, ‘Pon Fire’ is another sure-fire hit blazing the airwaves.

“This song is actually for female empowerment. It’s a tune dedicated to all the strong, secure, and sexy ladies out there who want to feel good while listening to the track,” Matt said about how he envisioned the song to transcend listeners.

Matt’s resume is nothing short of decorated. He has opened up for Reggae Super Stars Buju Banton, I-Wayne, Hip Hop artist’s Mann, Cash Out, Jazz Cartier, EDM legend Kshmr & Latin Grammy nominee Christina Eustace at Minerpalooza in front of 35,000 people. He appeared in the Grammy Award-Winning band Steel Pulse music video ‘The Door of No Return’ in a cameo scene. It is not a surprise he caught the attention of global music-industry big names. “This track has to be one of my biggest achievements to date having such amazing acts on the same track with me. It’s a dream come true!”

His success has gone far and wide. But it’s just the beginning for this Staten Island native. His life so far has been a constant reminder that anyone can achieve their dreams. “Yes, I just want to tell the masses worldwide anything you put your mind to you can do it! Never give up on your dreams.”

Matt U has made appearances at such venues as the Madison square garden film festival, the Apollo Theater in Harlem and MTV’s total request live show, and the world-famous Sugar bar. Catch his latest single ‘Pon Fire’ on all digital music platforms. - Discover