Demauris Merchant Johnson (born June 11, 1995), better known by his stage name Spenzo, is an American rapper from Chicago. Spenzo is best known from his single "Wife 'Er" and from his collaborations with artists such as Young Thug, G Herbo and King Louie.
Spenzo | |
---|---|
Birth name | Demauris Merchant Johnson[1] |
Born | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | June 11, 1995
Genres | |
Occupations |
|
Years active | 2013-present |
Labels | Atlantic Records |
Career
In 2013, Spenzo released his breakthrough single "Wife 'Er", which was a freestyle recorded over an instrumental produced by Chicago producer Young Chop.[2][3] Later in the year, he signed a record deal with Atlantic Records[4][5] and released singles such as "Heaven Can Wait", calling for an end to the gang violence in Chicago.[6]
In 2014 Drake performed Spenzo's single "Wife 'Er" at the Chicago stop of his Drake Vs. Lil Wayne tour,[7][8] he also released "I'm So Sorry" in collaboration with Young Thug.[9] Later in the year, Hip Hop artists Meek Mill and Maine Man released an alternative version of Spenzo's Young Thug collaboration, "I'm So Sorry".[10][11]
In 2015, alongside Chicago artist King Louie, Spenzo released their single "Effortlessly".[12] and a collaboration with Tree titled "Doin Lines".[13]
Throughout 2016, Spenzo released singles such as "Big Amount [14] and a collaboration with Hip Hop artist G-O, titled "Set The Mood". In 2017, Spenzo released projects such as his album "Say No Mo" as well as a single featuring his brother Nuskie and Scoota Bussin titled "Thought It Was". In 2018, Spenzo released singles such as "Still Winter" and "Yesterday", which was produced by ChopSquadDivnci. Throughout 2019, Spenzo released singles such as "Swerve"[15] and remixed Kodak Black's single "Calling My Spirit" [16] as well as J Cole's single "Middle Child".[17]
In 2022, Spenzo released singles such as "Bigg Steppa", a collaboration with Chicago Hip Hop artist Bigga$tate, produced by Mafia Beatz. The single, released through Firehouse Studios was also featured on the No Jumper platform.[18] Later in the year, Spenzo, alongside Moncler Moon Boy & CP released their single "TFMB", which was produced by Mafia Beatz.[19]
Legal Issues
On June 2, 2018, Spenzo was arrested for unlawful use of a weapon when police pulled over the vehicle he was in for speeding. Upon searching the vehicle police found Marijuana and a loaded .380 caliber Taurus pistol.[20]
Abduction
On February 14, 2023, Spenzo was the victim of a kidnapping and assault which reportedly stemmed from a social media argument with a rival gang member and fellow Chicago rapper known as Kiddo Curry.[21][22]
Discography
- Wife 'Er (2013)
- Chicago Conscious (2014) Featuring King Louie (rapper) , G Herbo & Reem
- I'm So Sorry (2014) Featuring Young Thug
- Doin Lines (2015) Featuring Tree
References
- ↑ "BOP IN". ASCAP. American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Retrieved April 27, 2023.
- ↑ chicagoreader (2014-05-05). "Five honors students from Chicago rap's freshman class". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 2022-07-25.
- ↑ "The Singles Jukebox » Spenzo – Wife Er". Retrieved 2023-01-31.
- ↑ "How A New Generation Of Chicago Artists Redefined Rap". Genius. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
- ↑ "Spenzo Atlantic".
- ↑ X, Dharmic. "Spenzo Challenges Chicago Street Violence in Video For 'Heaven Can Wait'". The Boombox. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
- ↑ Roberts, Anthony (2014-08-11). "Drake Gets the Best of Lil Wayne in Chicago: Live Review". Billboard. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
- ↑ "Drake and Lil Wayne bring fireworks, feelings to Chicago". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
- ↑ Aceto, Matt (2014-11-26). "The Source |The Book of Thug: Young Thug's Complete 2014 Music Collection". The Source. Retrieved 2022-07-25.
- ↑ Walsh, Peter. "Spenzo Featuring Young Thug, Meek Mill & Maine Man "I'm So Sorry (Alternate Version)" - XXL". XXL Mag. Retrieved 2023-01-31.
- ↑ Staff, RESPECT (2014-12-09). "PREMIERE: Spenzo Feat. Meek Mill, Young Thug, & Maine Man – "I'm So Sorry"". RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture. Retrieved 2023-01-31.
- ↑ Galil, Leor (2015-02-04). "Ascending Englewood rapper Spenzo gets closer to the top with new song 'Effortlessly'". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 2023-01-30.
- ↑ "Listen to Spenzo's "Doin' Lines" f/ Tree". Complex. Retrieved 2022-07-25.
- ↑ "Lyrical Lemonade". www.lyricallemonade.com. 20 December 2016. Retrieved 2023-01-31.
- ↑ "Lyrical Lemonade". lyricallemonade.com. 11 March 2019. Retrieved 2023-01-31.
- ↑ "Lyrical Lemonade". lyricallemonade.com. 28 February 2019. Retrieved 2023-01-31.
- ↑ "Lyrical Lemonade". lyricallemonade.com. 7 February 2019. Retrieved 2023-01-31.
- ↑ "Spenzo: The Rise Of A Chicago Legend - Reson8". 2022-12-20. Retrieved 2023-01-31.
- ↑ "Lyrical Lemonade". lyricallemonade.com. 12 January 2023. Retrieved 2023-01-31.
- ↑ "Rapper Spenzo Busted For Unlawful Use of Weapon: Cops". Alsip-Crestwood, IL Patch. 2018-06-02. Retrieved 2022-07-25.
- ↑ "Chicago Rapper Spenzo Is Kidnapped & Assaulted ... And The Thugs Who Did It LIVESTREAMED IT!!". Media Take Out. 2023-02-16. Retrieved 2023-02-17.
- ↑ "Chicago Rapper Spenzo Brutally Beaten and Kidnapped on Camera – Windy City News". Retrieved 2023-02-17.