Name: Mac Irv
Reppin’: North Minneapolis, Minn.
Genre: Rap
Lil Yachty’s “Minnesota” might have recently shined some light on a state that gets little love in the Hip-Hop arena, but Lawrence “Mac Irv” McKenzie has been putting on for The Land of 10,000 Lakes for years.
Before taking on rap full-time, the North Minneapolis native was a Division I basketball star, playing for the University of Minnesota and earning All-Big Ten honors from 2006-2008. After a stint playing ball professionally, an injury permanently deferred his hoop dreams.
Focusing on music, Irv built a buzz with well-received singles like “Got Me Open,” “Hometown” and “The Cycle,” which got burn on MTV Jams, as well as touring and performing at South by Southwest.
In the last two years, the Pilot Life rapper’s stock has risen, with the June 2015 release of his fourth solo project Sincerely, Mac Irv making noise outside the region.
In January, he dropped his LP, Misfit: 55411, which features guest spots from Canadian rap/crooner Tory Lanez, plus Ashley Dubose, Prof and Coach McKenzie. The album was a culmination of a year’s worth of hard work and dedication according to the MC.
“I’ve been working on it tirelessly for the last year, and I want it to be heard by any and everyone who chooses to listen,” Mac told HipHopDX about the LP. “I’m hopeful it’ll give some insight on social issues. It’ll be something women can relate to and something just to turn up with.”
Look for big things from Mac in 2017.
Check out his latest videos below.
“Evolution”
“Change”
“Graduation”
