Cashis

There’s a lot riding on the shoulders of Ramone “Ca$his” Johnson. With 10 children, his grandmother and two siblings in his care, the budding MC has 13 good reasons to succeed. Growing up in Chicago’s South Side, Ca$his got caught up in the streets at an early age and became a member of the infamous Gangster Disciples gang. After watching most of his friends die from senseless violence, Ca$h moved to Irvine, Calif. with his mother in 1997. Once there, he linked with producer Rikanatti and rappers H-Long and Monique (also the mother of his oldest daughter) to form the Renegadez. The crew enjoyed local success until tragedy struck in 1999 when Monique was murdered. Despite the loss, the Cali collective tried to carry on but were hit with another blow when Ca$his was arrested for parole violation and had to serve a short sentence. Once released, he reunited with the Renegadez and refocused on music. Ca$his’s introduction to the masses, however, wouldn’t come until 2006 when he appeared alongside Eminem, 50 Cent and Lloyd Banks on “You Don’t Know,” the first single off the platinum-selling Shady Records compilation, The Re-Up. Although he featured on many of the tracks, he did not truly reveal his talents until his first solo release, County Hound EP, on May 22, 2007. His debut album, Loose Cannon, is scheduled for release in May or June of 2008.