Mikell Martin was born June 28th, 1989 in Augusta, Ga.

As a youngster, Mikell was very artistic, with a passion for art; especially drawing. By Age 11, his artistic interest would lead him to a new form of expression; writing, as he began composing original R&B lyrics and melodies. As he developed more and more lyrically, Mikell dived to deeper depths musically, as he started experimenting with Dj’ing and producing. Eventually, an interest in hip-hop would tighten his musical ties as he began rapping under the moniker “Young Mac”.

 

By 2006, he  had joined his first rap group formed by a group of friends. They became known as “Get Money Clique” (GMC), and Mac would successfully execute the role of the "rapper/producer". After a few mixtapes, the group would be reduced to Mikell and long time friend “Slim”. Together, they would go on professionally to be known as “Mac X Slim”. Mac X Slim would begin to set a standard for the local hip-hop music scene, often with comparisons to the southern legends "Outkast", thanks to the slick lyrical content and catchy melodic tunes that characterized their music.

 

Time would pass, and Mikell would decide to reconnect with his artistic roots. In 2007, He decided he would venture off to pursue an education in Graphic Design at the Art Institute in Atlanta, Ga. It would be here where Mikell would restablish contact with long time friend Rafael "DJ Spinz" Hill and reignite his love and passion for music. Mikell would return to Augusta  with a new drive and continue to inject fresh ideas into MacXSlim. After several mixtapes and attention from labels, Mikell would be confident enough to spread his wings and attempt his first solo project, "Black Canvas", and introduce his passion for music and artistry to the world.