Roaming the streets of Youngstown, Ohio, one would most undoubtedly encounter acts of violence and illegal activity. One might also discover talents that change lives with a simple chord, melody, or lyric. That’s what makes that era, in that town, so mysterious and enticing. For Myke Groov, a self-taught musician, DJ/Artist and Producer, his drive to succeed simply came from his innate talent to unfold life, whether good or bad, through song.

Myke Groov was born into a family of talented musicians – his mother, a highly educated opera singer, and his father, an equally gifted jazz/funk drummer. When Groov and his brothers weren’t at the local theater with their mother watching actors perform music from the likes of Gerhswin or Les Mirseables, you could find them late at night peeking over the railing leading to the basement of their home listening to their father and uncle practice with their band. It was in that same basement, surrounded by vats, reeking of stale wine, that Groov’s dad educated him about the importance of music to one’s life. It was also in that same basement where Groov discovered the greats – Davis, Hancock, James, Beck, Wonder, Clinton and Earth, Wind and Fire. It was in that same basement where his father taught him how to keep a beat on the drum set and rhythm on the piano, where David Ruffin once came to hide out when he went a.w.o.l. on the Temptations. Growing up in a diverse musical household remains the foundation to Groov’s unique blended sound that mixes elements of fusion, electro & trap.

Realizing that his hometown had an abundance of musical talent, and wanting to avoid the growing epidemic of gangs, His Father took him to some shows. Even though he was a bit young, his dad encouraged his love of music, so he snuck him into bars and clubs so he could play drums at the age of 12 with the jazz talents that Youngstown had to offer. It wasn’t until he attended a local variety show that Groov knew he was destined to be an artist when he saw the local group, EZ Access, perform and they were from his own neighborhood.

By the age of 14, he was making a name for himself as a DJ, using his dad’s old records, placing his speakers in his bedroom window, and playing music for his neighborhood. His DJ routine to One Way’s “Mr Groove” set the tone for him to be forever known as Myke Groov. Beyond the walls of his home, Groov helped out–behind the scenes–in his uncle’s studio. While mopping the floors, he observed how producers, artists and engineers worked, and by age 17, he gained credits as an engineer. He won 12 blue ribbon medals in O.M.E.A. vocal competitions and was adopted by the group MAAAD KRU, who won several local talent shows.

At age 17, Groov had self-produced two albums. The first, a compilation album was entitled “Youngstown Cartel” by the artist Ray Ro, and the second, a full LP for his cousins record label, entitled “Choppin Game Records”, which sells for up to $150 a copy today on discogs! It was shortly after these releases that Groov witnessed first-hand the treachery of the streets of Youngstown with the murder of his father. He had seen violence happen to others before, and had some close calls with gangs, but this was the first time it affected him this closely.

In order to support his family, Groov went to back to school to study sound engineering, and upon graduation was immediately called to work with T-Pain and Nappy Headz. He has since worked with artists, Jason Derulo, Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane, Brandi & Ray J’s Business, Mad Lion, Macy Gray, 8Ball & MJG, and many others. Groov has teamed up with Rufus Blaq (of EZ Access) and formed the production group MOJOBOTZ. Together they have created music for soundtracks Whitney, which premiered on Lifetime, and the motion picture, Total Frat Movie.

Coming off his solo artist debut with the release of his mix tape, “Merlot” through Mad Lion’s Killah Pride imprint, blending old school classics with his own drill style and personal stories, “Merlot” is an ode to his father and paints a vivid cinematic picture of a hustler’s life on the Midwest streets.

Myke has collaborated with Rufus Blaq to create the super duo “MOJOBOTZ”, which was put together by the producer Red One’s New Heat/New Heights imprint.

“You may not know how, you may not know when, but the more you search and think independently, your personal gift will make a path for you,” insights Groov.