Val Johnson is a Brooklyn-born R&B and Hip-Hop artist who draws inspiration from both old-school and contemporary music legends. He has been influenced by greats such as Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Teddy Pendergrass, Barry White, Tina Turner, and Sade, as well as modern artists like Usher, Chris Brown, Mario, Ne-Yo, and Drake. Val also takes cues from R&B/Hip Hop moguls like Berry Gordy, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Jay-Z, Dame Dash, Kareem Burke, Russell Simmons, and Rick Rubin.
Val started singing and rapping at the age of 12, jotting down lyrics in his notebook and recording songs off the radio. His godfather then gave him a karaoke machine, which further ignited his passion for music. Unfortunately, during his freshman year of high school, Val got into a fight with a security guard that left him with stitches on his lip, and his self-confidence was shattered. For a while, he struggled to interact with girls.
However, Val's mother reminded him that being handsome is not just about physical appearance but also about how one feels inside. This wise advice inspired him to start his own record label called Handsome Boy Records, which aimed to inspire others to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin.
Val's label grew in popularity, and his fans started calling him "Mr. Handsome" or "M.H." Val's "I'm Handsome" video/EP has become a hit, earning over 500,000 views and winning him twelve Instagram talent shows and one YouTube talent show. Notable figures in the entertainment industry, including comedian/actor Shiggy, Justin Combs (Diddy's son), Melli Monaco (YouTuber), Ether The Connect, and Fivio Foreign, have also praised Val's talent, creativity, and uplifting message.
Val's journey demonstrates the power of confidence, perseverance, and creativity in achieving one's goals. His music has the ability to inspire and captivate audiences, making him a rising star in the R&B/Hip Hop scene.