Brooklyn, New York, known for its vibrant art scene and diverse culture, has given birth to many talented individuals. Among them is City The Great, an artist and the CEO of Certified Nation Entertainment (CNE). But City's journey to success was not without its fair share of challenges. Born as Ronald Dixon, City developed a deep passion for hip-hop at a tender age. At just nine years old, he wrote his first song with his older cousin, Andre Deakino, after being inspired by an episode of Video Music Box. However, City's childhood took a tragic turn when he lost his father and experienced a near-death encounter himself. The anguish only grew when his mother fell ill, leaving City to shoulder the responsibility of caring for his younger sibling. Amidst the fear, hurt, and rage, City turned to his pen as an outlet for his emotions. Writing became his catharsis, and he poured his heart into his lyrics each day. As a teenager, City decided to take his craft more seriously. He began hosting and competing in various hip-hop battle ciphers, where he showcased his lyrical prowess and impressed his peers. They nicknamed him "Ill Dramatic" for his ability to paint vivid pictures with his words, much like legendary artist Nas. During this time, City crossed paths with Justin Matthews, the son of his uncle's friend Andre Matthews. Together, they formed the group MIA (Militant Industry Action) and caught the attention of Sony Records through Andre's industry connections. Unfortunately, their deal fell through when one of the group members, Jax, faced legal troubles and ended up in prison. Despite this setback, City remained determined to pursue his dreams. However, fate dealt City another blow when he found himself incarcerated on an Armed Robbery Charge. Determined to turn his life around, he made a solemn vow to never return to his former ways. With limited resources and while on parole, City downloaded free software and, with the help of his wife, built a makeshift recording booth inside a cloth closet. To record his music, he even used his daughter's Disney sing-it microphone. Undeterred by his circumstances, City released several mixtapes online and performed at countless shows, garnering attention and praise for his music and brand. He caught the ears of Certified Hitz Music Group's founder, DJ BAD THA PROBLEM, and Philadelphia underground producer Mizzy Beats, which further propelled his career on a global scale. Through the success of mixtapes like "Reloaded" and "Carry The Casket," City established fruitful collaborations with artists such as Jinxy Music, Charlie Brown of LESFLO Entertainment, and producers Pluto and Buck 3000. But the turning point came when hip-hop alumni Special Ed noticed City's talent through Daniel, Ed's younger cousin and a long-time friend of City's. Ed took City under his wing, becoming his mentor and guiding him as his first protege. With Special Ed's support, City released multiple projects, including studio albums like "The Inevitable" and the "Why Not" EP. In 2021, City and his CNE team formed a partnership with the legendary Kool Rock Ski, a former member of Disco 3 and The Fat Boys. Their collaboration led to the creation of the 1st Annual Classic Hip-Hop and R&B Cookout, where City and other CNE artists showcased their talents. This partnership flourished, with City performing at the 2nd Annual Classic Hip-Hop and R&B Cookout the following year. He took the stage with Kool Rock Ski himself, performing several songs, including the popular anthem "Realigned" featuring Kool Rock Ski. In 2023, City released his hit single "NY Sounds Like," which gained widespread popularity and radio airplay after being broken by DJ Epps of Rock the Bells. The song's anthem-based theme, heavy-hitting beats, and exceptional lyricism captivated listeners across the nation. City's talent and dedication also earned him the honor of being the first independent artist to perform on the Summer Stage in Coney Island, alongside Kool Rock Ski and Playboy Mikey D. City's relentless pursuit of his musical dreams caught the attention of industry heavyweights. He appeared on Sway in the Morning and the Weekend Work show hosted by Coach PR, both on Shade 45. His groundbreaking achievements and unwavering passion culminated in the announcement of his upcoming album, "The Syllabus," set to be released in 2024. As City The Great continues to create music and elevate his artistry, he remains steadfast in his goal of reaching the masses through his storytelling and bringing the true elements of hip-hop back to the forefront. Through his resilience and determination, he has truly made a name for himself as a Brooklyn artist and CEO, leaving an indelible mark on the hip-hop industry.

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