Submitted Photo Dalton Gunnar Johnson, aka $helta, learned to play piano at a young age by practicing on his mother’s keyboard. Photo from Tori Unruh.

Dalton Gunnar Johnson, aka $helta, has worked hard to bring success to his music career. Unfortunately, it halted when tragedy struck and drugs were added to the mix. The young man did not stop him from becoming a successful artist. From recording in basements to renting a commercial space, he has since spent countless hours recording music and releasing it online for others to listen to.

In 2020, Johnson told his story about how he initially got started in music: his mother having a keyboard around the house and learning how to play the piano. Over the last four years, he was introduced to drugs.

When Johnson was much younger, his mother told him that “his dream could come true,” no matter what it may be. That simple saying was a good part of the reason why he has such a “driving passion for hip hop music.”

One of his biggest inspirations is his best friend Jacob Bauer, who Johnson described like a brother. After Johnson’s mother passed away from a drug overdose about three years ago, Bauer and his girlfriend allowed their friend to move in with them for a year-and-a-half to get back on his feet.

During their time as roommates, Johnson and Bauer would practice freestyle rapping together, letting the words flow from their minds straight to the microphone.

Bauer spends most of his time helping Johnson write or come up with lyrics to songs, but would rather stay behind the scenes. Featuring in a song is not something that he sees himself doing.

“(Bauer)’s probably one of the top-tier people that helped me get through my mom’s overdose,” Johnson said of his friend, “and he’s always believed in me and pushed me to be the best artist I can be.”

The space an artist works in is sometimes a sacred place where negative energy is not allowed, so they may be choosy about who they open that door to. The bond Johnson and Bauer share transcends that.

“If I have a studio session,” said Johnson, “he’ll come and be one of the people I trust to be in the actual studio with me.”

He has collaborated with four other local artists on the album he is currently working on. The more music he creates, the more local artists he wants to feature. He wants to give others the opportunity he had to gain traction online and be recognized for their work.

Wiz Khalifa is at the top of Johnson’s list of famous artists that he would one day like to work with.

“He’s from the same city as us,” he said.

Jelly Roll, who performed at the North Dakota State Fair in 2023, is a musician that the North Dakotan rapper can relate to.

“His story is kind of similar. He went from rags to riches, and had an addiction,” Johnson said.

According to Johnson, he is currently seeking drug treatment, and his music has been the driving force for keeping his head above water.

“It’s my release,” he explained.

In the albums that have already been dropped with his record company in New York City, he mentions his addiction and how it has impacted his life. In his newest album titled “Magic City,” he is turning a new leaf and writing his music about his recovery.

The title “Magic City” comes from recording and producing in Minot.

He expressed gratitude to the people who are helping him on his road to recovery.