Born in Chicago, Rashid Johnson emerged as a significant figure in contemporary art following his inclusion in the 2001 Freestyle exhibition at the Studio Museum in Harlem. He received his formal training at Columbia College Chicago and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, establishing a practice that bridges conceptual art and material exploration.

Johnson is widely recognized for his use of unconventional materials such as shea butter, black soap, and mosaic tiles, which he employs to create immersive installations and textured paintings. His work often engages with cultural narratives and personal history, frequently incorporating organic elements and grid-based structures to examine the complexities of identity.

In recent years, Johnson has expanded his practice into curatorial projects and site-specific commissions. He has been featured in major institutional exhibitions, including the Artists Inspired by Music: Interscope Reimagined show at LACMA, and has created permanent installations for spaces such as the Whitney Museum of American Art. He also continues to collaborate with international galleries on large-scale cultural programming.