View source for Biography:Joji (musician)

{{Short description|Japanese musician and entertainer (born 1992)}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2017}}
{{Infobox person
| name               = Joji
| native_name        = {{nobold|ジョージ}}
| native_name_lang   = 
| caption            = Joji performing in 2018
| image              = Joji Performing Live in 2018 (cropped) (better quality).png
| birth_name         = George Kusunoki Miller<ref name="ACE Repertory">{{cite web |title=ACE Repertory – Joji Kusunoki |url=https://www.ascap.com/repertory#ace/writer/886198670/KUSUNOKI%20JOJI |website=ascap.com |access-date=14 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330145422/https://www.ascap.com/repertory#ace/writer/886198670/KUSUNOKI%20JOJI |archive-date=30 March 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| birth_date         = <!-- Do not change the birth date without adding a reliable source -->{{birth date and age|df=yes|1992|9|18}}<ref name="Joji Apple Music">{{cite web|title=Joji on Apple Music|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/joji/1258279972|website=Apple Music|access-date=14 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214143719/https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/joji/1258279972|archive-date=14 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
| birth_place        = {{wipe|Osaka}}, Japan<ref name="BroadwayWorld" />
| other_names        = 
| education          = 
| alma_mater         = [[Organization:New York Institute of Technology|New York Institute of Technology]]
| occupation         = {{flatlist|
* Singer
* songwriter
* rapper
* comedian
}}
| module             = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes
| origin          = Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Japan<ref name="Pigeons and Planes 3" /><ref name="Canadian Academy" />
| genre           = {{ubl|'''Joji'''|{{flatlist|
* R&B<ref name="billboard interview">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8061822/joji-interview-will-he-filthy-frank |title=Singer/Producer Joji on His Career Flip From Crude Viral Comedy to Understated R&B: 'Now I Get to Do Stuff That I Want to Hear' |last=Kelley |first=Caitlin |date=7 December 2017 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=12 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608065523/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8061822/joji-interview-will-he-filthy-frank |archive-date=8 June 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* alt-R&B<ref name="billboard interview">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8061822/joji-interview-will-he-filthy-frank |title=Singer/Producer Joji on His Career Flip From Crude Viral Comedy to Understated R&B: 'Now I Get to Do Stuff That I Want to Hear' |last=Kelley |first=Caitlin |date=7 December 2017 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=12 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608065523/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8061822/joji-interview-will-he-filthy-frank |archive-date=8 June 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* trip hop<ref name="Pigeons and Planes 2" />
* lo-fi<ref name="Pigeons and Planes 2" />
}}
'''Filthy Frank''' / '''Pink Guy'''|{{hlist|Surreal humour|sat[[Social:Satire|ire]]|comedy hip hop<ref>{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8061822/joji-interview-will-he-filthy-frank |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608065523/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8061822/joji-interview-will-he-filthy-frank |title=Singer/Producer Joji on His Career-Flip From Crude Viral Comedy to Understated R&B: 'Now I Get to Do Stuff That I Want to Hear' |last=Kelley |first=Caitlin |magazine=Billboard |date=7 December 2017 |access-date=8 June 2018 |archive-date=8 June 2018 |url-status=live |quote="He won't rap on a Joji track like he does as Pink Guy&nbsp;..." & "Miller has been growing out of the brand of comedy associated with Pink Guy&nbsp;..."}}</ref>|black comedy}}
}}
| instrument      = {{flatlist|
* Vocals
* [[Engineering:Ukulele|ukulele]]
}}
| years_active    = 2006–present
| label           = {{flatlist|
* 88rising
* 12Tone
* Warner
}}
| associated_acts = Trippie Redd
| website = {{URL|jojimusic.com}}
}}
| module2            = {{Infobox YouTube personality|embed=yes
| channels        = {{ubl
|[https://www.youtube.com/user/TVFilthyFrank TVFilthyFrank]
}}
| years_active = 2008–2017 
| genre        = shock comedy, surrealist humour
| subscribers  = 7.88&nbsp;million
| views        = 1.25&nbsp;billion
| network      = ScaleLab<ref name="SocialBlade">{{cite web|title=TVFilthyFrank YouTube Stats, Channel Statistics|url=https://socialblade.com/youtube/user/tvfilthyfrank|publisher=socialblade.com|access-date=29 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816233823/https://socialblade.com/youtube/user/tvfilthyfrank|archive-date=16 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>
| silver_button   = yes
| silver_year     = 2012
| gold_button     = yes
| gold_year       = 2015
| diamond_button  = no
| ruby_button     = no
| stats_update    = January 21, 2023
}}
}}

{{nihongo|'''George Kusunoki Miller'''|ジョージ・楠木・ミラー|Jōji Kusunoki Mirā|born 18 September 1992|}},<ref name="Joji Apple Music" /> known professionally as '''Joji''' and formerly for playing the characters '''Filthy Frank''' and '''Pink Guy''', is a Japanese singer-songwriter, rapper, internet personality, and record producer. Miller's music has been described as a mix between R&B, lo-fi, and trip hop. 

Miller created ''The Filthy Frank Show'' on YouTube in 2011 shortly after moving to the United States, gaining recognition for playing oddball characters on the comedy channels TVFilthyFrank, TooDamnFilthy, and DizastaMusic.<ref name="announcement tweet">{{cite tweet|number=946807308541218816|user=FilthyFrank|title=This is old news but I figured I'd give an official statement. Thank you for your understanding and god bless.|date=29 December 2017|access-date=29 December 2017}}</ref> The channels, which featured comedy hip hop, rants, extreme challenges, and [[Engineering:Ukulele|ukulele]] and dance performances,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://nsucurrent.nova.edu/soundbite-pink-season-by-pink-guy/|title=Soundbite: "Pink Season" by Pink Guy|work=The Current|date=18 January 2017|access-date=14 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730112011/https://nsucurrent.nova.edu/soundbite-pink-season-by-pink-guy/|archive-date=30 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> are noted for their shock humor and prolific virality. Miller's videos helped popularize the Harlem Shake, which contributed to the commercial success of Baauer's song of the same name which led to the production of [[Social:Internet meme|memes]] and collaborations with [[Social:YouTuber|YouTuber]]s.<ref name="cnn">{{Cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2017/08/02/asia/88-rising-asian-rap/index.html|title=Straight outta... China? The young Asian artists bucking hip-hop trends|first=Marian|last=Liu|work=CNN|access-date=31 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180331104359/https://edition.cnn.com/2017/08/02/asia/88-rising-asian-rap/index.html|archive-date=31 March 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="mashable">{{Cite news|url=https://mashable.com/2013/02/12/youtube-harlem-shake/|title=YouTube: Here's How 'Harlem Shake' Went Viral|last=Taylor|first=Chris|work=Mashable|access-date=31 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428154325/https://mashable.com/2013/02/12/youtube-harlem-shake/#r8YJ3.GUFZqb|archive-date=28 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> As Pink Guy, Miller released two comedy studio albums, "Pink Season" and "Pink Season: The Prophecy" as well as an extended play between 2014 and 2017.

In late 2017, Miller ended ''The Filthy Frank Show'' to pursue a music career under the name Joji.<ref name="Pigeons and Planes">{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/pigeons-and-planes/2017/01/pink-guy-pink-season-filthy-frank-george-miller-interview|title=The Man Behind Pink Guy's Bizarre Chart-Topping Album 'Pink Season'|publisher=Pigeons and Planes|access-date=13 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308080936/https://www.complex.com/pigeons-and-planes/2017/01/pink-guy-pink-season-filthy-frank-george-miller-interview|archive-date=8 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="PigeonsandPlanes">{{Cite news|url=http://pigeonsandplanes.com/news/2017/12/joji-quits-pink-guy-filthy-frank-comedy|title=Joji Explains Decision to Quit Filthy Frank and Pink Guy as He Pursues Music Career|work=PigeonsandPlanes|access-date=29 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229223130/http://pigeonsandplanes.com/news/2017/12/joji-quits-pink-guy-filthy-frank-comedy|archive-date=29 December 2017}}</ref> His debut album, ''Ballads 1'', was released in 2018 and featured the single "Slow Dancing in the Dark". His second album, ''Nectar'' (2020), contained the singles "Sanctuary" and "Run". In 2022, he released the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100 top-ten single "Glimpse of Us", his highest-charting song,<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/joji-makes-history-on-billboard-chart/|title=Joji Becomes First Asian Artist to Top Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Album Chart|work=Highsnobiety|date=6 November 2018|access-date=6 November 2018|first=Renz|last=Ofiaza|archive-date=15 March 2019|archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20190315210136/https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/joji%2Dmakes%2Dhistory%2Don%2Dbillboard%2Dchart/|url-status=live}}</ref> which was later featured on his third album, ''Smithereens'' (2022).

== Early life ==
George Kusunoki Miller<ref name="ACE Repertory" /> was born in {{wipe|Osaka}}, Japan.<ref name="BroadwayWorld">{{cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Joji-Shares-Video-for-New-Single-Will-He-Announces-New-EP-20171018|title=Joji Shares Video for New Single 'Will He'; Announces New EP|publisher=BroadwayWorld|date=18 October 2017|access-date=3 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107012813/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Joji-Shares-Video-for-New-Single-Will-He-Announces-New-EP-20171018|archive-date=7 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> He is half Australian and half Japanese.<ref name="FrankExposed">{{Citation|last=DizastaMusic|title=Filthy Frank Exposes Himself?|date=5 July 2017|url=https://archive.org/details/FILTHYFRANKEXPOSESHIMSELF_201707|access-date=18 December 2018}}</ref> He attended Canadian Academy, an international school in Kobe, Japan, where he graduated in 2012.<ref name="Canadian Academy">{{cite web|url=https://issuu.com/canadian.academy/docs/ca_review_fall_2012/7|title=CA Review Fall 2012|date=6 August 2013 |publisher=Canadian Academy|pages=4–5|access-date=16 January 2017|via=Issuu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927043055/https://issuu.com/canadian.academy/docs/ca_review_fall_2012/7|archive-date=27 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> At age 18, he left Japan and travelled to the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VIz05lZMKyM|title=Joji Goes Desk Shopping, "Phones" Drake & Performs with 88rising|author=HYPEBEAST|date=30 March 2018|access-date=19 December 2018|time=1:10|via=YouTube|archive-date=22 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322170435/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=VIz05lZMKyM|url-status=live}}</ref>

== YouTube career ==
=== ''The Filthy Frank Show'' (2008–2017) ===
Miller created the "Filthy Frank" character during his time on his DizastaMusic YouTube channel, on which he created sketch comedy-based content. The channel started gaining popularity after his 2012 conceptualization of Filthy Frank, a character who was described as the anti-vlogger of YouTube by Miller.<ref name=":1">{{Cite AV media|date=6 September 2015|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6UYz2eNoS8&t=6m39s|title=TND Podcast #17 ft. George Miller a.k.a. Filthy Frank|time=6:39|publisher=The Needle Drop|access-date=22 January 2017|via=YouTube|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204014745/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6UYz2eNoS8&t=6m39s|archive-date=4 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The first known video on this particular channel (before his creation of the Frank character) was uploaded on 19 June 2008, and was titled "Lil Jon falls off a table".<ref name=":2">{{Cite AV media|url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=hB_LvjoAF2Q|title=Lil Jon falls off a table|date=19 June 2008|publisher=George Miller|access-date=30 June 2017|via=YouTube|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225124242/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hB_LvjoAF2Q|archive-date=25 February 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The DizastaMusic channel has over 1 million subscribers and 177 million views {{As of|2021|10|lc=yes}}.<ref name=":3">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/user/DizastaMusic/about|title=DizastaMusic – About|publisher=George Miller|access-date=30 June 2017|via=YouTube|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150517212153/https://www.youtube.com/user/DizastaMusic/about|archive-date=17 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> On 15 August 2014, Miller uploaded a video to the DizastaMusic channel announcing that he would not be posting any more video content onto the channel due to the risk of losing the channel due to the numerous copyright and community strikes it received. He also announced that future "Filthy Frank" content would be uploaded to a new channel he had created called TVFilthyFrank.<ref>{{Cite AV media|title=New Channel: TVFilthyFrank|date=15 August 2014|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSfcvIA366A|publisher=George Miller|access-date=26 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623131329/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSfcvIA366A|archive-date=23 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

Miller's channel TVFilthyFrank had many different series, such as "Food" (和食ラップ), "Japanese 101", "Wild Games" and "Loser Reads Hater Comments". This channel currently has a total of 7.88&nbsp;million subscribers and over one billion views {{As of|2023|10|lc=yes}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/user/TVFilthyFrank/about|title=TVFilthyFrank – About|publisher=George Miller|access-date=9 February 2017|via=YouTube|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808222325/https://m.youtube.com/user/TVFilthyFrank/about|archive-date=8 August 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://socialblade.com/youtube/user/tvfilthyfrank|title=TVFilthyFrank YouTube Stats, Channel Statistics|publisher=Socialblade.com|access-date=9 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816233823/https://socialblade.com/youtube/user/tvfilthyfrank|archive-date=16 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Miller created a third channel, TooDamnFilthy, on 1 July 2014.<ref name="TooDamnFilthy – About">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/user/TooDamnFilthy/about|title=TooDamnFilthy – About|publisher=George Miller|access-date=16 March 2017|via=YouTube|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406160233/https://www.youtube.com/user/TooDamnFilthy/about|archive-date=6 April 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> On this channel he had two series, "Japanese 101", which was also featured on his main channel, and "Cringe of the Week", which was usually abbreviated to "COTW".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/user/TooDamnFilthy/playlists|title=TooDamnFilthy – Playlists|publisher=George Miller|access-date=13 October 2017|via=YouTube|archive-date=29 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129030515/https://www.youtube.com/user/TooDamnFilthy/playlists|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2021|10}}, TooDamnFilthy has 2.33&nbsp;million subscribers and 332 million views.<ref name="TooDamnFilthy – About" />

On 27 September 2017, Miller announced the release of his first book, titled ''Francis of the Filth'', which addresses things uncovered in ''The Filthy Frank Show'' and serves as a culmination of the series.<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUrwgtQpjY8 |title=Francis of the Filth (Out Now) |date=27 September 2017 |access-date=27 September 2017 |publisher=George Miller |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927230158/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUrwgtQpjY8 |archive-date=27 September 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 29 December 2017, Miller released a statement on Twitter explaining that he had stopped producing Filthy Frank content due to both "serious health conditions" and his lack of interest in continuing the show.<ref name="PigeonsandPlanes" /><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8061822/joji-interview-will-he-filthy-frank|title=Singer/Producer Joji on His Career Flip From Crude Viral Comedy to Understated R&B: 'Now I Get to Do Stuff That I Want to Hear'|magazine=Billboard|access-date=29 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608065523/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8061822/joji-interview-will-he-filthy-frank|archive-date=8 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2018, Miller stated in a BBC Radio 1 interview that he had no choice but to stop producing comedy due to his health condition.<ref>{{Citation|last=JBXM|title=Joji Interview – BBC Radio 1 (Annie Mac)|date=18 September 2018|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE34LTLrqoA|access-date=27 September 2018|archive-date=3 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190903131444/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE34LTLrqoA&app=desktop|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Music career ==

===Pink Guy (2012–2017)===
Miller always had a passion for music composition. He has expressed that even before his YouTube career, he had an interest in creating music and created his YouTube channel as a means of promoting it. In an interview with ''Pigeons and Planes'', he said, "I've always wanted to make normal music. I just started the YouTube channel to kind of bump my music. But then Filthy Frank and the Pink Guy stuff ended up getting way bigger than I thought so I had to kind of roll with it."<ref name="Pigeons and Planes" />

Miller's music under Pink Guy is often comical, staying true to the nature of his YouTube channel. His second album, ''Pink Season'', debuted at number 70 on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref name="Pigeons and Planes" /><ref name="Billboard">{{cite magazine|title=Billboard 200|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200|magazine=Billboard|access-date=18 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028034630/http://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200?page=2|archive-date=28 October 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> Under his comedy rap stage name, Pink Guy, Miller has produced two albums, and one extended play, ''Pink Guy'', ''Pink Season'', and ''Pink Season: The Prophecy'', respectively. On 16 March 2017, Miller performed for the first time as Pink Guy at SXSW.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://schedule.sxsw.com/2017/events/MS41363|title=Pink Guy|work=SXSW 2017 Schedule|access-date=14 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014133223/http://schedule.sxsw.com/2017/events/MS41363|archive-date=14 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Future plans were stated to include a "long overdue" tour, a third Pink Guy album and more progress on his personal music outside of the Pink Guy character.<ref name="Pigeons and Planes" />

However, as of 29 December 2017, Joji has ceased production of all Filthy Frank-related content, including Pink Guy music.<ref name="Pigeons and Planes" /><ref name="PigeonsandPlanes" />

=== Joji (2017–present) ===
Aside from the comedic and often rap-based music he created under the Pink Guy alias, Miller also created more serious and traditional music under another stage name, Joji, which became his primary focus in late 2017. Speaking on his transition from his YouTube career to his music career as Joji, Miller said to ''Billboard'' "now I get to do stuff that I want to hear."<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8061822/joji-interview-will-he-filthy-frank|title=Singer/Producer Joji on His Career Flip From Crude Viral Comedy to Understated R&B: 'Now I Get to Do Stuff That I Want to Hear'|magazine=Billboard|access-date=22 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608065523/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8061822/joji-interview-will-he-filthy-frank|archive-date=8 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In the article by ''Billboard'', he specified that 'Joji' isn't a character like Filthy Frank and Pink Guy. "I guess that's the difference," he continues. "Joji's just me."<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8061822/joji-interview-will-he-filthy-frank|title=Singer/Producer Joji on His Career Flip From Crude Viral Comedy to Understated R&B: 'Now I Get to Do Stuff That I Want to Hear'|magazine=Billboard|access-date=11 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180608065523/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8061822/joji-interview-will-he-filthy-frank|archive-date=8 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

During his time growing up in Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Japan, Miller began to produce music and sing with friends as a side-hobby and a way to pass the time. After relocating to Manhattan, New York, Miller expanded upon his music career by starting his Pink Guy persona, which paved the way for his Joji persona.<ref name="Pigeons and Planes 3">{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3habuLgROU|title=Joji's Journey from Viral Videos to Quality Music Music Life|publisher=Pigeons and Planes|date=1 November 2017|access-date=3 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228064952/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3habuLgROU|archive-date=28 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Miller originally announced his Joji album on 3 May 2014 alongside the first Pink Guy album. However, Miller subtly cancelled the project until he began releasing music under the name PinkOmega.<ref>{{Cite AV media|title=Trap Dumplings|date=4 June 2015|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AMRP9JTHlw|publisher=George Miller|access-date=23 August 2017|via=YouTube|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161115052248/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AMRP9JTHlw|archive-date=15 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> Miller released two songs as PinkOmega: "Dumplings" on 4 June 2015<ref>{{Cite AV media|title=pinkomega – dumplings|date=4 June 2015|publisher=George Miller|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mWh2NdVmDE|access-date=23 August 2017|via=YouTube|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001070159/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mWh2NdVmDE|archive-date=1 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> and "wefllagn.ii 5" on 28 August 2015,<ref>{{Cite AV media|title=pinkomega – wefllagn.ii 5|date=28 August 2015|publisher=George Miller|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwXmYzRVdfE|access-date=23 August 2017|via=YouTube|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180118062345/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwXmYzRVdfE|archive-date=18 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> both of which were later released on the Pink Guy album ''Pink Season'', the latter being re-titled "We Fall Again".

Miller intended to keep the music made under Joji a secret from his fanbase due to them mainly wanting his comedic music. In late 2015, two singles were released, titled "Thom" and "You Suck Charlie"; both were released under a false alias, but it was quickly leaked that the user behind the account was Miller,<ref>{{cite web|title=88 Rising – Rich Brian, Joji, & August 08 – Full Interview|publisher=Beats & Booze|date=20 August 2018|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us-ebicLgd4|access-date=10 September 2018|via=YouTube|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114175114/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us-ebicLgd4|archive-date=14 January 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> which prompted him in January 2016 to publicly announce on [[Software:Instagram|Instagram]] that he was releasing a full-length commercial project titled ''Chloe Burbank: Volume 1''. In the same post, he linked his SoundCloud account.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BAeMSDqtL99/|title=Joji – Chloe Burbank – Volume 1|last=Miller|first=George|date=13 January 2016|access-date=17 January 2017|via=Instagram}}{{dead link|date=February 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Joji began releasing music under 88rising in 2017; the songs "I Don't Wanna Waste My Time" (on 26 April), "Rain on Me" (on 19 July),<ref name="CNN">{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/02/asia/88-rising-asian-rap/index.html|title=Straight outta... China? The young Asian artists bucking hip-hop trends|last=Liu|first=Marian|work=CNN|access-date=9 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612210143/https://www.cnn.com/2017/08/02/asia/88-rising-asian-rap/index.html|archive-date=12 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="pigeons-and-planes-premiere">{{cite web|url=http://pigeonsandplanes.com/music/2017/04/joji-i-dont-wanna-waste-my-time|title=Joji Returns With Stunning New Song "I Don't Wanna Waste My Time"|date=26 April 2017|access-date=26 April 2017|last=Skelton|first=Eric|publisher=Pigeons & Planes|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170815171207/http://pigeonsandplanes.com/music/2017/04/joji-i-dont-wanna-waste-my-time|archive-date=15 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pigeonsandplanes.com/music/2017/07/joji-rain-on-me|title=Listen to Joji's Gorgeous New Song "Rain On Me"|publisher=Pigeons & Planes|access-date=18 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818180327/http://pigeonsandplanes.com/music/2017/07/joji-rain-on-me|archive-date=18 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> and "Will He" (on 17 October).<ref name="PigeonsandPlanes – Will He" /> Joji was featured in the song "Nomadic" with the Chinese rap group Higher Brothers.<ref>{{Cite AV media|publisher=88rising|title=Higher Brothers + joji – Nomadic (Official Music Video)|date=12 July 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9l3_6yNjrs|access-date=23 August 2017|via=YouTube|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830235157/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9l3_6yNjrs|archive-date=30 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Miller performed live as Joji for the first time on 18 May 2017 in Los Angeles. The event was streamed by the Boiler Room.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://boilerroom.tv/session/88rising/|title=Boiler Room x 88rising|publisher=Boiler Room|access-date=23 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823205426/https://boilerroom.tv/session/88rising/|archive-date=23 August 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> On 17 October 2017, Miller released the debut single from his debut commercial project, ''In Tongues.''<ref name="Empire">{{cite web|url=http://web2.empi.re/campaigns/?c=JojiInTongues|title=Pre-Save|website=Empire|access-date=18 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017203040/http://web2.empi.re/campaigns/?c=JojiInTongues|archive-date=17 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> The single, titled "Will He", was released on platforms [[Software:Spotify|Spotify]] and [[Software:ITunes|iTunes]].<ref name="PigeonsandPlanes – Will He">{{Cite news|url=http://pigeonsandplanes.com/music/2017/10/joji-will-he|title=Joji Shares Gorgeous New Single 'Will He' [Update]|publisher=Pigeons and Planes|access-date=18 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171017211129/http://pigeonsandplanes.com/music/2017/10/joji-will-he|archive-date=17 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref>

Miller's debut project under the moniker Joji, an EP titled ''In Tongues'', was released on 3 November 2017 by Empire Distribution.<ref name="Empire" /> A deluxe version of the EP was released on 14 February 2018 with 8 remixes of songs from the EP along with the release of "Plastic Taste" and "I Don't Wanna Waste My Time" as part of the track listing.<ref name="Deluxe EP">{{cite news|author=<!--Not stated-->|title=Joji Shares Video For 'Window' Announces Deluxe Version of 'In Tongues' EP|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Joji-Shares-Video-For-Window-Announces-Deluxe-Version-of-In-Tongues-EP-20180124|access-date=26 January 2018|date=24 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180126125704/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwmusic/article/Joji-Shares-Video-For-Window-Announces-Deluxe-Version-of-In-Tongues-EP-20180124|archive-date=26 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Joji released the song "Yeah Right" in May 2018, becoming his first to chart on a ''Billboard'' chart, peaking at 23 on the ''Billboard'' R&B Songs chart.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://pigeonsandplanes.com/music/2018/05/joji-yeah-right|title=Joji Drops New Song 'Yeah Right'|work=PigeonsandPlanes|access-date=22 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723004608/https://pigeonsandplanes.com/music/2018/05/joji-yeah-right|archive-date=23 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

Miller debuted ''Ballads 1'' under the label 88rising on 26 October 2018, which quickly peaked the ''Billboard'' Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums Chart.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8483269/joji-ballads-debut-no-1-top-rb-hip-hop-albums-chart|title=Joji's 'Ballads 1' Debuts at No. 1 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart|magazine=Billboard|access-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130002239/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8483269/joji-ballads-debut-no-1-top-rb-hip-hop-albums-chart|archive-date=30 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly after its release, Miller announced a North American tour, spanning 9 dates in early 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.axs.com/joji-announces-ballads-1-north-american-tour-2019-134849|title=Joji announces 'BALLADS 1' North American tour 2019|website=AXS|access-date=22 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122094743/https://www.axs.com/joji-announces-ballads-1-north-american-tour-2019-134849|archive-date=22 January 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> At that time, he was already on tour for ''Ballads 1'' in Europe. On 4 June 2019, Miller announced his single "Sanctuary" through his Instagram page and released it on 14 June. It was accompanied by a music video, which was uploaded to 88rising's official YouTube channel.<ref name="SanctuaryAlbum">{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/ByS_JqTJF4X/|title=SANCTUARY – 6/14|date=4 June 2019|via=instagram|access-date=5 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115191252/https://www.instagram.com/p/ByS_JqTJF4X/|archive-date=15 November 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

Joji was featured in the song "Where Does the Time Go?" with Indonesian rapper Rich Brian on his second album ''The Sailor''.<ref>{{Citation|title=Where Does the Time Go (feat. Joji) by Rich Brian|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-sailor/1469319614?i=1469319867|access-date=28 July 2019|archive-date=18 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718055419/https://music.apple.com/us/album/the-sailor/1469319614?i=1469319867|url-status=live}}</ref> On 30 January 2020, Miller announced another single, "Run", which released at midnight on 6 February, alongside a music video released later that day.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1222976716642979842|user=sushitrash|title=New single “Run” out February 6th 12:00AM ET worldwide<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |access-date=30 January 2020|date=30 January 2020}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=May 2020}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Joji – Run (Official Video) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K09_5IsgGe8 |via=YouTube |publisher=88rising |access-date=6 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206223023/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K09_5IsgGe8&app=desktop |archive-date=6 February 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 2 March, he performed the song on ''The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hypebeast.com/2020/3/joji-run-television-debut-the-tonight-show-starring-jimmy-fallon-perfromance|title=Joji Makes TV Debut With Spotless Performance of "Run" on 'Jimmy Fallon'|website=HYPEBEAST|date=4 March 2020|access-date=9 March 2020|archive-date=23 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923185531/https://hypebeast.com/2020/3/joji-run-television-debut-the-tonight-show-starring-jimmy-fallon-perfromance|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://headlineplanet.com/home/2020/03/02/first-look-joji-performs-on-the-tonight-show-starring-jimmy-fallon/|title=Joji Performs On 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' (Watch Now)|date=2 March 2020|website=Headline Planet|access-date=9 March 2020|archive-date=1 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201201024158/https://headlineplanet.com/home/2020/03/02/first-look-joji-performs-on-the-tonight-show-starring-jimmy-fallon/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 16 April, Joji announced the single "Gimme Love", which released at midnight, and along with announced his upcoming album ''Nectar'', which was initially set to be released on 10 July 2020.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/amp/articles/columns/hip-hop/9359999/joji-nectar-album-gimme-love-single-video|title=Joji announces 'Nectar' album & shares intergalactic 'Gimme Love' video|magazine=Billboard|date=16 April 2020|access-date=30 April 2020|last=Mamo|first=Heran|archive-date=18 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018014205/https://www.billboard.com/amp/articles/columns/hip-hop/9359999/joji-nectar-album-gimme-love-single-video|url-status=live}}</ref> However, on 12 June 2020, Joji announced that the album had been pushed back to 25 September 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1271601995674275841|user=sushitrash|title=@__sakurablues Unfortunately, we have to postpone the release of Nectar due to the pandemic. It has affected the wh…<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |date=13 June 2020}}</ref>

On 9 June 2022, Joji released the single "Glimpse of Us",<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/en_asia/news/id.70876/title.joji-returns-after-two-years-with-new-single-glimpse-of-us|title=Joji Returns After Two Years With New Single 'Glimpse of Us'|website=HipHopDX|last=Guanzon|first=Sofia|date=June 9, 2022|access-date=June 11, 2022}}</ref> which peaked at number 8 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref name="Hot 100">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/drake-21-savage-jimmy-cooks-number-1-hot-100-1235106933/|title=Drake & 21 Savage's 'Jimmy Cooks' Soars in at No. 1 on ''Billboard'' Hot 100|last=Trust|first=Gary|magazine=Billboard|date=27 June 2022|access-date=27 June 2022}}</ref> On 26 August, he released a second single called "Yukon (Interlude)".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.coupdemainmagazine.com/joji/18769|title= Joji releases new song 'Yukon (Interlude)'.|website=coupdemainmagazine.com|last=Graves|first=Shahlin|date=August 26, 2022|access-date=November 4, 2022}}</ref> On 4 November, Joji released his album ''Smithereens'',<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.complex.com/music/joji-smithereens|title=Joji Delivers New Album 'Smithereens'|website=complex.com|last=Espinoza|first=Joshua|date=November 4, 2022|access-date=November 4, 2022}}</ref> alongside the single "Die for You". To promote the album, Joji toured North America from September 2022 to 2023.

In February 2023, Joji performed his songs in Australia during the annual Laneway Festival. On 6 June 2023, Joji announced the Pandemonium tour for North America.<ref name=":2" /> Following this, additional tour dates were announced for Australia, New Zealand and Asia.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" />

== Artistry ==
Joji's music has been described as trip hop and lo-fi<ref name="Pigeons and Planes 2">{{Cite news|url=https://pigeonsandplanes.com/in-depth/2017/11/joji-interview-in-tongues|title=Joji's Journey from Viral Videos to Quality Music|author=Graham Corrigan|publisher=Pigeons and Planes|date=1 November 2017|access-date=3 November 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102044118/http://pigeonsandplanes.com/in-depth/2017/11/joji-interview-in-tongues|archive-date=2 November 2017}}</ref> that blends elements of trap, [[Social:Folk music|folk]], [[Physics:Electronic music|electronic]], and R&B.<ref name="Crave">{{cite web|url=http://www.craveonline.com/music/1340195-new-music-joji-miller-makes-name|title=New Music {{!}} Joji Miller Makes a Name for Himself|author=Patrick Green|date=3 November 2017|work=Crave |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612211505/http://www.mandatory.com/culture/1340195-new-music-joji-makes-name |archive-date=12 June 2018 |access-date=3 November 2017}}</ref> His songs have been characterized as having "down tempo, melancholic themes and soulful vocals"<ref name="BroadwayWorld" /> with "minimalistic production".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://earmilk.com/2017/04/28/listen-to-jojis-new-song-i-dont-wanna-waste-my-time/|title=Listen to Joji's new song "I don't wanna waste my time"|author=Ruth Jiang|date=28 April 2017|publisher=Earmilk|access-date=3 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171126032224/https://earmilk.com/2017/04/28/listen-to-jojis-new-song-i-dont-wanna-waste-my-time/|archive-date=26 November 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> Joji himself classifies his work as dark love songs, with his 2020 album, ''Nectar'', dissecting cliché tropes and topics.<ref>{{Cite web|title=How Joji made his second album, Nectar|url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/joji-nectar-interview|access-date=27 November 2020|website=British GQ|date=25 September 2020 |language=en-GB|archive-date=5 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205185139/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/joji-nectar-interview|url-status=live}}</ref>

He has been compared to electronic artist James Blake,<ref name="Crave" /> whom he has cited as an influence alongside Radiohead, Shlohmo and Donald Glover.<ref>{{Cite AV media|publisher=MTV News|title=Joji Discusses His Rise From Parody Rap To Mainstream Music|date=6 November 2017|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPl5uUXzcxQ|access-date=14 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729083840/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPl5uUXzcxQ|archive-date=29 July 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> In an interview with ''Pigeons and Planes'', Miller said that his music was inspired by his time growing up in Osaka and by boom bap instrumentals he listened to while attending Canadian Academy.<ref name="Pigeons and Planes 3" />

== Impact ==
Miller's web-show has had a significant impact on internet culture and is responsible for creating many internet memes.<ref name="Diamondback">{{cite web|url=http://www.dbknews.com/2016/12/02/filthy-frank-youtube-george-miller/|title=Filthy Frank and the inexplicable, weird, kind of gross side of Youtube|work=The Diamondback|date=1 December 2016|access-date=7 November 2018|first=Samuel|last=Atenza|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108025613/http://www.dbknews.com/2016/12/02/filthy-frank-youtube-george-miller/|archive-date=8 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
 
Filthy Frank has been hailed as "the epitome of odd".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Antezana |first1=Samuel |title=Filthy Frank and the inexplicable, weird, kind of gross side of Youtube |url=https://dbknews.com/2016/12/01/filthy-frank-youtube-george-miller/ |access-date=November 6, 2023 |work=The Diamondback |date=December 1, 2016}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=Student newspapers are considered less preferable sources, per WP:RSSM|date=November 2023}} Miller's videos had widespread impact, which included starting a viral dance craze known as the Harlem Shake in 2013, which was directly responsible for the debut of Baauer's "Harlem Shake" song atop the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Bain |first=Katie |date=2019-11-21 |title=Songs That Defined the Decade: Baauer, 'Harlem Shake' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/baauer-harlem-shake-songs-that-defined-the-decade-8543863/ |access-date=2023-11-01 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Discography==

===Studio albums===

'''As Joji'''
*''In Tongues'' (EP, 2017)
* ''Ballads 1'' (2018)
* ''Nectar'' (2020)
* ''Smithereens'' (2022)

'''As Pink Guy'''
* ''Pink Guy'' (Mixtape, 2014)
* ''Pink Season'' (2017)

==Tours==
* Ballads 1 Tour (2018–2019)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Experiencing Joji's Debut Headlining 'Ballads 1 Tour' – SXU Student Media |date=13 February 2019 |url=https://sxustudentmedia.com/experiencing-jojis-debut-headlining-ballads-1-tour/ |access-date=2022-06-24 |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Nectar: The Finale (2021–2022)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Joji's Nectar: The Finale Sells Out Instantly After Dates Were Added Due To Overwhelming Demand |url=https://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=171185&cat= |access-date=2022-06-24 |website=Top40-Charts.com |language=en}}</ref>
* Smithereens Tour (2022–2023)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Joji announces North American tour, shares 'Glimpse of Us' |url=https://www.thefader.com/2022/06/10/joji-north-american-tour-glimpse-of-us |access-date=2022-06-24 |website=The FADER |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Joji announces huge UK show at London's Gunnersbury Park |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/joji-announces-huge-uk-show-at-londons-gunnersbury-park-3343977 |access-date=2022-11-04|website=NME|language=en}}</ref>
* Pandemonium (2023)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Joji announces "PANDEMONIUM" North American tour with Kenny Beats |url=https://www.thefader.com/2023/06/01/joji-pandemonium-north-american-tour-announcement?utm_source=tftw |access-date=2023-06-01|website=NME|language=en}}</ref>

==Awards and nominations==
{| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
|+List of Joji's awards and nominations
! scope="col" | Award ceremony
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Nominee(s) / Work(s)
! scope="col" | Category	
! scope="col" | Result
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}}
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | ARIA Music Awards
|2022
|"Glimpse of Us"
| rowspan="2" | Song of the Year
| {{Nominated}}
|<ref name="2022 ARIA Wins">{{cite web | url=https://www.abc.net.au/triplej/news/aria-awards-2022-winners-wrap-baker-boy-king-stingray-amyl/101692604 | title=ARIA Awards 2022 Winners Wrap: Baker Boy Leads First Nations Sweep | first=Al | last=Newstead | publisher=Triple J (ABC)| date=24 November 2022 | access-date=25 November 2022}}</ref>
|-
|2023
| Die for You
| {{nominated}}
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/nominees-announced-for-2023-aria-awards/|title= Nominees Announced for 2023 ARIA Awards|website=Music Feeds|date=21 September 2023|access-date=23 September 2023}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" |Gold Derby Music Awards
|2023
|"Glimpse of Us"
|Song of the Year
| {{nominated}}
| <ref>{{Cite web |title=2023 Gold Derby Music Awards winners: Taylor Swift leads with 8, Beyonce takes Album of the Year|url=https://www.goldderby.com/feature/2023-gold-derby-music-awards-winners-list-beyonce-taylor-swift-1205279821/ |access-date=3 February 2023 |website=goldderby|date=2 February 2023 }}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" | iHeartRadio Music Awards
|2019
|Joji
|Social Star Award
| {{Nominated}}
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=2019 iHeartRadio Music Awards Winners: See The Complete List |url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2019-03-14-2019-iheartradio-music-awards-winners-see-the-complete-list/ |access-date=2022-02-19 |website=iHeart |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|2023
| "Glimpse of Us" 
| Best Lyrics
| {{nominated}}
|<ref>{{Cite web |title=iiHeartRadio Music Awards 2023: See the Complete List of Winners |url=https://people.com/music/iheartradio-music-awards-2023-complete-winners-list/ |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=people |language=en}}</ref>
|-k
! scope="row" rowspan="2" |Music Video Festival Awards
| rowspan="2" |2020
| rowspan="2" |"777"
|Innovation in a Music
| {{Won}}
| rowspan="2" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=2020 Music Video Festival Winners: See The Complete List |url=https://www.musicvideofestival.com.br/awards/2020/}}</ref>
|-
|Best Animation in a Music Video
| {{Won}}
|-
! scope="row" |Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards
| 2023
| Joji
| Favorite Breakout Artist
| {{Nominated}}
| <ref>{{cite web|last1=Atkinson|first1=Katie|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2023-kids-choice-awards-winners-list-1235279886/|title=Here Are the Winners of the 2023 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards: Complete List|magazine=Billboard|access-date=March 5, 2023|date=March 4, 2023}}</ref>
|-
! scope="row" rowspan="2" |UK Music Video Awards
| rowspan="2" |2022
| rowspan="3" |"Glimpse of Us"
|Best Alternative Video – International
| {{Nominated}}
| rowspan="2" | <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.promonews.tv/news/2022/09/28/uk-music-video-awards-2022-all-nominations-years-ukmvas/78564|title=UK Music Video Awards 2022: all the nominations for this year's UKMVAs|website=Promonews|date=28 September 2022|accessdate=28 September 2022}}</ref>
|-
|Best Editing in a Video
| {{Won}}
|}

== See also ==
*List of YouTubers

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|id=4202274|title=The Filthy Frank Show}}



{{DEFAULTSORT:Joji}}
[[Category:Internet memes]]

{{Sourceattribution|Joji (musician)}}