# DoNormaal

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**DoNormaal**, also known as **Christianne Kenrieke Elise Karefa-Johnson**, is an American rapper and actress. She emerged on the [Seattle](/source/Seattle) music scene in the early 2010s and is known for her experimental style and lyricism.

## Early life and education

Christianne Kenrieke Elise Karefa-Johnson, professionally known as DoNormaal, was born in [Long Beach, California](/source/Long_Beach,_California), into a lineage of historically prominent black individuals from across the globe, including West Africa, the Caribbean, the United States, and South America. She is one of five siblings and has a twin sister, [Gabriella Karefa-Johnson](/source/Gabriella_Karefa-Johnson), a stylist and fashion editor.[1]

Her maternal grandfather, [John Karefa-Smart](/source/John_Karefa-Smart), was a prince of the chiefdom of [Rotifunk](/source/Rotifunk) in [Sierra Leone](/source/Sierra_Leone) and played a pivotal role in the country’s independence from Britain in 1961. Her maternal grandmother, Rena Joyce Waller Karefa-Smart, was the first Black woman to graduate from [Yale Divinity School](/source/Yale_Divinity_School) and the first to earn a ThD (Doctor of Theology) from [Harvard](/source/Harvard).[1]

On her father Kenrick Karefa-Johnson's side her lineage includes Guyana’s first Black physician, as well as [Ken “Snakehips” Johnson](/source/Ken_%E2%80%9CSnakehips%E2%80%9D_Johnson), the leader of Britain’s influential West Indian Dance Orchestra active in the 1930s. Her paternal grandmother, of Trinidadian and Bajan descent, immigrated to the United States in the 1960s in search of better educational opportunities for her children. DoNormaal’s father, an urban planner, died shortly after her birth at the age of 42.[1][2]

Following her father’s death, her family relocated frequently, including a year spent in Sierra Leone before the civil war forced their departure. They eventually settled in Southern California when she was six years old, though her childhood remained nomadic as they moved between cities under the care of her mother, Suzanne.[2]

DoNormaal studied poetry at and received her Bachelor's degree from [Sarah Lawrence College](/source/Sarah_Lawrence_College) in [Bronxville, New York](/source/Bronxville,_New_York).

## Career

DoNormaal began her music career in the early 2010s, performing at venues in Seattle. She gained recognition for her unique style, blending introspective lyrics with experimental beats.[3][4][5][6][7]

In 2015, she released her debut album, *Jump or Die*, which garnered positive reviews from critics.[8][9][10] The album showcased her versatility as an artist and established her as a rising star in the hip-hop scene.[7][11]

In 2017, she followed up with her sophomore album, *Third Daughter*, which further solidified her reputation as an innovative and boundary-pushing artist.[12] The album received critical acclaim for its bold experimentation and thought-provoking themes.[7][13]

Her participation in the *Roland*-sponsored "Desert Days" event in 2018 led to a reinvention of her musical style, garnering praise from critics for her willingness to explore new sonic territories. The event inspired her to experiment with different sounds and techniques, resulting in a new level of creativity and innovation in her music.[14]

In 2021 DoNormaal released the single "Baby May" along with an accompanying music video.[15]

According to *[The Seattle Times](/source/The_Seattle_Times)*, DoNormaal's creative mix of harmony and dissonance has captivated listeners with her vibrant and intense studio work, as well as her compelling live performances.[7]

*[NPR](/source/NPR)* highlighted DoNormaal as one of the key figures in the Seattle music scene, describing her as a visionary artist pushing the boundaries of hip-hop. The article praised her sophomore LP for being a fearless explorer of sound and lauded her ability to push the boundaries of hip-hop while maintaining authenticity and integrity.[16]

DoNormaal also ventured into acting, appearing as a supporting actress in the 2023 film *[Fantasy A Gets a Mattress](/source/Fantasy_A_Gets_a_Mattress)*.

## Discography

Year Album Record label 2015 Jump or Die Not On Label 2017 Third Daughter Not On Label 2024 PALMSPRINGA (with Welp Disney) Not On Label

## Critical reception

DoNormaal's music has been praised for its innovative approach to hip hop.[17] In a review for *Respect My Region*, her music video for "Ego Slave," directed by [Noah Zoltan Sofian](/source/Noah_Zoltan_Sofian), was described as "a work of art that perfectly complements the intensity of the track".[18] *American Songwriter* included DoNormaal in their "Five to Discover" feature, noting her as an artist on the rise.[19] Additionally, *What's Up! Magazine* praised DoNormaal's versatility and described her music as "a little bit of everything", highlighting her ability to blend various styles and influences.[20]

## References

1. Moura, Rob (December 23, 2024). ["DoNormaal & Welp Disney: Adaptations"](https://www.washmusicmag.com/blog/donormaal-amp-welp-disney-adaptations). *WASH Magazine*. [Archived](https://archive.today/20241224105432/https://www.washmusicmag.com/blog/donormaal-amp-welp-disney-adaptations#selection-731.0-769.9) December 24, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 25, 2024.

1. Chung, Juliana Ukiomogbe (2024-02-22). ["Fashion Editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson's Bed-Stuy Brownstone Is a Living Archive"](https://www.curbed.com/article/gabriella-karefa-johnson-house-bed-stuy-tour.html). *Curbed*. [Archived](https://archive.today/20240227141742/https://www.curbed.com/article/gabriella-karefa-johnson-house-bed-stuy-tour.html) 2024-02-27 at the Wayback Machine.

1. Dervin, Peter (March 3, 2017). ["Adia Victoria at The Sunset, Seattle"](https://www.nodepression.com/adia-victoria-at-the-sunset-seattle/). *No Depression*. [Archived](https://archive.today/20240503214341/https://www.nodepression.com/adia-victoria-at-the-sunset-seattle/) May 3, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 3, 2024.

1. Zwickel, Jonathan (December 23, 2015). ["Album of the Month: 'Jump or Die' by DoNormaal"](https://www.cityartsmagazine.com/album-month-jump-or-die-donormaal/). *City Arts Magazine*. [Archived](https://archive.today/20240503212448/https://www.cityartsmagazine.com/album-month-jump-or-die-donormaal/) May 3, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 3, 2024.

1. Dusty Henry (June 27, 2018). ["DoNormaal Fights Zombies, Splits Into Multiple Forms, and Embraces Self-Esteem in "Ego Slave" Music Video (KEXP Premiere)"](https://www.kexp.org/read/2018/6/27/donormaal-fights-zombies-splits-multiple-forms-and-embraces-self-esteem-ego-slave-music-video-kexp-premiere/). *[KEXP](/source/KEXP)*. [Archived](https://archive.today/20240503211010/https://www.kexp.org/read/2018/6/27/donormaal-fights-zombies-splits-multiple-forms-and-embraces-self-esteem-ego-slave-music-video-kexp-premiere/) May 3, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 3, 2024.

1. Elliott, Gwendolyn (January 25, 2017). ["Band of the Week: DoNormaal"](https://seattlemag.com/food-and-culture/band-week-donormaal/). *Seattle Magazine*. [Archived](https://archive.today/20240503211701/https://seattlemag.com/food-and-culture/band-week-donormaal/) May 3, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 3, 2024.

1. Uitti, Jake (August 10, 2016). ["DoNormaal's creative mix of harmony and dissonance"](https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/music/donormaals-creative-mix-of-harmony-and-dissonance/). *[The Seattle Times](/source/The_Seattle_Times)*. [Archived](https://archive.today/20240306112806/https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/music/donormaals-creative-mix-of-harmony-and-dissonance/) March 6, 2024 at the Wayback Machine.

1. Chevalier, Gui Jean-Paul (September 21, 2016). ["Raven Matthews and DoNormaal Do What Music Supposed to Do"](https://www.realchangenews.org/news/2016/09/21/raven-matthews-and-donormaal-do-what-music-supposed-do). *Real Change News*. [Archived](https://archive.today/20240504052229/https://www.realchangenews.org/news/2016/09/21/raven-matthews-and-donormaal-do-what-music-supposed-do#selection-699.0-707.19) May 4, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 5, 2024.

1. Sam Chapman (February 17, 2016). ["DoNormaal. She Will Explode."](https://queerspacemagazine.com/donormaal-she-will-explode/). *Queer Space Magazine*. [Archived](https://archive.today/20240504051857/https://queerspacemagazine.com/donormaal-she-will-explode/) May 4, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 4, 2024.

1. Hughes, Emer (November 11, 2015). ["Listen To DoNormaal Put It All On The Line With "Jump Or Die""](https://www.thefader.com/2015/11/11/donormaal-jump-or-die). *The Fader*. [Archived](https://archive.today/20240503210004/https://www.thefader.com/2015/11/11/donormaal-jump-or-die#selection-575.0-610.0) May 3, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 3, 2024.

1. Sears, Kelton (December 21, 2016). ["Blackout Dates Be Damned—DoNormaal Dominated 2016 By Doing What She Wants"](https://www.seattleweekly.com/music/blackout-dates-be-damned-donormaal-dominated-2016-by-doing-what-she-wants/). *[Seattle Weekly](/source/Seattle_Weekly)*. [Archived](https://archive.today/20240503213116/https://www.seattleweekly.com/music/blackout-dates-be-damned-donormaal-dominated-2016-by-doing-what-she-wants/#selection-913.0-927.44) May 3, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 3, 2024.

1. Mudede, Charles (June 5, 2019). ["DoNormaal's Not-So-Normal Hip-Hop"](https://www.thestranger.com/artandperformance/2019/06/05/40404645/donormaals-not-so-normal-hip-hop). *[The Stranger](/source/The_Stranger_(newspaper))*. [Archived](https://archive.today/20240503210434/https://www.thestranger.com/artandperformance/2019/06/05/40404645/donormaals-not-so-normal-hip-hop) May 3, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 3, 2024.

1. Davis, M. Anthony (July 19, 2017). ["DoNormaal's Sophomore LP Is a Sprawling 19-Track Epic Written in Her Own Image"](https://www.seattleweekly.com/music/donormaals-sophomore-lp-is-a-sprawling-19-track-epic-written-in-her-own-image/). *[Seattle Weekly](/source/Seattle_Weekly)*. [Archived](https://archive.today/20240503203757/https://www.seattleweekly.com/music/donormaals-sophomore-lp-is-a-sprawling-19-track-epic-written-in-her-own-image/) 3 May 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 6, 2024.

1. Uitti, Jake (August 10, 2016). ["DoNormaal Desert Days, Rapping, and Reinvention"](https://articles.roland.com/donormaal-desert-days-rapping-and-reinvention/). Roland. [Archived](https://archive.today/20240503204037/https://articles.roland.com/donormaal-desert-days-rapping-and-reinvention/) May 3, 2024 at the Wayback Machine.

1. Peters, Alexa (November 21, 2021). ["DoNormaal Quietly Releases Video for Brand-New Track "Baby May""](https://www.audiofemme.com/playing-seattle-donormaal-baby-may/). *Audiofemme*. [Archived](https://archive.today/20240504052646/https://www.audiofemme.com/playing-seattle-donormaal-baby-may/#selection-297.0-321.17) May 4, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 3, 2024.

1. Boilen, Bob & Cole, Kevin (June 25, 2019). ["Why the Seattle Music Scene is a Glimpse at the Future"](https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2019/06/25/735371820/why-the-seattle-music-scene-is-a-glimpse-at-the-future). *NPR*. [Archived](https://archive.today/20190625235617/https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2019/06/25/735371820/why-the-seattle-music-scene-is-a-glimpse-at-the-future) June 25, 2019 at the Wayback Machine.

1. Schwab, Julia (March 15, 2018). ["If You Don't Know Her, You Should: A Conversation with Seattle Artist DoNormaal"](https://www.kxsu.org/2018/03/15/if-you-dont-know-her-you-should-a-conversation-with-seattle-artist-donormaal/). *KXSU*. [Archived](https://archive.today/20240503212022/https://www.kxsu.org/2018/03/15/if-you-dont-know-her-you-should-a-conversation-with-seattle-artist-donormaal/) May 3, 2024 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 6, 2024.

1. Pfeifer, Mitch (July 13, 2018). ["DoNormaal's 'Ego Slave' is a Work of Art"](https://www.respectmyregion.com/donormaal-ego-slave-video/). *Respect My Region*. [Archived](https://archive.today/20240503204606/https://www.respectmyregion.com/donormaal-ego-slave-video/) May 3, 2024 at the Wayback Machine.

1. Uitti, Jacob (2020). ["Chong the Nomad, McCall, Loyal Lobos, Trishes, DoNormaal: Five to Discover"](https://americansongwriter.com/chong-the-nomad-mccall-loyal-lobos-trishes-donormaal-five-to-discover/). *American Songwriter*. [Archived](https://archive.today/20240503205001/https://americansongwriter.com/chong-the-nomad-mccall-loyal-lobos-trishes-donormaal-five-to-discover/) May 3, 2024 at the Wayback Machine.

1. Ketzner, Keenan (June 2019). ["DoNormaal: A Little Bit of Everything"](https://whatsup-magazine.com/2019/06/donormaal-a-little-bit-of-everything/). *What's Up! Magazine*. [Archived](https://archive.today/20240503205351/https://whatsup-magazine.com/2019/06/donormaal-a-little-bit-of-everything/) May 3, 2024 at the Wayback Machine.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [DoNormaal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DoNormaal) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DoNormaal?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.