{{Short description|American rapper}} {{Use American English|date=November 2024}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Joony | image = | alt = | caption = | birth_name = Jonathan Negero | birth_date = | birth_place = Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S. | alias = | website = {{URL|joony211.com}} | years_active = 2009{{ndash}}present | instruments = {{flatlist| * Vocals }} | occupation = {{flatlist| * Rapper * singer * songwriter }} | genre = {{flatlist| * Hip hop * R&B * trap<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mike |first1=Duquette|title=Joony Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/joony-mn0003893433 |website=AllMusic |access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> }} | label = {{flatlist| * Interscope * Red Bull * Good Partners}} }} '''Jonathan Negero''' better known by his stage name '''Joony''', is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. Born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, he gained initial recognition following the release of the commercial mixtape ''Joony the Mixtape'' in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |author=Brandon Callender |title=Joony is just doing joony |url=https://www.thefader.com/2022/10/05/joony-is-just-doing-joony/amp|date=5 October 2022 |website=The Fader |access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> He rose to mainstream fame after being featured on Brent Faiyaz single "FYTB". The song debuted at number 97 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart, marking Joony's first appearance on the chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Hot 100 First-Timers: Joony Scores First Chart Entry With Feature|url=https://www.billboard.com/video/hot-100-first-timers-joony-scores-first-chart-entry-billboard-news/|magazine=Billboard|date=20 July 2022|access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref>
== Early life == Jonathan Negero was born in Silver Spring, Maryland.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Kemet High|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/joony-interview-the-break/|title=The Break Presents – Joony|magazine=XXL|date= 26 May 2023|access-date=14 April 2025}}</ref> Growing up, Negero aspired to become a rapper, and later he developed an interest in indie and rock music. He developed an interest in music at a young age, influenced by his parents' musical tastes, which included Ethiopian music and mainstream radio stations.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Michael Di Gennaro|url= https://sidedoormag.com/blog/2023/2/15/exclusive-interview-with-joony-the-journey-creative-process-the-mission/|title=Exclusive Interview with Joony – The Journey, Creative Process & the Mission|magazine=Sidedoor|date= 15 February 2023|access-date=14 April 2025}}</ref> Negero started taking his rap career seriously at the age of 12.<ref>{{cite web|author=Mia Marquez|url=https://dailyrindblog.com/get-to-know-joony/|title=Get To Know Joony|website=The Daily Rind|date= 7 August 2024|access-date=14 April 2025}}</ref> He drew inspiration from Atlanta rapper Future while in middle school and later from Mac Miller.<ref name="Yonk"/>
== Career == ===2009–2021: Career beginnings, ''Joony the Mixtape'', ''Joony the Mixtape 2'', ''Joony Vs the World'', ''Ghost'', ''Silent Battles'', and ''Proud of U''=== Joony began writing music in seventh grade. He recorded his first song during the summer between eighth and ninth grade.<ref>{{cite interview |author=Dumi Matshe |title=Joony: Making Waves (Interview)|url=https://www.sniffers.co.nz/article/joony-making-waves-interview|date=16 March 2022 |website=Sniffers |access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> Initially, Joony would rap over Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole instrumentals.<ref name="Yonk">{{cite web|author=Josh Svetz |title=First Look Friday: DMV Rapper joony is on a Mission to Be Bigger Than Drake|url=https://www.okayplayer.com/first-look-friday-dmv-rapper-joony-is-on-a-mission-to-be-bigger-than-drake/487942|date=7 October 2022 |website=Okayplayer |access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> His debut single, "Simple Fly," was released in April 2009, but it didn't garner much attention. Undeterred, Joony continued to strive for success, releasing "Dangerous" on 23 January 2019.<ref>{{cite web |title=Joony Refuses to Be Complacent|url=https://djbooth.net/features/2021-09-23-joony-interview-audiomack/|date=23 September 2022 |access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> Following this release, Joony dropped his debut commercial mixtape, ''Joony the Mixtape'' on 31 May 2019. Although the mixtape achieved moderate commercial success, it marked a significant milestone in Joony's career.<ref>{{cite web |author=Millan Verma |title=Joony is Just Getting Started |url=https://undergroundunderdogs.com/2021/03/21/joony-interview-artist-brent-faiyaz-silent-battles-paper-soldier/ |date=31 March 2021 |work=Underground |access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref>
On 13 February 2020, he released his second mixtape, ''Joony the Mixtape 2''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Telma|title=Joony the Mixtape 2 – Album by Joony|url=https://music.apple.com/ng/album/joony-the-mixtape-2/1499772507|date=13 February 2020|website=M.P |access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> Joony's debut studio album, ''Joony Vs the World'', was released on 23 April 2020.<ref>{{cite web|author=JB|title=Joony releases his debut studio album Joony vs. The World|url=https://www.jukeboxdc.com/2023/11/joony-vs-the-world-classy-video/|date=23 April 2020|website=Jukebox|access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> His second studio album, ''Ghost'' followed on 2 August 2020, and he later released "Lifestyle" in October of that year.<ref>{{cite web|author=John Deff|title=Joony's Take Over|url=https://officemagazine.net/joonys-take-over|date=25 October 2021|website=Office Magazine|access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> In January 2021, Joony met Brent Faiyaz through a mutual friend, Xu, who is also Brent's long-time friend and photographer.<ref>{{cite web|author=Reilly Lucas|title=Joony on His Rise From Restaurant Employee to Brent Faiyaz Collaborator|url=https://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/joony-pretty-in-black-deluxe-album-quotes-48916175|date=16 August 2022|website=P.S. Entertainment|access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> Following this meeting, Brent signed Joony to his PULSE Music Group label, and they collaborated on the song "Paper Soldier," released on 9 February 2021.<ref>{{cite web|author=Tallie Spencer|title=Brent Faiyaz Drops Long-Awaited Song "Paper Soldier" Featuring Joony|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/740705-brent-faiyaz-song-paper-soldier-featuring-joony|date=2 December 2023|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> ''HipHopDX'' awarded the song a perfect 5/5 rating.<ref>{{cite web|author=MS|title=Brent Faiyaz & Joony – Paper Soldier|url=https://hiphopdx.com/singles/brent-faiyaz-joony-paper-soldier|date=29 November 2023|website=HipHopDX|access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref>
Joony released his third album, ''Silent Battles'', with the single "Lifestyle" serving as the album's lead single.<ref>{{cite web |first=Kristina |last=Niessner |title=Joony: Silent Battles |url=https://survivingthegoldenage.com/joony-silent-battles/ |date=23 November 2021 |website=Surviving Age |access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> ''Taste Makers'' described the album as an exploration of troubled relationships with money and drugs, likening them to romantic relationships.<ref>{{cite web |first=Desmond |last=LaFave |title=Album Review: SILENT BATTLES – Joony |url=https://www.tastemakersmag.com/album-reviews/silent-battles-joony |date=20 September 2021 |website=Taste Makers |access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> In June 2021, Joony released "Changes." During an interview with Eaton Radio in Washington, D.C., Joony announced the upcoming release of his ''SILENT BATTLES DELUXE'' project.<ref>{{cite web|title=Joony Interview : Silent Battles Deluxe Premiere|url=https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/thfctry-radio/joony-interview-silent-NxhJ_fQUL4q/?srsltid=AfmBOoqR1p5Q_TrUKBqGAiInld1cfzY4OzbtzIWLnh71r_Nk2Nr9hP6k|website=The Fader| date=26 October 2021 |access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> On 18 July 2021, the deluxe edition of ''Silent Battles'' was released, featuring a guest appearance from TyFontaine. In October 2021, Joony released "WYA?".<ref>{{cite web|title=Joony releases WYA? |url=https://music.apple.com/ng/album/wya-single/1590882417|website=MP|date=21 October 2021|access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> On 25 November 2021, he released his debut extended play, ''Proud of U''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jon Barlas|title=Joony overcomes his 'Silent Battles' on new EP 'Proud Of U' |url=https://ourgenerationmusic.com/new-music-spotlight/joony-overcomes-his-silent-battles-on-proud-of-u/|website=Our Generation Music|date=15 December 2021|access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref>
=== 2022: Breakthrough with ''Pretty in Black'' and "FYTB" === In March 2022, Joony released the single "Anytime", which was produced by Michael Allsopp.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jon Barlas|title=Joony asserts his star power 'Anytime,'|url=https://ourgenerationmusic.com/new-music-spotlight/joony-asserts-his-star-power-anytime-anywhere/|website=Our Generation Music|date=18 March 2022|access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> The music video for "Anytime" was directed by Lonewolf and features Joony in a fever dream-like state.<ref>{{cite web|author=Nathan Evans|title=Joony Gets Active In New Visual For "Anytime"|url=https://dailychiefers.com/joony-gets-active-in-new-visual-for-on-dat-shit/|website=Daily Chiefers|date=22 September 2022 |access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> On 6 May 2022, Joony released the single "DRIFTING IN TOKYO". The official music video was released on 13 May 2022.<ref>{{cite web|author=Shawn Grant|title=[WATCH] Joony Releases New Video "Drifting in Tokyo"|url=https://thesource.com/2022/05/13/watch-joony-releases-new-video-drifting-in-tokyo/|website=The Source|date=13 May 2022|access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref>
On 27 May 2022, Joony released his fourth studio album, ''Pretty in Back''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Shawn Grant|title=Joony Releases New Album 'Pretty in Black'|url=https://thesource.com/2022/05/27/joony-releases-new-album-pretty-in-black/|website=The Source|date=27 May 2022|access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> The album was produced by CashMoneyAP, Charlie Heat, Young Flavor, Ben10k, and Danes Blood.<ref>{{cite web|author=Amari Newman|title=Pretty in Black|url=https://washingtoncitypaper.com/article/558337/joonys-pretty-in-black-explodes-with-star-potential/|website=Washington City Paper|date=31 May 2022|access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> The album spawned the single "Not Going Back". ''Pitchfork'' praised the song as an early highlight, noting that Joony "loads up a slowly building beat with vocal effects, clashing background ad-libs, and swooning coos." The publication drew comparisons to Travis Scott, remarking that Joony's ability to blend genres seamlessly is a notable strength: "He won't ever need to define himself with one genre, if he can make them all sound this good."<ref>{{cite web|author=Alphonse Pierre|title=Listen to joony's "Not Going Back": The Ones|url=https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/joony-not-going-back-new-song-listen/|website=Pitchfork|date=1 July 2022|access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref>
In June 2022, Joony appeared as a featured artist on Sainté's single "East".<ref>{{cite web|author=Ben Tibbits|title=Track of the Week: East featuring Joony|url=https://www.thepitldn.com/pitnews/track-of-the-week-east?format=amp|website=The Pit|date=6 June 2022|access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> On 8 July 2022, he was featured on Brent Faiyaz's single "FYTB". The song debuted at number 97 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 chart, marking Joony's first appearance on the chart.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Xander Zellner|title=Hot 100 First-Timers: Joony Scores First Chart Entry Thanks to Feature on Brent Faiyaz's 'FYTB'|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/joony-fytb-first-chart-entry-brent-faiyaz-fytb-1235115710/|magazine=Billboard|date=20 July 2022|access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref>
In August 2022, Joony released the single "DORK".<ref>{{cite magazine|author1=Cydney Lee|author2=Neena Rouhani|title=R&B/Hip-Hop Fresh Picks of the Week: Omar Apollo, bLAck pARty, THEY. & More|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/rb-hip-hop-fresh-picks-of-the-week-omar-apollo-black-party-they-more-1235120749/|magazine=Billboard|date=8 August 2022|access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> On 12 August 2022, he released the deluxe edition of ''Pretty in Back''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Joony drops off 9 new tracks on 'Pretty In Black' deluxe|url=https://remixdmagazine.com/joony-drops-off-9-new-tracks-on-pretty-in-black-deluxe/|website=Remixd Magazine|date=11 August 2022|access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> He was featured on Jordan Ward's single "IDC" on 5 October 2022.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jordan Ward & Joony Flawlessly Link Up for "IDC"|url=https://swidlife.com/jordan-ward-joony-flawlessly-link-up-for-idc/|date=10 October 2022|access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref> In November 2022, Joony announced his debut ''Pretty in Black'' U.S. Tour.<ref>{{cite web|author=Fayo Scripts|url=https://remixdmagazine.com/joony-announces-pretty-in-black-us-tour-dates/ |title=Joony announces ‘Pretty In Black’ U.S. Tour Dates|website=Remixd|date=5 November 2022|access-date=13 April 2025}}</ref> On 8 November 2022, he released the single "Pretty In Back".<ref>{{cite web|title=Joony levels up on 'Pretty In Black' single|url=https://remixdmagazine.com/joony-levels-up-on-pretty-in-black-lp/|date=8 November 2022|website=RMD|access-date=22 November 2024}}</ref>
=== 2023{{ndash}}present: ''Shitmuss'', ''Memento'', and ''Jrny'' === On 20 January 2023, Joony released "One Track Minded". The single featured Kelz2busy.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Tallie Spencer|url=https://remixdmagazine.com/joony-and-kelz-link-up-for-catchy-new-track-one-track-minded/|title=Joony and Kelz link up for catchy new track “One Track Minded”|magazine=Remixd Magazine|date=26 January 2023|access-date=13 April 2025}}</ref> In March, he released "Bad Time" featuring High Way.<ref>{{cite web|author=Aidan C Werder|url=https://ourgenerationmusic.com/new-music-spotlight/joony-highway-bad-time/|title=Joony, Highway are on ‘Bad Time’ with new collab|website=Our Generation Music|date=3 March 2023|access-date=13 April 2025}}</ref> On 5 May 2023, Joony released the album ''Shitmuss'' with guest appearances from TTM Dawg and Big Weigh.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Tallie Spencer|url=https://remixdmagazine.com/joony-brings-the-world-to-the-dmv-on-new-album-shitumss/|title=Joony brings the world to the DMV on new album ‘Shitmuss’|magazine=Remixd Magazine|date= 8 May 2023|access-date=13 April 2025}}</ref> On 2 June 2023, he released the deluxe edition of ''Shitmuss''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jon Barlas|url=https://ourgenerationmusic.com/new-music-spotlight/joony-shitumss-ep-international-tour/|title=Joony’s ‘Shitmuss’ deluxe is a perfect dose of different, divine trap|website=Our Generation Music|date=1 June 2023|access-date=13 April 2025}}</ref> On 20 October 2023, Joony released the project ''Memento''. The project was released through Red Bull Records.<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Drew Townsel|url= https://www.intersectmagazine.com/post/press-play-joony-drops-memento-deluxe-featuring-collaboration-with-blxst|title=Joony Drops "Memento", Featuring Collaboration with Blxst|magazine=Intersect Magazine|date= 22 March 2024|access-date=13 April 2025}}</ref> In February 2024, Joony was featured on DaeMoney's "DOUBLE C'S". On 22 March 2024, Joony released the ''Mememto'' deluxe edition.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jon Barlas|url=https://ourgenerationmusic.com/news/joony-memento-ep-redbull-records/|title=Joony shares six new tracks on ‘MEMENTO’ deluxe|website=Our Generation Music|date=22 March 2024|access-date=13 April 2025}}</ref> In June 2024, he was also featured on Kendra Jae's "For The Thrill". On 4 October 2024, Joony and Jordan Ward released a collaborative extended play ''JRNY''.<ref>{{cite web|author=Keithan Samuels|url=https://ratedrnb.com/2024/10/jordan-ward-and-joony-take-a-quick-jrny-on-new-ep-stream/|title=Jordan Ward and Joony Take a Quick ‘Jrny’ on New EP|website=DRMB|date=8 October 2024|access-date=13 April 2025}}</ref> On 4 April 2025, Joony released "Dopa(MINE)".<ref>{{cite web|author=Sebastian Olaya|url=https://www.redbull.com/us-en/joony-releases-new-single-dopamine-on-red-bull-records-evgle-211 |title=Joony Releases New Single “Dopa(MINE)” & official visualizer|website=Red Bull|date=4 April 2025|access-date=13 April 2025}}</ref>
== Discography == === Studio albums === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align: center;" ! scope="col"| Title ! scope="col"| Details |- ! scope="row"| ''Joony vs the World'' | * Release date: 23 April 2020 * Format: Digital download |- ! scope="row"| ''Ghosts'' | * Release date: 2 August 2020 * Format: Digital download |- ! scope="row"| ''Silent Battles'' | * Release date: 11 February 2021 * Label: 211 * Format: Digital download |- ! scope="row"| ''Pretty in Black'' | * Release date: 27 May 2022 * Label: 211, Good Partners * Format: Digital download |- ! scope="row"| ''Shitumss'' | * Release date: 5 May 2023 * Label: 211 * Format: Digital download |- ! scope="row"| ''Momento'' | * Release date: 20 October 2023 * Label: 211, Red Bull Records, Evgle * Format: Digital download |}
=== Mixtapes === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align: center;" ! scope="col"| Title ! scope="col"| Details |- ! scope="row"| ''Joony the Mixtape'' | * Release date: 31 May 2019 * Format: Digital download |- ! scope="row"| ''Joony the Mixtape 2'' | * Release date: 13 February 2020 * Format: Digital download |}
=== Extended Plays === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align: center;" ! scope="col"| Title ! scope="col"| Details |- ! scope="row"| ''Proud of U'' | * Release date: 27 May 2022 * Label: 211, Good Partners * Format: Digital download |}
== References == {{reflist}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Joony}} Category:2000 births Category:Living people Category:21st-century African-American male rappers Category:21st-century African-American rappers Category:21st-century American rappers Category:21st-century American male rappers Category:African-American male singer-songwriters Category:American male singer-songwriters Category:American hip-hop singers Category:Interscope Records artists Category:Mumble rappers Category:People from Maryland Category:Singer-songwriters from Maryland Category:American trap musicians