# Joony > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Joony > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Joony.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joony > Source revision: 1350980887 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{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](/source/Silver_Spring%2C_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](/source/Hip_hop_music) * R&B * [trap](/source/Trap_music){{cite web |last1=Mike |first1=Duquette|title=Joony Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/joony-mn0003893433 |website=[AllMusic](/source/AllMusic) |access-date=22 November 2024}} }} | label = {{flatlist| * [Interscope](/source/Interscope_Records) * [Red Bull](/source/Red_Bull_Records) * 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](/source/Silver_Spring%2C_Maryland), he gained initial recognition following the release of the commercial mixtape ''Joony the Mixtape'' in 2019.{{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](/source/The_Fader) |access-date=22 November 2024}} He rose to mainstream fame after being featured on [Brent Faiyaz](/source/Brent_Faiyaz) single "[FYTB](/source/Wasteland_(Brent_Faiyaz_album))". The song debuted at number 97 on the [''Billboard'' Hot 100](/source/Billboard_Hot_100) chart, marking Joony's first appearance on the chart.{{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}} == Early life == Jonathan Negero was born in [Silver Spring, Maryland](/source/Silver_Spring%2C_Maryland).{{cite magazine|author=Kemet High|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/joony-interview-the-break/|title=The Break Presents – Joony|magazine=[XXL](/source/XXL_(magazine))|date= 26 May 2023|access-date=14 April 2025}} Growing up, Negero aspired to become a rapper, and later he developed an interest in [indie](/source/indie_rock) and rock music. He developed an interest in music at a young age, influenced by his parents' musical tastes, which included [Ethiopian music](/source/Music_of_Ethiopia) and mainstream radio stations.{{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}} Negero started taking his rap career seriously at the age of 12.{{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}} He drew inspiration from Atlanta rapper [Future](/source/Future_(rapper)) while in middle school and later from [Mac Miller](/source/Mac_Miller). == 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](/source/seventh_grade). He recorded his first song during the summer between eighth and [ninth grade](/source/ninth_grade).{{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}} Initially, Joony would rap over [Kendrick Lamar](/source/Kendrick_Lamar) and [J. Cole](/source/J._Cole) instrumentals.{{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](/source/Okayplayer) |access-date=22 November 2024}} 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.{{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}} Following this release, Joony dropped his debut commercial [mixtape](/source/mixtape), ''Joony the Mixtape'' on 31 May 2019. Although the mixtape achieved moderate commercial success, it marked a significant milestone in Joony's career.{{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}} On 13 February 2020, he released his second mixtape, ''Joony the Mixtape 2''.{{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}} Joony's debut studio album, ''Joony Vs the World'', was released on 23 April 2020.{{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](/source/Jukebox)|access-date=22 November 2024}} His second studio album, ''Ghost'' followed on 2 August 2020, and he later released "Lifestyle" in October of that year.{{cite web|author=John Deff|title=Joony's Take Over|url=https://officemagazine.net/joonys-take-over|date=25 October 2021|website=[Office Magazine](/source/Office_Magazine)|access-date=22 November 2024}} In January 2021, Joony met [Brent Faiyaz](/source/Brent_Faiyaz) through a mutual friend, Xu, who is also Brent's long-time friend and photographer.{{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}} 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.{{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](/source/HotNewHipHop)|access-date=22 November 2024}} ''[HipHopDX](/source/HipHopDX)'' awarded the song a perfect 5/5 rating.{{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](/source/HipHopDX)|access-date=22 November 2024}} Joony released his third album, ''Silent Battles'', with the single "Lifestyle" serving as the album's [lead single](/source/lead_single).{{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}} ''[Taste Makers](/source/Billboard_charts)'' described the album as an exploration of troubled relationships with money and drugs, likening them to romantic relationships.{{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](/source/Billboard_charts) |access-date=22 November 2024}} 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.{{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}} On 18 July 2021, the deluxe edition of ''Silent Battles'' was released, featuring a guest appearance from TyFontaine. In October 2021, Joony released "WYA?".{{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}} On 25 November 2021, he released his debut [extended play](/source/extended_play), ''Proud of U''.{{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}} === 2022: Breakthrough with ''Pretty in Black'' and "FYTB" === In March 2022, Joony released the single "Anytime", which was produced by Michael Allsopp.{{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}} The music video for "Anytime" was directed by Lonewolf and features Joony in a fever dream-like state.{{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}} On 6 May 2022, Joony released the single "DRIFTING IN TOKYO". The official music video was released on 13 May 2022.{{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](/source/The_Source_(magazine))|date=13 May 2022|access-date=22 November 2024}} On 27 May 2022, Joony released his fourth studio album, ''Pretty in Back''.{{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}} The album was produced by [CashMoneyAP](/source/CashMoneyAP), [Charlie Heat](/source/Charlie_Heat), Young Flavor, Ben10k, and Danes Blood.{{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](/source/Washington_City_Paper)|date=31 May 2022|access-date=22 November 2024}} The album spawned the single "Not Going Back". ''[Pitchfork](/source/Pitchfork_(website))'' 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](/source/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."{{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](/source/Pitchfork_(website))|date=1 July 2022|access-date=22 November 2024}} In June 2022, Joony appeared as a featured artist on Sainté's single "East".{{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}} On 8 July 2022, he was featured on Brent Faiyaz's single "[FYTB](/source/Wasteland_(Brent_Faiyaz_album))". The song debuted at number 97 on the [''Billboard'' Hot 100](/source/Billboard_Hot_100) chart, marking Joony's first appearance on the chart.{{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](/source/Billboard_(magazine))|date=20 July 2022|access-date=22 November 2024}} In August 2022, Joony released the single "DORK".{{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}} On 12 August 2022, he released the deluxe edition of ''Pretty in Back''.{{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}} He was featured on [Jordan Ward](/source/Jordan_Ward)'s single "IDC" on 5 October 2022.{{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}} In November 2022, Joony announced his debut ''Pretty in Black'' U.S. Tour.{{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}} On 8 November 2022, he released the single "Pretty In Back".{{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}} === 2023{{ndash}}present: ''Shitmuss'', ''Memento'', and ''Jrny'' === On 20 January 2023, Joony released "One Track Minded". The single featured Kelz2busy.{{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}} In March, he released "Bad Time" featuring High Way.{{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}} On 5 May 2023, Joony released the album ''Shitmuss'' with guest appearances from TTM Dawg and Big Weigh.{{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}} On 2 June 2023, he released the deluxe edition of ''Shitmuss''.{{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}} On 20 October 2023, Joony released the project ''Memento''. The project was released through [Red Bull Records](/source/Red_Bull_Records).{{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}} In February 2024, Joony was featured on [DaeMoney](/source/DaeMoney)'s "DOUBLE C'S". On 22 March 2024, Joony released the ''Mememto'' deluxe edition.{{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}} 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''.{{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}} On 4 April 2025, Joony released "Dopa(MINE)".{{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}} == 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](/source/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}} {{Authority control}} {{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 --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Joony](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joony) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joony?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.