Since his debut in 2006, Joji has taken the world by storm, transitioning from a YouTube sensation to a chart-topping music artist. With his third album set to release this summer, fans are eager to learn more about this enigmatic figure. Here are 10 lesser-known facts about Joji that showcase his journey, talents, and aspirations.
1. Overcoming Health Challenges
Joji’s appreciation for life is heightened by the health issues he’s faced over the years. Although he hasn’t disclosed specifics, he revealed in an interview with Clash Music that his health problems affect his daily life. Music has become a therapeutic outlet for him, helping him cope with his physical struggles.
2. A Multilingual Maestro
Joji’s worldly experiences are evident in his language skills. He is fluent in both English and Japanese and can also speak some Spanish. While he hasn’t mentioned any plans to record music in languages other than English, his linguistic abilities undoubtedly contribute to his unique sound.
3. A Desire to Give Back
Joji’s ambitions extend beyond entertaining his audience; he also wants to make a positive impact on people’s lives. In an interview with Forbes, he expressed his desire to save lives and make a difference, stating that anything less would render his efforts a waste of time.
4. The Filthy Frank Era
Before adopting the moniker Joji, he was known as Filthy Frank, a controversial YouTube persona that gained fame in 2013 with the viral “original Harlem Shake” video. Recently, a Twitter campaign to ‘cancel’ Joji went viral after some fans discovered his past as Filthy Frank.
5. Forgetting to Eat Amidst the Whirlwind
Joji’s transition from YouTuber to successful music artist has been a whirlwind, with a packed schedule that often causes him to forget to eat. His dedication to his craft and the demands of his career have taken precedence over basic necessities at times.
6. A Creative Morning Person
Creatives often fall into two categories: morning people or night owls. Joji belongs to the former, finding his mind most active in the mornings. In an interview with Office Magazine, he shared his routine of making beats in the morning to practice and hone his skills.
7. Embracing His Mixed Heritage
Joji’s unique background, being half Japanese and half Australian, has shaped his identity and experiences. Growing up in Osaka, he was considered the “white boy,” while in America, he’s seen as the “Asian boy.” This duality has influenced his perspective and artistic expression.
8. The Quest for Musical Mastery
When Joji first decided to pursue music, he attempted to learn the ukulele, piano, and guitar. However, he soon realized that formal training wasn’t for him. Despite this, his exploration of instruments led him to discover his talent for “unusual production“.
9. Inspired by Lil Wayne
Every artist has a defining moment that sparks their passion. For Joji, that moment came when he heard Lil Wayne’s 2008 hit, “A Milli.” The song inspired him to learn how to use Garageband, where he attempted to recreate the iconic beat.
10. A Lifelong Creator
Joji’s journey has taken him through various creative endeavors, but at his core, he is a creator. Regardless of the medium, he is committed to collaborating with others and sharing his creations with the world, continually evolving and growing as an artist.
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