oji: From YouTube Sensation to Music Icon – The Journey of George Kusunoki Miller
Joji, born George Kusunoki Miller in 1992 in Osaka, Japan, is a multi-talented musician, singer, and rapper who has captivated global audiences. With an Australian father and a Japanese mother, Joji’s multicultural upbringing shaped his unique artistic style. He attended the Canadian Academy, an international school in Kobe, graduating in 2012. At 18, Joji moved from Japan to the U.S., setting the stage for his rise to fame.
From Filthy Frank to Music Stardom
Joji first gained massive attention in 2011 when he created the Filthy Frank character on the DizastaMusic YouTube channel, a persona described as an “anti-vlogger.” Known for bizarre and outlandish content, Filthy Frank quickly amassed a large following, with the channel surpassing 1 million subscribers. Joji also launched the TVFilthyFrank channel, which became even more popular, attracting 7.76 million subscribers. The Filthy Frank series was highly acclaimed, boasting an IMDb rating of 9.7/10, making it a cult favorite on the platform.
Not only a comedian, Joji made music under the alias Pink Guy, even breaking into the Billboard 200. His status as a meme legend and internet sensation was solidified by his early twenties, earning him the titles “Meme God” and “Father of Comedy” on the web.
A Shift to Serious Music
However, in 2017, Joji stepped away from his comedy persona due to health reasons. His return to the public spotlight came not as the quirky Pink Guy, but as a serious musician and singer. Joji’s music, now introspective and melancholic, took on a whole new depth, completely distancing itself from his comedic past. His two albums under the name Joji both reached the No. 3 spot on the Billboard 200.
Glimpse of Us: A Hit Song with Depth
One of Joji’s most notable releases, “Glimpse Of Us”, explores the paradox of love. The song tells the story of a man who, despite being with a perfect new partner, can’t help but cling to memories of his past relationship. The melancholy theme resonates deeply with listeners, showcasing Joji’s profound lyrical ability.
Though Joji left Pink Guy behind, his comedic persona played a significant role in his current success. The platform and massive following he built as Filthy Frank and Pink Guy allowed Joji to pursue music seriously, with an established fanbase already eager to support his evolution.
Breaking Records with Glimpse Of Us
Joji’s track Glimpse Of Us surged in popularity, fueled by 18.3 million streams in its first week. It reached No. 6 on the Streaming Songs Chart and landed Joji in the Top 10 of the Hot 100 in 2022. Previously, Joji had charted on the Hot 100 with tracks like Sanctuary (No. 80) in 2019, Slow Dancing in the Dark (No. 69) in 2019, and Run (No. 68) in 2020. Joji also contributed to Baauer’s viral hit Harlem Shake, which dominated the Hot 100 for five weeks in 2013.
Globally, Glimpse Of Us topped charts in Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Singapore, while also breaking into the Top 10 in countries like Canada, Ireland, Norway, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
A Return with Ballads
Glimpse Of Us marked Joji’s first major release since his second album Nectar in 2020. Released on June 10, 2022, through 88rising and Warner, the song was written by Joji in collaboration with Joel Castillo, Alexis Kesselman, Riley McDonough, and producer Connor McDonough. The song’s success on platforms like TikTok—where ballads typically struggle—demonstrates Joji’s unique ability to defy industry norms and capture listeners with simplicity and emotional depth.
Joji’s Ongoing Success
Joji’s rise to success with Glimpse Of Us and his evolution from comedic YouTube star to serious musician highlights his versatility and undeniable talent. His music has continuously found success by resonating with fans on an emotional level, all while pushing boundaries in both music and entertainment.
Joji’s story proves that it’s possible to reinvent oneself, and with Glimpse Of Us, Joji continues to solidify his place as a creative force in the music industry.
