Joji

Joji, born George Kusunoki Miller on September 18, 1992, in Osaka, Japan, is a singer, songwriter, and former internet personality who has successfully transitioned from viral comedy content to a respected career in alternative R&B and lo-fi music. Raised between Japan and Australia, Miller first gained worldwide internet fame under the personas Filthy Frank and Pink Guy on YouTube, where his absurdist, often controversial comedy videos amassed billions of views. His Pink Guy character even produced comedic music that charted surprisingly well, with the album Pink Season reaching number 70 on the Billboard 200 in 2017.

In late 2017, Miller retired his YouTube personas to focus on his serious music career under the name Joji. His debut EP, In Tongues (2017), reached number 58 on the Billboard 200 and demonstrated his talent for moody, atmospheric R&B. His first full-length album, BALLADS 1 (2018), debuted at number three on the Billboard 200, making him the first Asian-born artist to reach the top of the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop chart in the album’s debut week. The hit single “Slow Dancing in the Dark” became his signature song, amassing over a billion streams.

Joji’s second album, Nectar (2020), further established his artistic credentials with collaborations featuring Diplo, Lil Yachty, and Omar Apollo. The album debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 and included the popular singles “Sanctuary” and “Run.” His music is characterized by melancholic melodies, atmospheric production, and emotionally vulnerable lyrics that stand in stark contrast to his previous comedic work. He signed with 88rising, the influential Asian-American music label that has championed Asian representation in Western popular music.

With a net worth of approximately $8 million, Joji has proven that artistic reinvention is possible even in the age of internet permanence. His transition from one of YouTube’s most recognizable comedy figures to a serious and commercially successful musician is one of the most remarkable career pivots in modern entertainment. He continues to release music and perform, building a dedicated fanbase that appreciates his emotional depth and atmospheric sound.