Joji (musician)
He transformed from a chaotic internet comedian into a serious, melancholic musician, crafting a globally successful second act defined by atmospheric ballads.
Born 1993 (age 33)·Japanese entertainer·Birthday: September 16·Millennials
Biography
George Miller's career is a tale of two starkly different personas. First, he was the id of the internet: Filthy Frank, a deliberately offensive and absurd comedian whose YouTube channel cultivated a massive, cult-like following. Beneath the pink suit and shock humor, however, was a musician with a deep affinity for somber R&B. In a bold and calculated move, Miller retired his comedic characters to focus entirely on music as Joji. The transformation was complete. Shedding the chaos, Joji's music is characterized by a hazy, lo-fi aesthetic, vulnerable lyrics, and a palpable sense of melancholy. Hits like 'Slow Dancing in the Dark' proved his artistic legitimacy, connecting with millions who had no connection to his past life. Joji didn't just change careers; he executed one of the most successful and genuine rebrands in modern pop culture.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Joji was born in 1993, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Joji Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Joji's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- His 2018 single 'Slow Dancing in the Dark' peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart and went platinum.
- His debut studio album 'BALLADS 1' (2018) reached number one on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
- Founded the independent record label and collective 88rising, which became a major platform for Asian and Asian-American musical talent.
- His song 'Glimpse of Us' (2022) became a global viral hit, reaching the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.
Did You Know?
He is fluent in both Japanese and English.
Under his Filthy Frank persona, he created the viral 'Harlem Shake' meme in 2013.
He released several comedy rap albums as his character Pink Guy before transitioning to Joji.
He was born in Osaka, Japan, and moved to the United States during his high school years.
“I'm trying to make music that feels like a memory.”
