The Insane True Story of Joji

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George Kusunoki Miller (ジョージ・楠木・ミラー, Jōji Kusunoki Mirā, born 18 September 1992), known professionally as Joji and formerly as Filthy Frank and Pink Guy, is a Japanese singer-songwriter, rapper, comedian, and former KZbinr. Miller's music has been described as a mix between R&B, lo-fi, and trip hop.
Miller began his KZbin career in 2011 shortly after moving to the United States, gaining recognition for portraying oddball characters on the comedy channels TVFilthyFrank, TooDamnFilthy, and DizastaMusic. The channels, which featured comedy hip hop, rants, extreme challenges, and ukulele and dance performances, are noted for their shock humor and prolific virality. Miller's videos helped popularize the Harlem Shake, that contributed to the commercial success of Baauer's song of the same name which led to the production of memes and collaborations with KZbinrs. As Pink Guy, Miller released two comedy studio albums and an extended play between 2014 and 2017.
In late 2017, Miller retired as a KZbinr to pursue a music career under the name Joji. His debut album, Ballads 1, was released in 2018 and featured the single "Slow Dancing in the Dark". His second album, Nectar (2020), contained the singles "Sanctuary" and "Run". In 2022, he released the US Billboard Hot 100 top-ten single "Glimpse of Us", his highest-charting song, then going on to be featured on his third album, Smithereens (2022).
On 9 June 2022, Joji released a new single titled "Glimpse of Us", which peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. On 26 August, he released a second single called Yukon (Interlude). On 4 November, Joji released his album Smithereens, alongside the single Die For You. To promote the album, Joji has been touring in North America since September 2022.
00:00 Intro + Early Life
02:52 Early Music + Filthy Frank
05:40 In Tongues
08:30 Ballads 1
10:28 Nectar
12:15 Smithereens
14:30 Conclusion
#volksgeist #joji #smithereens #filthyfrank #georgemiller #glimpeofus #videoessay #music

[@Volksgeist]

🌠 volksgeist.store 🌌 Cop my pendant + chain today. Free shipping in the US

[@instrumentalityproject7399]

Looks amazing can’t wait for mine

[@akdaffsf-qEQWEQ]

Is it possible to purchase the chain in Germany?

[@Volksgeist]

@@akdaffsf-qEQWEQ Yes!

[@0xBasedChang]

wish you mentioned 88rising

[@jacobpowers352]

@@Volksgeist why does it seem that you dislike lofi so much?

[@mg6945]

I think his pre-existing fanbase really helped his success. So many young kids grew up on FilthyFrank, and then as they got older he went onto become Joji and that emotional maturity was exactly what they needed, so they stuck with it. They say the funniest ones are often the saddest deep down, after all.

[@Jayr0sama]

Factual.

[@avan912]

Fr

[@chriscarter4563]

Definitely helped him, but many KZbinrs have made music and few make actually good music that appeals to more than their core. That’s what sets him apart.

[@charliebell5584]

Definitely been a fan of George since 2015

[@ashtonki6769]

Maybe helped a little but “joji” is and has been significantly bigger than “filthy frank” ever was

[@ccrky]

The fact that he is more commonly know as Joji nowadays makes me incredibly happy that he followed his dreams and made it.

[@bloomingbeyondbeautiful]

the thing is, that switch is so hard to get right, but he surely did

[@flatwoodzmafia]

I still say filthy frank when I'm talking about him... and then go to pink guy, and when they don't know him by either of them i always say joji and they know. I just remember him as filthy frank.

[@zyrolyon]

yeah is amazing , i edit 1 playlist for Joji in my channel.

[@cccbeats_]

Fun fact: He's called Joji, because Joji is George (his real name, George Miller) in Japanese.

[@foxzgamingyt1319]

@@flatwoodzmafiaI say pink guy that’s the only thing I know him for except well tick tock

[@ringer1324]

Been with Joji since the dizasta music days and I couldn’t be happier to see how much success he has in his music career. Dude is a legend

[@zaccondiscord7763]

wow i totally forgot about dizasta music, damn you just unlocked a memory

[@mikloridden8276]

The good old Tempura Boi days 😭 I actually saw him record a video in Kobe when I was there. he was in the pink suit crawling through the street. Good times

[@HelderGriff]

Same, I dont like his music but good for him

[@doctachi]

what do you know about lil jon on the table

[@angusgilbert4117]

Been with him since Harlem shake

[@HoodedSpidey]

The fact I’m watching this on KZbin and not Netflix… 🤯 Your effort & passion for the craft really shows. Thank you for all you do. Sharing immediately!

[@Volksgeist]

Thank you!!🙏🙏

[@auspicious8415]

@@Volksgeist I love your editing style. Keep up the excellent work.

[@arian2791]

The quality is absolutely great! However I must say that I rarely agree with Volksgeist's opinion. Sometimes he simply says that he doesn't like a song without explaining it well enough. It makes him appear arrogant. Despite that, I enjoy his videos very much!

[@kisille]

@@arian2791 it's his subjective opinion, just like somebody else would say they didn't like glimpse of us :)

[@ZMAN_420]

Chill bro he doesn't want Netflix he wants to be a chain salesman!

[@dutmala]

The fact he used to be filthy frank makes it so much better for me when I listen to him, he was in a form part of many people growing up, and now living and surviving as adults

[@ajtaylor8750]

Joji's last album was such a beautiful experience and I feel that he's one mind-blowing album away from being a true superstar. He has the talent to be one of the best artists of all-time.

[@jakester5272]

ALL TIME ?

[@d3csy]

his last album was mid however i do agree he could become one of the best artists ever. he definitly has that in him

[@KaizCh]

Dont tell him, joji didnt write half the album.

[@tyclone6266]

it was kinda mid

[@TrickshootingProject]

Below mid

[@ellie_olivia.]

I've been listening to joji for almost 5 years now and i can say that he never disappoint. Also i think Smithereens is some kind of a call back to his older songs. You can see that in pink season or Chloe burbank, they have this weird raw production that feels very underground and i think that's the reason why smithereens sounds so unique I also love that he start goofing around again in concerts. I think it's because he finnaly confident enough about the way people see him as a musician instead of just funny youtuber. So no matter how silly he goes in concert, people still see him as joji (even tho ofc a lot of people say frank start taking control 😭)

[@pixelscape8571]

No it sounds unique because like fifty people are producing it and writing the lyrics, He only co-produced Yukon and night rider on Smithereens.

[@pixelscape8571]

All the rest of the songs were produced and written by other people. Don't especially like the new album except night rider and Yukon.

[@ellie_olivia.]

@@pixelscape8571 i think it happens a lot when artist went to studios. They usually have their friends, producer, or sometimes other artists helping them writing the lyrics. At the end they have the final choice to put it in the album or not. Also i think I've seen too much negativity into the point asking this question sounds like an insult😭but i just wanna know how you know this?

[@voltrexxx]

Smithereens sounds literally nothing like anything off Chloe Burbank or any of his old stuff

[@gavinshoemaker6538]

I really enjoyed smithereens, I just wished joji produced more of the songs on that album. But it was still such a beautiful album

[@DatDaDatty]

its crazy how much he evolved starting from filthyfrank

[@cactimungus9628]

Joji is the reason I ever got into music. From production to singing, he is not just an inspiration to me, but an inspiration to many.

[@starry4471]

Same here. Joji's work is my primary inspiration for my own.

[@TheIndogamer]

If there were anyone I would thank for introducing me to jazz, it would definitely be Joji in 2015.

[@CaR1235100]

Pink guy is why I did

[@BlurryXiang]

Me too we locked in twin.

[@shiggydiggy8308]

I remember when Glimpse of Us came on the radio one day on a random car trip, and I was banging on the roof of my car yelling "YES!". It's such a surreal moment to know that the guy you watched since Highschool that everybody looked at you weird for mentioning is now topping charts. Just couldn't contain myself

[@tylerkim1961]

Joji is really such an inspiration, being able to break free from his past to emerge into a beautiful artist. I’ll always have a soft spot for his music, it always evokes a tremendous amount of nostalgia. Thanks for the video.

[@WavyDane]

his 2018 lofi piano shit was truly genre defying

[@aba4944]

Joji’s really someone that deserves his respect. He kept going and managed to gain an even better fanbase without stressing himself too much (Since being Filthy Frank was something that had made him sick). I pray for his continuous success

[@erwin_]

I know when I’m like 40, joji will be one of those artists that I will remember

[@jeremygold0]

God his voice makes me feel somethin else… I couldn’t put it into words but I think you do the best you possibly could to achieve that

[@brettmccollum1]

I've seen a lot of people hating on the new album, but I think it's great. A bit of a grower but Glimpse Of Us, 1am Freestyle, Yukon, and Die For You have quickly become some of my favourites from Joji. I'm excited to see what he does next. Hopefully some more upbeat songs mixed in.

[@FormalFilmsProductions]

Glad you enjoyed it dude. I personally didn't care for it other than Glimpse of Us. The rest kinda felt lacking imo

[@hax0n23]

Dissolve!!!! One of my favorite songs of all time

[@carlaguda758]

Yukon is an absolute masterpiece

[@Cbeast]

Those are my favorites from the album, as well.

[@Meekox]

I think one important fact for how Joji has such amazing visuals is that he helped with quite a few music videos during his transition from KZbinr to artist

[@xoxshylaxox5988]

I'm part of the filthy frank club and Joji holds such a strong place in my heart. My brother and I used to always say how amazing he was with his pink guy music and once he announced he was leaving to further his actual music career I was so incredibly happy for him. Watching him blossom from an insane pushing boundaries KZbinr to the iconic musician he's become now almost feels like watching your child accomplish their dreams lolol no joke. God I love him so much lol 💜💜

[@georgemillerjoji476]

Hi I've seen quite a handful of your comments on my fan page and I just wanna go out of my way to appreciate those people who’s comments and good wishes encourages me and I hope to bring you guys so much entertainment. Send a direct message to my private chat I got something for you. Stay safe 🌹❤️

[@BigBadMadDog.]

So damn happy for him. I was a die hard Frank fan from 2013 and it fills me with joy whenever I hear him on the radio or people enjoying his music without knowing his past.

[@Whodnl]

Always pushing the bar for content we love volksgeist

[@swift_mirror]

there was MULTIPLE times throughout the video where i felt like crying because the narration was just so beautiful and on point same thing with jojis msuic, sometimes it just sounds so nice i just wanna cry

[@BodaciousBodie]

Joji has easily been my favorite artist since the begining of 2020 with his saddening tones and lyrics that tell stories of heartbreak and loss. Even if we don't get another album from him I loved all his projects that helped me feel sad when I needed it. Loved the vid earned a subscriber ✌

[@0-Ch4N]

It feels like we watched our big brother grow into something so beautiful, we can't stop ourselves from being so proud despite such a bittersweet departure from Frank. :,)

[@wonrranghae]

I saw Joji live this year and it was the most interesting experience as far as concerts go in terms of the way/plot line the concert was going and for the size of the venue/crowd. It was amazing to hear him live but also not taking the mood too seriously before everyone went home depressed.

[@luketenu]

It's lways crazy to see the evolution of George. Thank you for this amazing video, the production is just so good. Keep up the good work! :D

[@savannabaltero4375]

What a beautiful video essay, very well done. I think you’ve made me fall in love with Joji, and now I’m going on a deep dive of all his music. Thank you for your hard work.

[@Dara-po3dd]

Finally a long awaited video on Joji! Personally, Nectar is my favorite album. The storytelling and writing about a broken relationship and moving on is something Joji did pretty well on most tracks. I didn't like a couple tracks, but generally it was a phenomenal experience from start to finish. Overall, stellar editing and strong writing!🤞

[@ubesaaa]

Went to Joji's first tour (second ever show, the one in Amsterdam) because I loved his KZbin videos and his music resonated with me a lot. So glad I saw him live in such a small venue. Happy for him.

[@maikwasilewski3721]

Your video quality and editing is on a whole other level. Keep up the good work! :)

[@calebriver]

being here for so long to watch him grow with me has been such a great thing. i started watching him probably halfway or a little before halfway into his channels lore and have never left his side. joji is one of the best artists ever to me.

[@jade2911]

Joji became my top Spotify artist, even though I listened to only 3 of his songs. Hours upon hours of listening. I was scared to venture to his other songs, as usually when I find a song I really like, the artists other songs are pure crap compared to it. But Joji was different, I started listening to his other stuff, and fell. In. Love. His style is not usually what I would listen to, but it’s so beautifully crafted, that he is literally my favorite artist. What a talented guy.

[@KnightyDev_]

Such a beautifully produced video. You really nailed it with this. Glad I can understand my childhood icon so much more

[@MySkobi]

The fact he had a huge fanbase surely helped him. In my opinion he grew up with his fans. He constantly gave his fans exactly what they needed. And he actually makes great music. I listen to his songs everyday on my way to work and from work. And I used to be a huge FilthyFrank fan. I also still know all the lyrics to STFU XD

[@m1ckleback]

the production in this video is awesome ur editing is so engaging

[@wolfattacker1]

Perfection. Exquisite. Such great commentary on Joji as an artist, while also showing his roots and where he came from is such an honor to him and his fans. Filthy frank fans I feel might be forgotten about, and overshadowed by his new found fame. But it always brings warmth to my heart to see filthy frank and Joji together in one video. Great video.

[@tarnphuhomcharoen6985]

I never knew him as pink guy before i knew as Joji. Never a fan of that kind of KZbin video but his songs in In tongue really hooked me and i became his fan club since. So glad that his name is getting bigger and bigger and his beautiful music is well-known to everyone these days. Thanks for the video. Your vid is wonderful!

[@vampyhawty6708]

I literally love ur vids and how they're edited!!one of the best out here

[@biancabianca6888]

U really put your heart and soul on writing and editing. Keep going ! 🔥

[@nexkon]

amazing content and delivery this video was such a good watch! love the editing so much!

[@sophiatan5685]

this video just made me love this channel 1000x's more. joji is one of my favorite artists of all time and you put his talent into such perfect words !!

[@georgemillerjoji476]

Hi I've seen quite a handful of your comments on my fan page and I just wanna go out of my way to appreciate those people who’s comments and good wishes encourages me and I hope to bring you guys so much entertainment. Send a direct message to my private chat I got something for you. Stay safe 🌹❤️

[@Andy_Youn]

I have personally watched George since the pinkguy era, but he is one of the last huge artists that has emotions and is a real human being. Part of it is probably the nostalgia but still.

[@manee5567]

loved this video been a joji fan since the SoundCloud days thank you volksgeist

[@LachyQuee]

Video came up in suggestions, loved the presentation and delivery of Joji's story. Subscribed after just 1 video...amazing content.

[@affectiondealer]

nice video and i love this editing style istg

[@kayleephen7559]

as always, beautifully put philip

[@jackwong5816]

Wonderful video! Thanks so much for this.

[@clairejen3005]

I just stumbled upon your videos, and it blew my mind!!!! The editing is crazy, and the visuals and music are so nice with the voiceover!!! SUBSCRIBED

[@bwubi5936]

i honestly thought this was one of those professional music-centred channels due to the sheer quality of this video. keep up the great work dude

[@donnavorbach215]

Love your commentary!❤🎉

[@mgt9937]

The quality in your videos are insane. I instantly subbed💯

[@gajutsuka]

I think everyone in this comments section should definately listen to Nujabes and Uyama Hiroto. They often don't get credit while the subjetct of lofi hip-hop is being discussed and both of them need more atention for the amazing work done over the years

[@boobiekatt28]

I can’t imagine why this video doesn’t have more likes, this was very beautifully done. Thank you!

[@georgemillerjoji476]

Hi I've seen quite a handful of your comments on my fan page and I just wanna go out of my way to appreciate those people who’s comments and good wishes encourages me and I hope to bring you guys so much entertainment. Send a direct message to my private chat I got something for you. Stay safe 🌹❤️

[@jardeloso5585]

Congrats, The video looks amazing!!! Cant find content like this anywhere but here!!

[@zqaxcrk]

This is why joji is my all time favourite artist

[@jenmccoy4032]

Thanks for sharing some of his background. I love his music. He’s underrated- for sure!

[@saltinecracker2946]

I remember listening to pink season when it came out and topped iTunes. I was very surprised with certain songs and how fantastic his voice was, and realized that he could be so much more than a meme singer. Little did I know.

[@sophiaharris7849]

love the editing and collage look👏👏

[@amazanta1605]

It’s kinda like the jordan peele effect where he went from a comedian to masterful horror director joji went from a demented character method comedian to amazing artist calming one at that

[@karicleveland7888]

LOVE JOJI!! He is a rare talent with a beautiful voice and music that you don’t hear much from anyone today

[@bayuherdiantri3950]

coming from a follower from his early youtube era, I know from early on, he really acknowledged his dream to become a real serious musician. at the end of the day, we might not be able to see frank again, but knowing that he's living his dream, I'm happy to know it

[@killerb456]

Loved this video, one of the best videos on Joji ever!

[@mitchyyy18]

Yes!! Been waiting on this! Let's goooo!

[@chamchamz98]

Great review and your video essay is just beautiful to listen to

[@TheJinestylez]

Thanks Phillip, this was a great look at a great musician/artist. I have been a late adopter of joji music and have been blown away at how haunting and beautiful his music is. I was so excited to get nectar when it came out and my joji spoon lol

[@Shy..]

this video is made so well, great job 💜

[@xingyuwen7274]

What you said at the end of the video really touched me. Everything changes, nothing stays, but there’s still beauty of loss.

[@ParkAreLeef17]

Sheesh, what a video! You've just earned a new subscriber! Keep up the good work.

[@thelyonking5812]

I was in 5th grade and middle school watching Filthy Frank. He uploaded his final video while I was walking home from school in 7th grade. His edgy and offensive content shaped my sense of humor to this day. When he moved on from Filthy Frank and became Joji I was upset at first, but going into my freshman year in high school and quarantine I started feeling really sad and lonely, and that’s when Joni’s music really hit for me. I’m in a better mental state now, but I still love Joni’s music. His voice is beautiful, his writing is poetic and powerful. It’s amazing to see the huge level of success that he’s having as someone who has been a fan since 5th grade, well before he was Joji, all the way until now as a recently graduated senior about to move on to college. I saw him live in Austin this year and I could still see the Filthy Frank in him. He told lots of sexual and edgy jokes on stage and there were tons of people in Pink Guy suits who came to the show, the concert felt like it was a mix of standup comedy and a regular concert so it was a ton of fun. Of course his vocal performance while he sang was excellent and the opener Rei Brown was fantastic too.

[@charliebell5584]

It's crazy how far george has come! He came from being one of the biggest youtubers at the time to now being one of the bigger musicians out there.

[@annass8764]

Great video! Thanks, man. I want to listen to Joji’s music again and again, he’s a legend ❤

[@mumbaikachallenge5526]

The Presentation of your Videos man! Love your Work! Joji Forever!❤️

[@louisashby2401]

I loveeeee this editing style

[@Kiyannepeppers]

I got to go to one of his concerts last year, and it was one of the best ones I have ever been too. Not only was he an amazing performer, the concert was funny as hell too. Unforgetable

[@DarkshadowXD63]

Mannnn it nearly brings a tear to my eye to see where he is now from the Dizasta music days to now I'm glad he still has all his old vids up because you can see his growth

[@v6danny]

Much better thumbnail than previous ones. Great video as well 👍

[@Volksgeist]

Glad you think so!

[@jonahshill7084]

Great video production as usual! Think it would be interesting to compare the development of Joji and Tyler The Creator, as they both started off with a shock content being the main stay of their careers and have shown huge technical and creative development. Especially looking at their approaches to that growth. Tyler seems to have kept a lot of his original fandom even if they don’t connect as much with his current style, whereas it looks like Joji intentionally tried to distance himself from his previous work, and by extension, his previous audience. In terms of similarity, it looks like they are both trying to create music that has a lasting quality rather than feeding into immediate trends. Whether this is a reflection of them intentionally trying to push their previous work further into the background or not I can’t say. But I think your breakdown would be interesting

[@coolhastings96]

I just had this feeling after listening to Chloe Burbank all the way through that he had the makings of an artist that would leave a mark on the industry. Even the complexity of the filthy frank show was worth applauding even if on the surface it was humorous. Seeing him pull himself out of the fire and reignite his passion for music has truly been a moment in artistic history I don't think we will soon forget. His music will be what our kids hear the same way we as kids might have heard a phil Collins ballad or stairway to heaven for the first time.

[@hotgirlsanctuary]

Thank you for this video!

[@FranciscaSky]

your videos should be a series on Netflix or sort, amazing work!

[@MetalManiak93]

I think a documentary in your style would be amazing for childish Gambino. From comedian to a incredible musician it's a wild ride

[@sikdude4044]

He really outdid himself, his music is truly like a hug and i cant wait to see what he does next

[@gavinshoemaker6538]

I was one of those people that transitioned from filthy Frank to joji and it’s just insane how for almost 7 years i have been able to grow up with him and his music. I can always go back to his music and just feel at peace with his music.

[@TGGummybear]

Wonderful video! It deserves to blow up.

[@Shitboxpapi]

Great video man 👍🏽

[@dejesuswilson_]

Grew up with Dizastamusic. Now I'm a Joji fan excited to watch his concert next month.

[@forgivezharionsoldestcat7528]

I love this man's editing, it's not boring to watch!

[@jozeuh]

i love the editing !

[@Based_Proletariat]

When I think Lo-fi...I think about Nujabes aka Jun Seba. Joji makes some certified bops, from Yeah Right to Will He to Slow Dancing in the Dark to Run to Glimpse of Us.

[@snarf45]

My biggest inspiration in my own music journey. I have no clue where I'd be without this guy. He defined my sense of humor and music from a young age

[@smthinglikeu2112]

He didn’t produce Slow Dancing in the dark by himself if you look at the credits

[@ellechero7597]

That was a great video. I didn't realize how popular he really became. And I remember when I was yapping off to people about his pink season album success.

[@happysquid2604]

Love the video. Great mix between favts an opinion. It feels like you're struggling to fill the video with visuals so you write down the quotes but often not even quoting correctly. Can't wait to see the improvements. :)

[@ipodval]

i love every single song by joji bro everything is so unique and raw like he’s been my favorite artist for 7 years

[@Wendeez__]

I personally enjoy Thom, the little rap in the beginning really gives it personality along with the melody

[@bababoey5525]

My god this video is made so well. The audio quality, the editing skills, the amount of information youve put in this video while still making it interesting to watch. This is really high quality work, well done! Its been a long time since ive seen such well made youtube video. Never stop doing what you do because youre g r e a t at it

[@MINUTEMIDNIGHT]

Yes and his voice is nice to listen to :)

[@MMT--Games]

i first fell in love with the music of Joji around 3 years ago when i found myself crying while "slow dancing in the dark" was on full volume with my headphones on.. although i usually do some other things while listening to music, that was not the case while listening to Joji's music. Like his songs are not just songs, they are experiences. So i put my headphones on and close my eyes, then lose myself in perfect tunes and lyrics. in the last 3 years, my love for Joji just grew. And seeing him change SO SO MUCH, going from Pink Guy to someone who Pink Guy would probably bully, is just... i don't know, goofiest people is the most hurt one's i guess

[@addisonkendall1424]

great video and cool pendants! super cute and simplistic in the right way

[@MetalManiak93]

Thank God he cashed out of youtube at the right time before he got hit with the NYP article about his content. Hope you are doing well George, love your new career path!

[@deeconation4211]

Great outro! ❤