Review: Joji, formerly Filthy Frank, delivers on debut R&B album

Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

George Miller, formerly known as FilthyFrank on YouTube, no goes by the name Joji in his musical career.

Tanner Owens, T_Owens031
October 29, 2018

One of the most profane, confusing and downright disgusting former Youtube artists released an R&B album over the weekend.

Even more surprising, the album, titled “BALLADS 1,” is superbly produced and features George “Joji” Miller showing off why he is the label 88rising’s golden boy.

The label, which has also signed other comedian singers like Rich Brian, helped to land Joji his first full-length studio album and it did not disappoint. The combination of sounds on the album are often very different from each other and the juxtaposition of sounds works in Miller’s favor. One minute, Joji will be singing intimately behind a sorrowful piano bit.

“Girl would it kill you just to show a little bit of attention,” Joji said in the opening song, “ATTENTION.” “If I hurt you, I’m afraid God’s gonna teach me a lesson.”

The next song, trap-style hi-hats and a booming 808 bass drum overpower the repetitive lyrics of “XNXX.” The album employs the help of some major names in the hip-hop world. A collaboration with rising star Trippie Redd yielded the mopey jam “R.I.P.” Producers RL Grime, Clams Casino and Thundercat all lend help to produce dance-worthy and sometimes tear- jerking instrumentals.

The level of production talent is unprecedented for an artist who has previously only released one album under the Joji name. His 2017 endeavor, titled “Pink Season,” and released under the moniker Pink Guy, stayed true to the ways of Miller’s Youtube channel.

Dubbed by Apple Music as a comedy album, “Pink Season” stirred up controversy for its blatantly racist and profanity-laced lyrics. The album followed in the shock-humor/satire styles of other controversial comedy singers such as Rucka Rucka Ali.

Thankfully, “BALLADS 1” could not be more different than Pink Guy’s only album. “SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK,” the second song of the album, is the highlight of the album by miles with the artist showing off an impressive falsetto and an ability to hold out notes not previously heard in his other albums.

The song is in a constant state of suspense due to the flowing synthesizer sounds that reach an explosive climax in the ending minute of the song. Joji’s heartfelt yet depressing lyrics work perfectly with the Patrick Wimberly produced instrumentals.

Escaping from his feelings, Joji doesn’t forget that listeners want to be happy sometimes. “NO FUN” is an infectiously dance-inducing track that would make for the perfect summer driving song.

The album marks a tremendous victory for the upstart label 88rising and has solidified Joji’s status as a serious force in the R&B and trip-hop realm. “BALLADS 1” is a triumph not only for those who produced it, but for those who have been following Miller for years.

Miller was previously known for his profane and, often offensive Youtube persona, Filthy Frank. Wearing a variety of costumes and speaking in a lower voice, Miller would create sketches that were often focused on shock-humor, such as when he made a cake out of ingredients he had eaten and regurgitated, and then consuming it.

Since retiring from Youtube, Miller has matured greatly, choosing to focus on his music and connecting with listeners through social media and his concerts.