44JNNY, “LUV44”
44JNNY, real name Daniel Johnny, is an underground musician and creative designer originating from Nigeria and now living in Toronto, Canada. His signature deep vocal style and mixing, accompanied with heavy villainous beats, create a one of a kind essence for the Toronto-Lagos artist.
His discography features flawless, catchy and diverse flows, through intricate and thoughtful dark lyricism. A true raw-yet-refined underground artist. I heavily recommend you give his work a listen. These tracks are beyond hard hitting.
44JNNY's latest single release, "LUV44" is a unique grime rap track, mixing elements of his local flair, Pop Smoke and the New York sound, alongside digital dark punk-rap like Sybyr, overtop dynamic loops and distorted 808s. This is 44JNNY's 5th all-time release and 2nd single following 2023's "444", his 4-track collaborative EP with Shad3, which dropped in Late August of last year.
44JNNY loves to see people enjoying his music. Often showing off his newest tracks to friends and family, his favorite aspect of the process is seeing other's bump their heads to the beat anytime they hear his songs. He understands the special connection he makes with listeners and enjoys seeing the physical manifestations of this art as their body moves in rhythm with his creation.
Inspiration is found everywhere in Nigeria. The vibrant and diverse musical landscape produces millions of artists from all different styles. The dominating genres are based on Afrobeats, leading 44JNNY's early childhood musical influences to originate with artists and songs in this genre.
44JNNY refuses to let his talent and passion go to waste. He has a broad view of the value in his opportunity as an African artist in a unique scenario and uses it all as motivation to drive his future successes.
In addition to his creativity in music, 44JNNY is a designer and innovator in the fashion and streetwear scene, consistently seen rocking cultured and trendy outfits and styles across his videos and social media pages. In his close relationship with the Nigerian youth collective "444 Saints", he influences the aesthetics of their upcoming in-house streetwear brand.
Outside of the local soundscape he was exposed to during his youth, Johnny's first experience with rapping came during a lunch period in his Lagos high school. Him and friends began banging a stick on the lunch table and making a beat, then started freestyling too it. While the modern 44JNNY process prefers thought out lyricism and a strong writing process, this initial freestyle on a stick-beat sparked the inspiration for all of his future works.
In an exclusive interview with RSO Underground, 44JNNY reveals his athletic life as a boxer, his positive messages to the world, inspirations of family and friends, his gratitude for a life of rapping, and more!
RSO Underground Interview with 44JNNY
Who are you?
My name originally is DANIEL JOHNNY but my stage name is 44JNNY
Where are you from? (How is the music scene there?)
I was born and raised in Nigeria. Was not in delta state but moved to Lagos when I starred high school. The music scene in Nigeria is really astounding. With millions of talents artist coming out everyday. The rap scene in Nigeria isn’t really that large since we are mainly known for afrobeat
Why did you get into the music/creative industry?
I grew up mainly around afrobeats but when I grew older I got into rap. I got into the music/creative industry going towards the end of high school. I really had no musical background. But in school me and the homies free-styled on some sticks on the table beat but we went hard. I didn’t really know how to freestyle like but when it comes to writing I be killing it. I still remember the first ever time I recorded it was at my homes crib in Nigeria. He had a studio im his crib. After that day I knew this was what I was meant to do.
Who and what inspires you?
My family and the gg inspires me daily. Because coming from where I come from we really didn’t have the opportunity most people out of Africa get. I got this as my gift my talent and seeing people bump their heads anytime I play a song I made and the reaction I get it drive me and pushes me more to do more and do better
Do you have any stories of your artistic journey to share?
I do actually have a story. I remember my first live performance. Menh that shi was wack cause the promoter were ass fr have us pass 1 mic back and forth and me having to go to the dj mid performance to send him my setlist already gave him before the show because this nigga was high as hell.
What song/project are you currently promoting and what is the story behind it?
My project LUV44 dropping MAR22. It’s a song that give me energy and drive each time it’s played. It makes you wanna jump and lose your mind
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
One thing people would be suprised to know about me is I got 12 siblings and I’m a boxer
Where can we find your music and art?
You can find my music on all platforms. Spotify, Apple music etc. Just search up 44JNNY.
What is your message to the world?
My message to da world simple is “Don’t work yourself too hard yk what I mean” Enjoy life have fun. If what you’re doing makes you happy and gives you joy then you’re on the right path
Check out JNNY44 Everywhere!
