DoNormaal

Last updated
DoNormaal
Birth nameChristianne Kenrieke Elise Karefa-Johnson
BornLong Beach, California, United States
OriginSeattle, Washington, United States
GenresHip hop
Occupation(s)Rapper, actress
Years active2010s–present
Labels Crane City Music, Not On Label

DoNormaal, also known as Christianne Kenrieke Elise Karefa-Johnson, is an American rapper and actress. She emerged on the Seattle music scene in the early 2010s and is known for her experimental style and thought-provoking lyrics.

Contents

Early Life and Education

Christianne Kenrieke Elise Karefa-Johnson, professionally known as DoNormaal, was born in Long Beach, California, into a lineage of historically prominent black individuals from across the globe, including West Africa, the Caribbean, the United States, and South America. She is one of five siblings and has a twin sister, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, a stylist and fashion editor. [1]

Her maternal grandfather, John Karefa-Smart, was a prince of the chiefdom of Rotifunk in Sierra Leone and played a pivotal role in the country’s independence from Britain in 1961. Her maternal grandmother, Rena Joyce Waller Karefa-Smart, was the first Black woman to graduate from Yale Divinity School and the first to earn a ThD (Doctor of Theology) from Harvard. [1]

On her father Kenrick Karefa-Johnson's side her lineage includes Guyana’s first Black physician, as well as Ken “Snakehips” Johnson, the leader of Britain’s influential West Indian Dance Orchestra active in the 1930s. Her paternal grandmother, of Trinidadian and Bajan descent, immigrated to the United States in the 1960s in search of better educational opportunities for her children. DoNormaal’s father, an urban planner, passed away shortly after her birth at the age of 42. [1] [2]

Following her father’s death, her family relocated frequently, including a year spent in Sierra Leone before the civil war forced their departure. They eventually settled in Southern California when she was six years old, though her childhood remained nomadic as they moved between cities under the care of her mother, Suzanne. [2]

DoNormaal studied poetry at and received her Bachelor's degree from Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York.

Career

DoNormaal began her music career in the early 2010s, performing at local venues in Seattle. She gained recognition for her unique style, blending introspective lyrics with experimental beats. [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

In 2015, she released her debut album, Jump or Die, which garnered positive reviews from critics. [8] [9] [10] The album showcased her versatility as an artist and established her as a rising star in the hip-hop scene. [7] [11]

In 2017, she followed up with her sophomore album, Third Daughter, which further solidified her reputation as an innovative and boundary-pushing artist. [12] The album received critical acclaim for its bold experimentation and thought-provoking themes. [7] [13]

Her participation in the Roland-sponsored "Desert Days" event in 2018 led to a reinvention of her musical style, garnering praise from critics for her willingness to explore new sonic territories. The event inspired her to experiment with different sounds and techniques, resulting in a new level of creativity and innovation in her music. [14]

In 2021 DoNormaal released the single "Baby May" along with an accompanying music video. [15]

According to The Seattle Times , DoNormaal's creative mix of harmony and dissonance has captivated listeners with her vibrant and intense studio work, as well as her compelling live performances. [7]

NPR highlighted DoNormaal as one of the key figures in the Seattle music scene, describing her as a visionary artist pushing the boundaries of hip-hop. The article praised her sophomore LP for being a fearless explorer of sound and lauded her ability to push the boundaries of hip-hop while maintaining authenticity and integrity. [16]

DoNormaal also ventured into acting, appearing as a supporting actress in the 2023 film Fantasy A Gets a Mattress .

Discography

YearAlbumRecord label
2015 Jump or Die Not On Label
2017 Third Daughter Crane City Music
2024 PALMSPRINGA (with Welp Disney) Not On Label

Critical reception

DoNormaal's music has been praised for its innovative approach to hip hop. [17] In a review for Respect My Region, her music video for "Ego Slave," directed by Noah Zoltan Sofian, was described as "a work of art that perfectly complements the intensity of the track". [18] American Songwriter included DoNormaal in their "Five to Discover" feature, noting her as an artist on the rise. [19] Additionally, What's Up! Magazine praised DoNormaal's versatility and described her music as "a little bit of everything", highlighting her ability to blend various styles and influences. [20]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lauryn Hill</span> American rapper and singer (born 1975)

Lauryn Noelle Hill is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actress. She is often credited for breaking barriers for female rappers, popularizing melodic rap, and pioneering neo soul for mainstream audiences. In addition to being named one of the 50 Great Voices by NPR, Hill was listed as one of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time by Rolling Stone. In 2015, she was named the greatest female rapper by Billboard. Her other accolades include eight Grammy Awards—the most for any female rapper. With over 50 million records sold worldwide, she is one of the best-selling female rappers of all time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Digable Planets</span> American hip hop group

Digable Planets is an American hip hop trio formed in 1987. The trio is composed of rappers Ishmael "Butterfly" Butler, Mariana "Ladybug Mecca" Vieira, and Craig "Doodlebug" Irving. The group is notable for their contributions to the subgenres of jazz rap and alternative hip hop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mary J. Blige</span> American singer (born 1971)

Mary Jane Blige is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, actress, and entrepreneur. Often referred to as the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul" and "Queen of R&B", Blige has won nine Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, four American Music Awards, twelve NAACP Image Awards, and twelve Billboard Music Awards, including the Billboard Icon Award. She has been nominated for three Golden Globe Awards and two Academy Awards, including one for her supporting role in the film Mudbound (2017) and another for its original song "Mighty River", becoming the first person nominated for acting and songwriting in the same year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KEXP-FM</span> Public radio station in Seattle

KEXP-FM is a non-commercial radio station in Seattle, Washington, United States, specializing in indie music programmed by its disc jockeys. KEXP's studios are located at Seattle Center, and the transmitter is in the city's Capitol Hill neighborhood. The station is operated by the non-profit entity Friends of KEXP, an affiliate of the University of Washington. Since March 19, 2024, KEXP-FM's programming has been rebroadcast over Alameda, California–licensed KEXC, which serves the San Francisco Bay Area.

Cameo is an American funk band that formed in 1974. Cameo was initially a 14-member group known as the New York City Players; this name was later changed to Cameo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ciara</span> American singer (born 1985)

Ciara Princess Wilson is an American singer and songwriter. She was discovered by record producer Jazze Pha in the early 2000s, and rose to prominence with her debut studio album, Goodies (2004). Its namesake lead single peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100, while the follow-ups, "1, 2 Step" and "Oh", both peaked at number two on the chart. The album received quadruple platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and received two nominations at the 48th Annual Grammy Awards. Ciara also guest appeared on the 2005 singles "Lose Control" by Missy Elliott and "Like You" by Bow Wow, both of which peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Got That</span> 2000 single by Amil featuring Beyoncé

"I Got That" is a hip-hop song by American rapper Amil from her album All Money Is Legal (2000). She wrote the track with its producers, L.E.S. and Poke & Tone, as well as with Jay-Z, Makeda Davis, and Tamy Lestor Smith. It uses a sample from the 1985 Gwen Guthrie song "Seventh Heaven". In an effort to assess her viability as a solo artist outside of her girl group Destiny's Child, Beyoncé performs the song's chorus and backing vocals. In the lyrics, Amil encourages women to seek out emotional, financial, and romantic independence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gabriel Teodros</span> American rapper

Gabriel Teodros is a hip hop artist and a member of the groups Abyssinian Creole and CopperWire. He was raised on Beacon Hill, Seattle, Washington. Teodros' music often features socially conscious themes, and he was a catalyst in the surge of dynamic underground rap acts from the Pacific Northwest during the first decade of the 2000s.

<i>Still da Baddest</i> 2008 studio album by Trina

Still Da Baddest is the fourth studio album by American rapper Trina. It was released on April 1, 2008, by Slip-n-Slide, EMI and DP Entertainment. The album was preceded by the lead single, "Single Again" on November 6, 2007. Following the poor chart performance, "I Got a Thang for You" featuring Keyshia Cole, was released as the album's second single. The album's third and final single "Look Back at Me" featuring Killer Mike, which was produced by Hard Hat Productions, became a regional hit club record and accompanied by a music video.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ego (Beyoncé song)</span> 2009 single by Beyoncé

"Ego" is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter Beyoncé for the deluxe edition of her third studio album, I Am... Sasha Fierce (2008). The song was composed by Elvis Williams, Harold Lilly, and Beyoncé. "Ego" was officially remixed with additional vocals from hip hop artist, Kanye West. Initially planned to be released in January 2009 as the second urban single in the US along with the fourth US and third international single "Halo", the release of "Ego" was canceled and replaced by "Diva". "Ego" was later issued as the third urban single, and fifth overall single in the US on May 19, 2009, alongside the sixth US and fourth international single "Sweet Dreams".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nicki Minaj</span> Trinidadian rapper (born 1982)

Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, known professionally as Nicki Minaj, is a Trinidadian rapper, singer, and songwriter. Regarded as the "Queen of Rap" and one of the most influential rappers of all time, she is credited as a driving force in the mainstream resurgence of female rap in the early 2010s. Known for her dynamic rap flow, witty lyrics, musical versatility, and alter egos, Minaj first gained recognition after releasing three mixtapes between 2007 and 2009.

David Mazzeo also known as Wizdom, is a hip hop artist based in Seattle, Washington. The emcee has released three studio albums, one mixtape and one EP release. Guests on his music include Brainstorm of Dyme Def, Stef Lang and New Balance(Nate Burleson), and has collaborated with Seattle-based musicians Grynch, Sol and Macklemore.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rapsody</span> American rapper from North Carolina

Marlanna Evans, better known by her stage name Rapsody, is an American rapper. After signing with music producer 9th Wonder's music label It's a Wonderful World Music Group, she released a series of mixtapes and collaborated with Erykah Badu and Talib Kweli. Soon afterwards Rapsody released her debut album The Idea of Beautiful (2012). She would attain further prominence when she was featured on Kendrick Lamar's 2015 album To Pimp a Butterfly, on the track "Complexion ".

The Physics is an American hip hop group based in Seattle, Washington. It was created in the late-1990s when its members, Thig Natural, Monk Wordsmith and Just D'Amato were students at O'Dea High School in Seattle. Since 2007, the trio has released three full-length albums, two EPs and several non-album singles.

Andrew Joslyn is an American composer, orchestrator, film scorer, and violinist in various genres.

<i>The Pinkprint</i> 2014 studio album by Nicki Minaj

The Pinkprint is the third studio album by Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj. It was released on December 15, 2014, by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records and Republic Records. Departing from the dance-pop elements of her previous album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (2012), The Pinkprint is driven by Minaj's traditional hip hop roots. Minaj co-executive-produced the album alongside Birdman, Lil Wayne and Ronald Williams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Onry Ozzborn</span> American rapper

Michael Sean Martinez, better known by his stage name Onry Ozzborn, is an American rapper and producer from Seattle, Washington. He is a founding member of alternative hip hop groups such as Grayskul, Dark Time Sunshine, and Oldominion, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chloe Bailey</span> American singer (born 1998)

Chloe Elizabeth Bailey, also known mononymously as Chlöe, is an American singer-songwriter, record producer and actress. She rose to prominence alongside her sister Halle Bailey as Chloe x Halle. The duo released two studio albums, with their second, Ungodly Hour (2020), being met with widespread acclaim upon release. In 2021, Bailey released her debut solo single "Have Mercy", which was certified platinum in the U.S. Her debut album, In Pieces, was released in 2023. Her second studio album, Trouble in Paradise, was released in 2024.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cardi B</span> American rapper (born 1992)

Belcalis Marlenis Cephus, known professionally as Cardi B, is an American rapper. Noted for her unfiltered public image and lyrics, Cardi B is one of the most successful female artists in contemporary music. From 2015 to early 2017, she gained recognition on Vine and Instagram, as a cast member on VH1's Love & Hip Hop: New York, and by releasing two mixtapes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">City Girls</span> American hip hop duo

City Girls were an American hip hop duo consisting of Yung Miami and JT, both of whom originate from Miami, Florida. The duo signed with Quality Control Music, an imprint of Motown and Capitol Records to release their debut mixtape, Period (2018). Two months later, they garnered mainstream attention following their guest performances on Drake's 2018 single, "In My Feelings", which peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Moura, Rob (December 23, 2024). "DoNormaal & Welp Disney: Adaptations". WASH Magazine. Archived from the original on December 24, 2024. Retrieved December 25, 2024.
  2. 1 2 Chung, Juliana Ukiomogbe (2024-02-22). "Fashion Editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson's Bed-Stuy Brownstone Is a Living Archive". Curbed. Archived from the original on 2024-02-27.
  3. ↑ Dervin, Peter (March 3, 2017). "Adia Victoria at The Sunset, Seattle". No Depression. Archived from the original on May 3, 2024. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  4. ↑ Zwickel, Jonathan (December 23, 2015). "Album of the Month: 'Jump or Die' by DoNormaal". City Arts Magazine. Archived from the original on May 3, 2024. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  5. ↑ Dusty Henry (June 27, 2018). "DoNormaal Fights Zombies, Splits Into Multiple Forms, and Embraces Self-Esteem in "Ego Slave" Music Video (KEXP Premiere)". KEXP . Archived from the original on May 3, 2024. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  6. ↑ Elliott, Gwendolyn (January 25, 2017). "Band of the Week: DoNormaal". Seattle Magazine. Archived from the original on May 3, 2024. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  7. 1 2 3 4 Uitti, Jake (August 10, 2016). "DoNormaal's creative mix of harmony and dissonance". The Seattle Times . Archived from the original on March 6, 2024.
  8. ↑ Chevalier, Gui Jean-Paul (September 21, 2016). "Raven Matthews and DoNormaal Do What Music Supposed to Do". Real Change News. Archived from the original on May 4, 2024. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  9. ↑ Sam Chapman (February 17, 2016). "DoNormaal. She Will Explode". Queer Space Magazine. Archived from the original on May 4, 2024. Retrieved May 4, 2024.
  10. ↑ Hughes, Emer (November 11, 2015). "Listen To DoNormaal Put It All On The Line With "Jump Or Die"". The Fader. Archived from the original on May 3, 2024. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  11. ↑ Sears, Kelton (December 21, 2016). "Blackout Dates Be Damned—DoNormaal Dominated 2016 By Doing What She Wants". Seattle Weekly . Archived from the original on May 3, 2024. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  12. ↑ Mudede, Charles (June 5, 2019). "DoNormaal's Not-So-Normal Hip-Hop". The Stranger . Archived from the original on May 3, 2024. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  13. ↑ Davis, M. Anthony (July 19, 2017). "DoNormaal's Sophomore LP Is a Sprawling 19-Track Epic Written in Her Own Image". Seattle Weekly . Archived from the original on 3 May 2024. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  14. ↑ Uitti, Jake (August 10, 2016). "DoNormaal Desert Days, Rapping, and Reinvention". Roland. Archived from the original on May 3, 2024.
  15. ↑ Peters, Alexa (November 21, 2021). "DoNormaal Quietly Releases Video for Brand-New Track "Baby May"". Audiofemme. Archived from the original on May 4, 2024. Retrieved May 3, 2024.
  16. ↑ Boilen, Bob; Cole, Kevin (June 25, 2019). "Why the Seattle Music Scene is a Glimpse at the Future". NPR. Archived from the original on June 25, 2019.
  17. ↑ Schwab, Julia (March 15, 2018). "If You Don't Know Her, You Should: A Conversation with Seattle Artist DoNormaal". KXSU. Archived from the original on May 3, 2024. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  18. ↑ Pfeifer, Mitch (July 13, 2018). "DoNormaal's 'Ego Slave' is a Work of Art". Respect My Region. Archived from the original on May 3, 2024.
  19. ↑ Uitti, Jacob (2020). "Chong the Nomad, McCall, Loyal Lobos, Trishes, DoNormaal: Five to Discover". American Songwriter. Archived from the original on May 3, 2024.
  20. ↑ Ketzner, Keenan (June 2019). "DoNormaal: A Little Bit of Everything". What's Up! Magazine. Archived from the original on May 3, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.