Tabiabuè Bonney, better known as Tabi Bonney, is a Togo-born, Washington, D.C.–based rapper. He is the son of Itadi Bonney, an afro-funk musician popular during the 1970s in Togo and West Africa.[1] Bonney achieved recognition in the Washington metro area with his radio singles "The Pocket" and "Doin It," which featured Raheem DeVaughn. Bonney started a clothing line called Bonney Runway; he has also directed and produced music videos for several artists including friend and fellow D.C.-associated rapper Wale.
Tabi Bonney | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Tabiabuè Bonney |
| Also known as | Tabi Bonney |
| Origin | Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Labels | DD172, BluRoc, EMI |
Biography
editBonney was born in Lomé, Togo, to musician Itadi Bonney and Jo, a teacher from Washington, D.C. who had been stationed in Lomé through the Peace Corps.[1][2] Political turmoil in Togo forced the Bonneys to flee the country, and they eventually settled in D.C. Bonney's parents did not wish for him to become a musician. They insisted that he attend college, and he enrolled at Florida A&M University to study pre-med.[1] He earned a Master's degree in biology with plans to become a doctor, but pursued other paths after he realized his heart wasn't in it.[2] He was a science teacher at Roosevelt High School in Petworth, Washington, D.C., for two years after college.[1]
Music career
editWhile in college, Bonney and friend Haziq Ali formed a group called Organized Rhyme. The group opened for artists including LL Cool J, Cam'ron, and OutKast.[3] In 2006, Bonney had a regional breakout hit with "The Pocket," his first single from A Fly Guy's Theme.[1][4]
In 2011, Bonney released The Summer Years, his fourth studio album, with songs sampling his father's music and featuring Terri Walker and Murs.[5]
Discography
editStudio albums
edit- A Fly Guy's Theme (2006)
- Dope (2009)
- Fresh (2010)
- The Summer Years (2011)
- Le Bon Voyage (EP) (2018)
Mixtapes
edit- A Place Called Stardom (2010)
- Postcards from Abroad (2011)
- Lovejoy Park (2012)
- The Endless Summer (2012)
References
edit- ^ a b c d e Richards, Chris (June 14, 2012). "Tabi Bonney's hip-hop stems from his father's musical influence". Washington Post. Retrieved June 29, 2012.
- ^ a b Stewart, Allison (October 12, 2011). "Tabi Bonney on his pop star dad, career trajectory and life in the DMV". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
- ^ "Tabi Bonney". VH1.com. Archived from the original on December 6, 2007. Retrieved June 30, 2012.
- ^ Malitz, David (September 19, 2011). "Quick Spin 'The Summer Years,' by Tabi Bonney". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 15, 2021.
- ^ Moore, Marcus J. (September 27, 2011). "Summer's Not Over for Tabi Bonney". Washington City Paper. Retrieved November 15, 2021.