ABOUT J TONEY

J. Toney, formerly known as Big Thump, is an Oakland-born artist whose journey from adversity to musical recognition exemplifies resilience and determination. Starting with homemade recordings, he signed his first record deal in high school as part of the duo Syde 2 Syde, making waves with their hit album SkyBallin'.  Despite facing hardships, including periods of homelessness, J. Toney remained steadfast in his pursuit of success. With a full college scholarship from the Oakland-based Oral Lee Brown Foundation, he pursued higher education at Columbia College Chicago, where he studied Art & Business Management, further honing his skills as an artist and  entrepreneur. In 2024, he released his critically acclaimed debut solo album, The Testament, a powerful tribute to his Oakland roots and personal evolution. The album gained Grammy consideration in (4) categories, Best Rap Album, Best Rap Performance, Best Melodic Rap and Best Rap Song ; while his vocal contributions to The Fury earned a partial Grammy Nomination in Contemporary Blues. Beyond music, J. Toney is a dedicated father who takes pride in sharing his culture and values with his daughter. His story is one of perseverance, passion, and an unwavering commitment to his artistry and community, proving that music can be a force for transformation and empowerment.