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
Bonney 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
While 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
Studio albums
- A Fly Guy's Theme (2006)
- Dope (2009)
- Fresh (2010)
- The Summer Years (2011)
- Le Bon Voyage (EP) (2018)
Mixtapes
- A Place Called Stardom (2010)
- Postcards from Abroad (2011)
- Lovejoy Park (2012)
- The Endless Summer (2012)