Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Tonee Marino

Tonee Marino is a triple threat who’s quickly making a name for himself in the music industry. The Long Island-based rapper, songwriter, and producer has racked up over eight million views and streams with hit singles like “So Sad” and “Juice,” and he’s building on that success with a major collaboration with rapper Zay Hilifiger. Pop Culturalist caught up with Tonee to chat about the release of “Oh Wow.”

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Tonee: I’ve always had a love and passion for music, even before I started creating it. I grew up listening to artists like Michael Jackson, Drake, Chris Brown, and more. Music was, and still is, what gets me through my day—I do everything while listening to music.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Tonee: I get my influence to work hard from my family because everyone in my family puts in hard work to get where they want to go. As for music, I’m influenced by Michael Jackson and Drake.

PC: You have had a lot of success in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Tonee: A moment that stands out personally was putting out my first song fully produced by me, written by me, and co-engineered by me as well, called “Lady’s Man.” I’ve been writing my lyrics, but it felt amazing to write to a beat that I made myself, and I’m continuing that with other songs, such as one of my last releases, “Jefe.” The fans love those songs, so I’m going to continue giving them what they want!

PC: How did the collaboration between you and Zay Hilfiger form?
Tonee: Zay and I were introduced through my good friend and part of my management team, Susanna Paliotta. We both liked each other’s music, so we figured it’d be a great idea do a collaboration on a track.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Oh Wow.” What was the inspiration behind the song?
Tonee: I didn’t really have any direct source of inspiration, however, I knew I wanted to make a catchy summer anthem, especially because we’re in a new decade now. When I found the beat for this, I knew it was super fun and upbeat, so I wrote this catchy hook to it. Ultimately, I wanted to keep it pretty simple so people can connect to it.

PC: You have a new series coming out. Tell us about Next Big Thing NYC and what fans can expect.
Tonee: Next Big Thing is a TV show coming soon to Amazon Prime. The show follows my life as well as the lives of seven other successful teenage cast members who are all talented in different ways, and how they’ve been pursuing a dream since a young age. There is some drama involved as well, so make sure you guys tune in!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Tonee: I’m not sure if they would be surprised, but an artist I listen to a lot is Juice WRLD.

PC: First album you bought?
Tonee: I’ve never bought an entire album, but the first song I ever purchased was “Shot for Me” by Drake.

PC: First concert you attended?
Tonee: The first concert I attended was a Justin Bieber show at Madison Square Garden.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Tonee: I don’t think there’s an album that changed my life, but a favorite of mine would be So Much Fun by Young Thug, which came out in 2019. Every song on there was hype, which is rare on an album, and it was fun to listen to that summer.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Tonee: Madison Square Garden

PC: A must-have on the road?
Tonee: A must-have while on tour is some Chick-Fil-A. I love chicken and I’m the biggest fan of fries. I would eat it every day if I could.

To keep up with Tonee, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify.