To The Moon
by Jnr Choi (featuring Sam Tompkins)

Album: single release only (2021)
Charted: 48 38
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Born in the West African country of Gambia, Jnr Choi moved to London, where he made his name as a model. Choi appeared in campaigns for Topman and Zara, and walked for Givenchy and AMIRI before transitioning into rap music. This club-friendly drill track became his breakthrough single after exploding on TikTok.
  • Choi moved into the world of music after a girl told him on FaceTime he looked like a rapper. A producer homie of his found a beat, and within a month he'd recorded his first track, "Belvedere," and shot the video.
  • Jnr Choi wrote the song himself. It finds him coming on to a love interest, anticipating having sex with her. He tells the girl she lights him up like the sun shines on the moon.
  • The Gambian rapper recorded "To The Moon" with producer Parked Up in August 2021. "He shot the beat over in an email," Choi told Gaffer, "and I sent it back the next day completely finished."

    Choi put the track aside for a few months before releasing it independently on November 6, 2021.
  • The song samples British singer-songwriter Sam Tomkins' cover of Bruno Mars' Doo-Wops & Hooligans track "Talking To The Moon."
  • The song's success caught the attention of major labels worldwide and Jnr Choi signed deals with Epic Records and Sony Music UK's Black Butter Records.
  • Jnr Choi took the song title from a tweet by Elon Musk that talks about going to the moon.
  • Jnr Choi released a remix with Gunna on March 25, 2022. The collaboration came about through Atlanta-based Epic Records A&R Tyshawn "Fly Ty" Johnson's relationship with the Atlanta rapper.

Comments: 1

  • Unknown from UnknownJnr Choi's driver for the music video is a man from Dominican Republic named Juan Gutierrez.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many Songs

Who's Johnny, And Why Does He Show Up In So Many SongsSong Writing

For songwriters, Johnny represents the American man. He has been angry, cool, magic, a rebel and, of course, marching home.

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.