| Tony K | |
| Birth Name: | Tony George Khnanisho[1] |
| Alias: | Tone |
| Birth Place: | Kirkuk, Iraq |
| Occupation: | Rapper, Record Producer, Songwriter |
| Genre: | Hip hop, R&B, Pop |
| Years Active: | 2005–present |
| Label: | Unsigned |
| Associated Acts: | Royce Da 5'9", Kurupt |
Tony George Khnanisho, better known by his stage name Tony K, is an American rapper, record producer, and songwriter.[2] [3]
Tony K's family immigrated to Detroit, Michigan from Baghdad, Iraq in 1991 escaping what was then the Persian Gulf War. Very early on Tony K was surrounded by music. His father and uncle were both musicians and his mother was a singer. He was introduced to Hip Hop at a young age, through listening to the likes of 2pac, Eminem, The Notorious B.I.G., and Nas.[4] Tony K started rapping and producing at only 13 years old. He was inspired to start after hearing the 2Pac song "Changes".[5] In 2005 Tony teamed up with a local friend by the name of "Peleboy," and together they released what would be their first independent musical release, titled "Partners In Crime". Shortly after, Tony decided to pursue a solo rap career.[6]
Tony's unique sound and determination have granted him the ability to work with rappers such as Kurupt, Royce da 5'9", Cappadonna, Bizzy Bone, and many more, lending his production skills to their music. In 2008 he released his first solo project, “By Any Means Necessary”, with features from Sean Kingston and rapper Young Noble.[7] Soon, Tony started to release a series of mixtapes such as “YNOT” (2013) and “Wasteland” (2015) and began receiving some attention. On June 12, 2024 Tony K's song "Island" was covered by Kelly Clarkson on The Kelly Clarkson Show part of her Kellyoke segment.[8]
Tony K's latest single, "Villain" featuring Reem, was released on June 12, 2024.[9]