Goonie

In a world where pain is often silenced, Goonie turns his past into purpose and his trials into testimony. Born Jerrerius Byrd in Covington, Georgia, Goonie is more than a rapper, he’s a storyteller, a survivor, and a symbol of comeback. With a voice as raw as his lyrics and a smile that masks the weight of his journey, Goonie delivers music that uplifts while keeping it unfiltered and real. His breakout single, "All That Hating Ain’t Necessary", is more than a catchy club anthem, it’s a victory chant born from the trenches of adversity.

With the infectious hook, “trap doin good, I’m like yeah yeah yeah / got my mama out the hood, I’m like yeah yeah yeah,” Goonie offers listeners a front-row seat to his transformation. The music is high-energy, but the message is rooted in resilience, a theme that defines both his sound and his life. Goonie doesn’t glorify the struggle, he transcends it, reminding us that setbacks don’t define us, our comebacks do.

From Humble Beginnings to Hard Lessons

Raised in a modest three-bedroom home shared with eight other family members, Goonie’s early years were filled with love, laughter, and hardship. Though financially struggling, his family was emotionally rich, a dynamic that shaped his deep-rooted values and unwavering loyalty. The foundation laid by his mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother gave him the moral compass to navigate a world filled with pitfalls.

But life wasn’t easy. His father, a street hustler trying to provide for his family, spent years in and out of prison. The absence left a void, but also lit a fire. When his father returned home, Goonie saw not a man broken by incarceration, but a father humbled by experience. “He never left us, he just got caught in the system trying to do right by us,” Goonie reflects. That reconnection became a turning point, grounding him further in purpose and giving him a renewed drive to succeed not just for himself, but for everyone who had sacrificed for him.

From the Hood to the Studio

Forced to drop out of high school to help pay bills, Goonie turned to music as both an escape and an outlet. Hip-hop became his therapy, and the studio his sanctuary. Inspired by legends like Lil Wayne, Nelly, and groups like TLC, he carved out a style that’s both gritty and emotionally resonant. His lyrics are direct yet layered, balancing street knowledge with introspective vulnerability. “I speak truth with a smile on my face,” he says, a trait that earned him the nickname "Goonie" from family and friends who couldn’t pronounce his name but could clearly see his light.

Purple Tears: The Rise of a Voice

Now signed to indie label Get Busy Records, Goonie is currently working with super-producer Dr. Christopher Starr of CSP Music Group on his debut album, Purple Tears. The 14-track project will chronicle his life’s journey, from childhood struggles and personal losses to redemption and renewed hope. The video for “All That Hating Ain’t Necessary” was filmed in the very home where his story began, an intentional move to honor his roots and reflect on how far he’s come.

“It simplifies that money don’t fix the problem, but it can help heal it,” he explains. “I’ve been knocked down more times than I can count, but I never stayed down. I use my story as a mirror for others to see themselves and find their way out.”

The Message and the Movement

Goonie’s music isn’t about trends, it’s about truth. Every bar carries weight, every beat moves with intention. His debut project is shaping up to be a defining moment not just for him, but for a new generation of artists who believe that vulnerability is strength and authenticity is power.

With strong roots, an even stronger will, and a story that resonates across generations, Goonie is poised to be more than just a rapper from Georgia, he’s emerging as a voice of resilience for anyone who’s ever been underestimated, overlooked, or told to quit.

And to all the haters? He smiles and says, “All That Hating Ain’t Necessary.”