JoJo Pellegrino

American rapper

Joseph Edwards (born September 13, 1977), professionally known as Jojo Pellegrino, is an American rapper, songwriter and actor from Staten Island, NY. Known for his lyrical abilities and versatility, Pellegrino was formally managed by Chris Lighty as a member of the legendary Violator imprint. Pellegrino made his name in the New York Hip hop scene with his debut singles “Fogedaboudid” and “Where I'm from”, "Fogedaboudid" becoming popular on local radio stations.

Joseph Edwards (JoJo Pellegrino) was raised in a loving household, in Staten Island New York, by both parents along with his younger sister Jennifer. Throughout most of his childhood and teenage years, Edwards studied various styles of martial arts and also played baseball and basketball. He began writing and recording at the age of 15 years old and through his father's relationship with a colleague, who was managing a few artists at the time, Edwards formed a close bond with local hip hop sensation Shyheim The Rugged Child, spending most of his time working on his craft in the Stapleton Projects located on the North Shore of Staten Island. He attended New Dorp High School, but during freshman year was removed from the school for fighting, and transferred to Tottenville High School where he graduated in 1995. As of 2023, JoJo still continues to make music and plans to continue releasing more albums and features.

Pellegrino began his professional career in the music business in 1998 on the mix tape circuit with DJ's such as DJ Clue, DJ Kay Slay, DJ Skribble and many more. He was soon noticed and recruited by Chris Lighty into the Violator management team where he appeared on the Violator V2.0 compilation album (the second and final installment in the Violator Hip Hop compilations) in 2001. He continued to make regular appearances on various mixtapes and compilations eventually dropping the “Hitman for hire” mixtape hosted by Hot 97's DJ Kay Slay which received some praise in XXL magazine and was given MTV mixtape of the month on MTV news. In 2021 he released the full length lp entitled “Hitman for hire V2” featuring Wu Tang Clan Ghostaface Killah and Raekwon as well as Conway The Machine. JoJo Pellegrino has appeared as well on Rockstar Games well known successful game Grand Theft Auto III.