Alternative / R&B / Rap
KOTA The Friend is a hip hop artist and musician from Brooklyn, NY. At an early age he found his love for music and hip hop, R & B, Jazz and Soul music during the infamous 90's era. By the time young KOTA was 8 years old he joined his school's music program and excelled as a trumpet player. In high school KOTA was the leader of the trumpet section while teaching himself to play the guitar and piano. During this time he also picked up two-weekend jobs to build a home studio where he would record hip hop tracks as well as folk songs that were accompanied by his guitar playing. After high school, KOTA would later go on to attend schools for the performing arts. Mastering instrument after instrument, he is a guitarist, keyboardist, and bass player, now producing/writing his own music.
KOTA has been releasing music non-stop and has since been featured by XXL magazine, FADER, BILLBOARD, Pigeons & Plans, HipHopDX, NYLON, The Source, MILK, and many other blogs. But more than anything, he continues to make music for the people that need it... his fans.
Kota released his first studio release titled “FOTO” In May and will be touring the US and Europe in the summer and fall embarking on his first Headlining Tour.
January 20, 2021 On Lyrics to GO Vol. 2, KOTA the Friend delivers his signature laid-back raps with an extra dose of reflection this time around.
Author: Carter Fife
May 22, 2020 Kota the Friend is aiming to build a legacy. One he hopes his kids can inherit.
Author: Ruby Scott
January 27, 2020 Kota the Friend's distinctive brand of hip-hop is rooted in complex ideas and thoughtful interpretation.
Author: Emily Bird
December 20, 2019 Consider this week's new music roundup a gift from us to you.
Author: Maxamillion Polo
August 6, 2019 Jumping into a rendition of FOTO's standout single "Alkaline," Kota the Friend showed us firsthand that the hype surrounding the Brooklyn artist and poet is very much real.
Author: Miranda Hyman
May 20, 2019 The 19-track album is chock-full of wisdom and inspiration, making us sure that Kota the Friend is the modern day musical Yoda.
Author: Jessica Thomas
Genre: Alternative / Indie-Pop
From: San Jose, CA
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Genre: Pop
From: Los Angeles, CA
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