KOJ is a rising rap sensation from South Liverpool. With a unique fusion between the rawness of grime culture and the eclectic creativity of UK rap. KOJ delivers authentic, personable lyrics that cut deep – placing him firmly among the UK’s most formidable talents in rap.
We spoke to KOJ ahead of his headline show TRiBE in Liverpool this Saturday 7 February, to talk about his journey in music and what’s in store for him over the next year…
Tell us about your journey in music – where you started in music and who were your early influences?
I started being creative on the school yard. Playing random instrumentals we knew and rapping over that. I used to conduct rap battles (that was the in thing at the time) and it would be amazing to see the introverted kids going at some of the people who were perceived as the popular kids etc. — early grime was a massive influence on my early creative years.
How has Liverpool shaped who you are as an artist / your music?
Being in Liverpool, the opportunity within the industry is much less dense than in other parts of the country. This has shaped me to be hungry, go the extra mile and really appreciate the opportunities that I am given. I think of black music as rebellion more often than not, being Scouse goes hand in hand with that.
What have you been listening to at the moment? Any particular artists or albums that you’re enjoying?
To tell the truth I have a certain process when I am in a creational phase – I don’t listen to much music with lyrics in at all. I don’t like to be over-inspired when I’m working on a project. That being said I’ve been listening to a lot of punk music recently, as that’s what my dad raised me on. Listening to a lot of Dag Nasty, Rage Against The Machine, Bad Brains etc.
Are there any Scouse or Liverpool-based artists that you recommend, enjoy listening to or working with?
At the moment, it’s hard to look past what EsDeeKid is doing. There’s a few songs by Degie I love. RugzFam is a pioneer in the Liverpool black music scene I always have to mention, a huge inspiration to me.
Can you give us a highlight moment or past performance that you’ve enjoyed the most?
It has to be Radio 1 Big Weekend in Sefton park. To perform in somewhere I know so well, on the big stage was just something else. That was also the first time my dad saw me perform live — really special moment for me.
Tell us more about TRiBE…
TRiBE is more than just live music on offer for people with good taste, it’s a movement. In such a time of individualism, we try our best to make TRiBE a place where community can thrive, people can make new friends, express themselves in a way that liberates them. At the moment, we curate a lineup for a live performance night as frequent as possible. In the near future I look to expand that to community walks, talk shows etc.
What’s something that you’re looking forward to in your career?
I’ve been working tirelessly on a project that will start to rollout soon, I can’t wait for that. The admin that happens behind the scenes is my least favourite part of my career. But what comes after that is one of my favourite parts of my existence. If that sounds over the top, it probably is… but it’s true.
Where can we next see you perform?
TRiBE will be in partnership with Africa Oye on February 7th to bring the people dem what the people dem need!! See you there.
