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Before Wale, Kokayi was stamping a DC imprint
on hip-hop. (Courtesy Photo) |
Hip-hop star Wale is the latest DC native to be a regular MTV feature, garnering national attention as he tours the country as Jay-Z’s opening act, backed by the go-go band UCB. But, before Wale, East of the River hip-hop legend Kokayi was stamping a DC imprint on hip-hop.
Kokayi was nominated last year for a Grammy award and is DC’s first hip-hop artist to be nominated as both a performer and producer. Nominated again this year, Kokayi continues to transcend the stereotypical ideas of what is hip-hop, infusing his sound with impressions from different cultures while stretching across musical boundaries that incorporate traces of rock, funk and even zydeco. This past year has been incredible for Kokayi who is a star on the rise with a strong overseas audience and a resume of work that includes music for television and work as a producer with local and national artists. Recently joining a new music label this year, Kokayi still holds true to his roots as an indie artist with his own label while collaborating with his talented peers on his new label QN5.
“Well, we have always been a very diverse label and have made a conscious effort to push the envelope with our performances,” says lyricist Substantial, Kokayi’s label-mate. “Kokayi, is no different … his musical style is very unique. So when Tonedeff, QN5's owner & founder, told me he's was looking for someone different who could work with us, I knew Kokayi was it.”
East of the River hooked up with Kokayi to learn more of what this year has been like so far and what he has in store. What was especially of interest was his idea of Wale representing the DMV (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia area) and the state of music in the area. What we learned is that Kokayi is as much of a fan of music as he is a creative innovator within the field. Read his list of area artists to look out for and learn more about what he has planned for us in the 2010.
EOR: You were nominated for a Grammy last year, a major thing for any artist from our area, what were some of the highlights of attending the festivities?
Kokayi: Performing with Wayna at a Garth Trinidad showcase featuring Mayisha, Janelle Monae and one my heroes Heavy D … being able to see the Grammy's live, meeting great people and remembering that I got there via support from the East River Family Strengthening Collaborative, Yvette Alexander and Ward 7 as a community.
EOR: Do you and Wayna have a collaboration set again since being nominated for a Grammy last year together?
Kokayi: We haven't worked on much this past year; we both had very busy schedules.
EOR: This year, you are awaiting word on whether you are nominated again. What categories and for what work are you being considered for?
Kokayi: I can't say the category because it is Grammy intellectual property, but we are in categories for Pop, Rock and Urban Alternative.
EOR: This year, you have once again collaborated with some new folks, even creating a new group. Can you tell me a little about your collabs this year, and what is the "sound" of this new formation?
Kokayi: Dastardly is the name of the group, which consists of myself and Sharkey, a DC resident. I've worked with Tabi Bonney and hopefully with Phil Ade one of Raheem Devauhgn's artists.
EOR: You joined a new label this year, working with another indie artist who is making waves in our DMV area and beyond – Substantial. What has it been like being on a label after doing the indie thing under your own brand for so long? How has it helped or hindered your creative output?
Kokayi: QN5 is the label, and they are like family; like-minded individuals that have come together as a collective to foster the independent spirit. We share a common idea of artistry, and they have resources that I don't have as an indie artist. As a part of a label you have to put your ego in check and respect the decisions of the label.
EOR: What has your reaction been to seeing DC-based artists like Wale and Tabi Bonney blow up and go mainstream? Are you proud or a bit disappointed that they are representing DC hip-hop?
Kokayi: I'm proud of anybody in this area making a name for themselves. I think this area has great talent. Act by act, we secure ourselves as a force in the national and international music marketplace; that is far more important than personal preferences and personalities. We as a region and customer base have to support our own and put pressure on local radio to support us as well. We have to move as a force in order to get the attention of every marketing tool. We can only achieve this by numbers, whether that is monies paid at shows, selling out venues, calling local radio and demanding our own artists to get put in rotation, and we have to demand quality from our artists.
EOR: If you don't win the Grammy this year, will that impact your choices for your music career?
Kokayi: I have had a great career thus far. Long before being nominated, I have had the blessed fortune of traveling the globe visiting places that African-Americans rarely visit. I will just continue to make good honest music and advise my peers and the youth when asked about doing music for a living.
EOR: What DC-based artists should we be on the look-out for?
Kokayi: ApthePrince, Lyriciss, Phil Ade, Diamond District, Oddisee, YU, XO, RatheMC, Tamara Wellons, Trey Eley, Carolyn Malachi, David Correy, Sheba, Alison Carney, Godsilla, US Royalty, Dave Nada, Tittsworth, ProVerb, King Baker, Kingpen Slim, Mumbo Sauce, TCB, Thaylo Bleu, the What Band, SE Slim, Wayna, Kev-O, Tabi Bonney, Wale, Dastardly, noon30, my punk electro group theCaesarz, or anything that one considers quality music.
EOR: With an impressive music career under your belt, do you plan to leave or remain in DC?
Kokayi: I plan on staying in DC, with some satellite spaces around the country and overseas. |
