Kota the Friend

Avery Jones (born October 16, 1992), known by his stage name Kota the Friend, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York.[1]

Kota The Friend
Background information
Birth nameAvery Jones
Born (1992-10-16) October 16, 1992
New York City, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
Years active2015–present
LabelsFLTBYS
Websitekotathefriend.com

Kota the Friend released his debut mixtape, "Palm Tree Liquor" in 2016, followed by his second mixtape "Paloma Beach" in 2017. In 2018, he released his first independent studio album Anything. In 2019, he released Foto, followed by Everything in 2020. Kota then went on to release Lyrics to GO, Vol.2 in January of 2021.

Early life

Avery Jones was born on October 16, 1992 in Brooklyn, New York City. Growing up around Brooklyn, he developed an affinity for music, learning keyboard, guitar, and bass. He attended the Brooklyn High School of the Arts and Five Towns College for trumpet. During college, he created the rap trio Nappy Hair, releasing two mixtapes, "Autumn", and "Nappy Hair".[2]

Career

Kota the Friend has remained an independent act throughout his career—turning down 3 major record labels; instead, creating his own label and apparel store FLTBYS.[1][3] He frequently cites a do-it-yourself mentality, such as filming his own music videos, recording within a home setup, and producing most of his discography.[4] His mentality was fueled by a desire for freedom and to avoid the sense of musical confinement.

In his third studio album Foto, Kota featured appearances from artists Saba and Hello Oshay. Focusing on mellow and jazzy beats, it was praised by many for its quality and attention to detail. Foto was ranked the 17th best hip-hop album of 2019 by Rolling Stone.[5] He subsequently embarked on his first headlining tour, called the Foto Tour.

In his fourth studio album, Everything, Kota featured appearances from artists such as Joey Badass, Bas, and KYLE, among others. In addition, he featured actress Lupita Nyong'o and actor Lakeith Stanfield in interludes. The album went on to peak at number 162 on the Billboard 200.[6]

Personal life

In a Genius interview, Kota the Friend cited Jay-Z, Nas, Kid Cudi, Bob Dylan, The Beatles and others as musical influences.[7]

Kota the Friend has one son.[8]

Discography

Studio albums
Title Details Peak chart positions
US
Billboard 200[6] Album Sales[9]
Anything.
  • Released: February 15, 2018
  • Label: FLTBYS
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming
 ——
Foto
  • Released: May 15, 2019
  • Label: FLTBYS
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming
 ——
Lyrics to Go Vol.1
  • Released: January 20, 2020
  • Label: FLTBYS
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming
 ——
Everything
  • Released: May 22, 2020
  • Label: FLTBYS
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming
 16231
Lyrics to Go Vol.2
  • Released: January 18, 2021
  • Label: FLTBYS
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming
 ——

References
  1. Healy, Sean. "Kota the Friend Is Perfectly Happy With Living the Indie Life: 'I Know How the Game Works'". Billboard. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  2. Chesman, Donna. "Kota the Friend Has a Heart of Gold: Interview". DJBooth. Retrieved June 6, 2020.
  3. "Brooklyn Hip Hop Artist Kota The Friend Launches FLTBYS Apparel Website With Pop Up Showcase Event Friday May 18, 2018". Brooklyn Buzz.
  4. Bhanot, Ankita. "To Kota The Friend, Home In Brooklyn Is 'Everything'". TheKnockTurnal.
  5. Klinkenberg, Brendan. "20 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2019". Billboard. Retrieved June 2, 2020.
  6. "Billboard 200 Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  7. Jones, Avery. "Kota the Friend". Genius. Retrieved May 29, 2020.
  8. Scott, Ruby. "Kota the Friend Continues to Pave His Own Path in 'Everything' [Q&A]". Onestowatch. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  9. "Billboard Current Album Sales History". Billboard. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
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