British rapper KOJ continues his upward trajectory with brand new single ‘Love, Money, Drugs’, out Friday 22 November. In keeping with the themes of the wider upcoming EP ‘Villain With A Conscience’, LMD explores an interesting juxtaposition, as KOJ explains: “This song is about the allure of these three things. Right off the bat, love is like a drug itself, and money is always related to power. These things can empower you and help you rise up but they can also destroy you. They can literally ruin you…’

“Through my story, I aim to take you on the journey through the highs and lows of searching for these things to uplift us. But we’re ultimately flying too close to the sun, because once you get what you want, what then? How many people do we see fall back to square one?”

Liverpool’s KOJ has had a breakthrough year, headlining the hometown leg of BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Touchdown Tour with DJ Target and performing at major festivals like Liverpool Sound City, Dot to Dot, and Latitude. His new live event series, TRiBE, launched in Liverpool in July and sold out immediately.

His recent singles, ‘A REMINDER’ and A Roadman's Tale of Home’, gained playlist and media support from BBC Radio 1Xtra, BBC Introducing, Spotify, Amazon Music, Clash, KISS FM, BET UK, Apple Music’s  New Fire and New Music Daily, and Wordplay. KOJ also launched THIS IS NOT A DRILL, a fan-driven project where his growing community, #ThePeoplesTribe, voted for their favourite tracks. The top choice, ‘Chosen One’, inspired a live video recorded at Svara Radio in Liverpool. His Red Bull ‘Raise the Bar’ performance gained over 20k views in one day.

Gaining recognition as one of UK rap’s rising stars, KOJ’s artistry is on full display as he builds toward his anticipated EP, ‘VILLAIN WITH A CONSCIENCE’, set to be released by Interval Records under EMI North in 2025.

KOJ sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

I come from a musical background. My dad was a guitarist in a band and my mum was an avid fan of hip hop and Black music. I remember when my mum died, I found her Walkman accompanied by 4 CDs: Dr Dre - The Chronic, Dr Dre - 2001, NWA Greatest Hits & OutKast - Stankonia. Around this time, 50 Cent was absolutely massive too. So before I fell in love with Grime, these CDs set me on my path I guess.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

Kano and Ghetts are huge UK influences for me, their ability to articulate light and shade, the nature of their commentary on ‘our’ look on society - I find it very powerful and inspiring. Tobe Nwigwe is a U.S. based artist that inspires me. From his willingness to stand up for what he believes in, all the way to his consistent aesthetic, a true pioneer. Last and certainly not least; I am massively inspired by, and would love to work with Damian Marley.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

Villain With A Conscience will be my next project to touch the roads. This is an EP in which I uncover some of the make-or-break events that made me the man I am today. With a raw and authentic hip hop sound, we traverse through many of my trials and tribulations on the journey to a better existence. I think it is a relatable story. This EP will be out early in the new year. Leading to the release I have lots of music and visuals to share.

4. How would you describe your sound?

A raw and emotive, classic Hip-Hop sound with elements from different worlds such as my roots as a Grime MC. I also carry some of the Punk Rock essence from my dad’s taste in music and what he taught me from that world. And I feel like I resonate with any form of music scene that is for the people, born out of the rejection society creates and about disruption.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

I’ve had a few “I can’t believe this is happening” type moments. Performing at Boomtown in 2023 was surreal, I’d never been to a festival of that stature before. To be performing there was pretty special. Recording A ROADMAN’S TALE OF HOME with UK Hip Hop royalty Joe Buhdha was a big moment for me, and to have the music to show for it was top! But my most proud moment thus far; selling out 2 of my own curated and headline shows, which I have dubbed TRiBE,  on home soil. Carving out a career as a musician in Liverpool has be difficult at the best of times. But to be involved in pushing the scene further than it’s ever been before whilst providing a space for people like myself is so liberating and fulfilling. TRiBE is a place where we can come together and get to know more like-minded people while there is great talent being showcased - that will always be special to me.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Always be yourself, never follow the trend. You, as an artist, are the trend. There’s no algorithm on the planet more powerful than your creation, your ability to create the magic comes from deep within your soul. No machine can match this.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

Namesbliss is a great place to start when tapping into the UKs underground. I thought Bashy’s latest album was special. I love what the likes of DJ Makten and DJ AG are doing; setting up the turntables out in public and streaming live music to the masses, showcasing serious talent in the process. This is huge for the scene.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

As mentioned, Bashy - Being Poor is Expensive is an incredible and self explanatory body of work. Pa Salieu - Afrikan Alien I thought was a really good, powerful listen. Kano - Made in the Manor stays in the rotation, it’s a modern classic for me.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Exercise is massive for me, keeps me sane, keeps me healthy, keeps me sharp. Without regular exercise I feel I start to unravel. Human connection is super important to me also. Linking up with friends regular to debrief and catch up. These are the essentials.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Snacks! I gotta have snacks, preferably some caramelised nuts, they are my jam. I actually like to take my headphones with me, in the event that I have lyrics to finish: I can get my engineer to work on a track that I’ve just recorded, whilst I work on something else. I know it’s boring but I have to say water. Being hydrated when in studio is a must. The longer the session, the more liquid necessary!