PREMIERE: KOJ - A REMINDER (Official Video) + 10 Questions

Liverpool rising rapper KOJ bursts back onto the scene with new single ‘A REMINDER’, released on 15th March - the first of a series of releases teasing his forthcoming EP VILLAIN WITH A CONSCIENCE.

Boasting an old-school backbeat and braggadocious energy, ‘A REMINDER’ serves as an example of KOJ’s signature ability to fuse genres, here mixing between the electric rawness of UK grime culture and the classic swag of hip-hop - all while proudly spitting in a scouse flow. Produced by the award-winning team of artist and MD (Little Simz / Cleo Sol) TEE, and mix and mastering engineer Mike Cave (KRS One, Gil Scott-Heron, Professor Green), KOJ’s creative authenticity wraps personable lyrics of street tales and introspection in character, a talent sure to resonate with and captivate a wide audience in a way few artists can.

Speaking about the track, KOJ says, “The purpose of ‘A REMINDER’ is to literally remind everybody of the journey I’ve been on and the things we’ve experienced together. To remind everyone, I may have taken a short hiatus, but I’m still THAT GUY!”.

“This upcoming project is very special to me. I’ve been extremely vulnerable while pushing myself to the brink creatively, and it has resulted in a very unique, raw and authentic hip-hop sound with a modern twist”.

Since showcasing his amazing lyrical dexterity on his debut track, ‘Blue Notes’, KOJ has collected support from tastemakers in the space alongside critical attention from core national radio, such as 1Xtra, Capital Xtra, KISS FM and Rinse FM. KOJ has cultivated his musical family by impressing industry and artists alike, collaborating heavily with producer Jakebob, hitting the festival circuit with slots at Boomtown and Kendal Calling, and releasing music with Manchester Hip-Hop collective The Mouse Outfit.

Previously landing playlisting on BBC RADIO 1XTRA as well as a headline slot on BBC RADIO 1XTRA TOUCHDOWN TOUR with DJ Target on 30 March, KOJ will return to the station this month to appear on Radio 1XTRA Talks with Richie Brave. Further key backing will see KOJ performing for BBC Introducing Merseyside.

A true multifaceted talent, KOJ continues to rise in his music, all whilst launching OzMOB - his creative community of visual and music artists.  A singular artist quickly developing a reputation as the future of UK rap, KOJ’s all-around artistic ability indelibly marks him as a significant ‘one to watch’ in the creative spheres. With his EP later this year promising to be a raw and fresh collection of his best work to date, be sure to get early into the orbit of KOJ.

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?

Growing up in a music-heavy household to be honest with you. My dad is a guitarist; he was in a band when he was my age. My mum was always blasting some kind of Black music when I was a kid. I always tell the story of when my mum passed away, I remember finding 4 of her CDs that really shaped my music taste as a child. Those CDs were Outkast - Stankonia, Dr. Dre - The Chronic + 2001 and NWA’s Greatest Hits. I guess you could say this journey was written for me all those years ago.

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

Ghetts has always been a big inspiration for me. I love the technical, skippy flow and the rawness of the delivery and the lyrics. Also the many evolutions of Ghetts, very similar to myself though I am much earlier on in my career. Novelist, JME, Skepta, OG Keemo - these are more artists that I find very inspiring and would love to work with.

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

Villain With A Conscience. My upcoming EP is about two conflicting worlds that live inside the mind of one man, me. Villain With A Conscience is a body of work that takes you on the ups and downs of the rollercoaster of my life. From the dark and gritty nature of the reality of this cold world to the happiness we can draw from the small things that we all know and love. This is not a project you want to miss! I am rolling it out through a number of singles and visuals, before releasing the EP later this year.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I have a very unique sound as I came from that Grime MC space which is very energetic and competitive. But as I grow as an artist I’m moving more towards an old school Hip-Hop influenced sound.. with a Scouse twist, of course.

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

To be honest with you, every moment in the artist realm is such a blessing. It is incredibly difficult chasing this dream along side your every day life and I’m grateful for all of the things I’ve accomplished as an artist. Performing my songs in the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, to a capacity audience, with the Youth Orchestra was pretty huge. Performing at Boomtown was surreal. But to tell you the truth, I’ve never been more proud of myself than when I finished Villain With A Conscience. So much has gone into the making of it and I really can’t wait til the people get to hear it

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

Just be yourself. Take time to enjoy the small wins, don’t try too hard. It takes a certain type of human being to be vulnerable enough to bleed onto a page and then send it out to the world to be critiqued by (respectfully) people who can’t even count 4 bars. Remember that you are a human being, you need rest, you need love, you need to have patience.

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

For sure! In my city, SSJ is really making a wave at the moment in that melodic rap space. P3Lz is a young, tenacious female artist with a point to prove. Degie is another incredible lyricist from Liverpool that I think is a real stand out.

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

I’ve actually put together a playlist of songs similar to A REMINDER that helped inspire me to make the music I’ve been making so if anybody wants to listen to that, it’s on my Spotify page. Real Back In Style - Potter Payper is one of my favourites, Conflict of Interests - Ghetts is an incredible body of work. I like when a raw, gritty artist refines their sound to become musical without losing the essence of who they are.

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

I LOVE to play football, spending time with family, walks to the park with my son. I spend a lot of time in the gym, I spend a lot of time trying to motivate others. The grind doesn’t really stop for me, I find it hard to switch off. I’m always doing something or looking for something to do.

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

I would love to give you an exciting/humorous answer for this. But truthfully, studio is a simple process for me, I’m a rap minimalist. I’m pretty militant when it comes to getting in the studio and laying down vocals so as long as I have a couple of litres of water and some snacks, I’m good with that.