横浜グラスルーツ – YOKOHAMA Grassroots –

Kojoe is a Japan born, Queens bred artist that bears lyrical fluency in both Japanese and English. His musical styling spans eras of the past, present, and future, which can be heard in his rap flow, song melodies, and production arrangements.
Performing Hip Hop that authentically reflects his life story, Japanese heritage, and Black culture experiences is what drives the artistic expression and cultural connection Kojoe aims to make through his music. He lived in New York City from 1999-2009, the decade in which he started rapping. Kojoe was the first Asian artist signed to Rawkus Records in 2007, which marks a historical foundation for Japanese Hip Hop artists. Being received by fans in the USA and Japan remains a difficult task of crossing market, industry, language, and cultural boundaries.

Kojoe has returned to Japan and is embarking on a journey that only an artist with his bi-cultural/bi-lingual maturity could convey. Staying passionate and dedicated to giving respect to the black art form of Hip Hop carries the utmost and parallel significance of giving meaning to the Japanese Hip Hop industry and homeland cultural connection that has yet to be made by any artist thus far. Kojoe aims to bridge this gap lyrically and stylistically. The 2010 Japan debut album, "Mixed Identities 2.0" will be released on the Nagoya, Japan based label On Records. Tracks will feature production by J-Cardim, Streets, D. Focis, Terry Tester, Dehab, Ohld, YMG, Tomokiyo and Nelsentimentum. Artist features include Talib Kweli, Saiku 720, Syl, Rumeka, and Habte Wilson. Kojoe will manifest his diversity through written, vocal, and visual direction to give the "land of the rising sun" shine on the world’s Hip Hop map.

Birthplace: Niigata, Japan
Currently Resides: Takasaki, Japan
Overseas Hometown: Hollis, Queens, NYC
Previous Work: Jean Grae, M1 (Dead Prez), C.L. Smooth, Apani, Brand Nubian, Grand Puba, Boot Camp Click, Black Moon, 5FT, Militant Mindz, Saiku 720, and Chico’s Son