Early Life and Background
Birth Name: Avery Marcel Joshua Jones
Stage Name: Kota the Friend
Date of Birth: October 16, 1992
Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York City, USA
Upbringing: Raised in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, within a Jehovah’s Witness household .
Avery Jones, known professionally as Kota the Friend, was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in a Jehovah’s Witness family, he was introduced to music at a young age. At 8 years old, he began learning the trumpet, later expanding his skills to include the keyboard, guitar, and bass. His early exposure to music laid the foundation for his future career as a multifaceted artist.
Education and Musical Formation
Jones attended the Brooklyn High School of the Arts, where he honed his musical talents. He furthered his education at Five Towns College, focusing on trumpet studies. During his college years, he formed the rap trio Nappy Hair, releasing two mixtapes, “Autumn” and “Nappy Hair,” which showcased his early musical endeavors. Despite his academic pursuits, Jones worked weekend jobs to fund his passion for music, eventually building a home studio to produce his own tracks. His dedication to self-production and independent artistry became a hallmark of his career.
Career Trajectory and Achievements
Kota the Friend embarked on his solo career with the release of his debut mixtape, Palm Tree Liquor, in 2016. This was followed by Paloma Beach in 2017 and Anything in 2018. In 2019, he released his first studio album, FOTO, which featured collaborations with artists like Saba and Hello O’shay. The album received critical acclaim and was ranked as one of the best hip-hop albums of 2019 by Rolling Stone. Kota’s commitment to independent artistry was evident as he turned down offers from major record labels, opting instead to establish his own label, FLTBYS (pronounced “Flight Boys”), which also serves as his apparel brand.
His subsequent albums, EVERYTHING (2020), MEMO (2022), and Protea (2023), continued to showcase his growth as an artist. EVERYTHING featured collaborations with artists like Joey Bada$$, Bas, and KYLE, and marked his debut on the Billboard 200 chart. Protea was a deeply personal project, dedicated to his wife, and explored themes of love and introspection. The album featured guest appearances from Aloe Blacc, Braxton Cook, and Samm Henshaw, and received positive reviews for its blend of mellow rhythms and heartfelt lyrics.
Musical Style and Influences
Kota the Friend’s music is characterized by its mellow, jazzy beats and introspective lyrics. Drawing inspiration from artists like Nas, Kid Cudi, Bob Dylan, and The Beatles, he blends elements of East Coast hip-hop with soulful melodies. His DIY approach to music production and his emphasis on authenticity have resonated with a global audience, earning him over 700 million streams and a dedicated fanbase.
Business Ventures
Beyond music, Kota the Friend has ventured into entrepreneurship with his brand FLTBYS. Founded during his high school years, FLTBYS encompasses a clothing line that reflects his personal style and artistic vision. In 2020, he expanded his business by opening a retail store in Midtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which houses the FLTBYS brand and serves as a hub for his creative endeavors.
Personal Life
Kota the Friend is a father and practices veganism periodically as a means of self-care and mental clarity. He has spoken openly about his struggles with depression and the importance of mental health, themes that are often reflected in his music. His commitment to authenticity and self-expression has endeared him to fans worldwide.
Discography
Studio Albums
- FOTO (2019)
- EVERYTHING (2020)
- MEMO (2022)
- Protea (2023)
Collaborative Projects
- To Kill a Sunrise with Statik Selektah (2021)
- To See a Sunset with Statik Selektah (2023)
Mixtapes and EPs
- Palm Tree Liquor (2016)
- Paloma Beach (2017)
- Anything (2018)
- Lyrics to Go series (Volumes 1–5, 2020–2024)
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Kota the Friend has carved out a unique space in the music industry through his commitment to independence and authenticity. His music, characterized by its introspective lyrics and mellow beats, has resonated with listeners worldwide. By maintaining creative control and building a direct connection with his audience, he has set a precedent for independent artists in the digital age. His influence extends beyond music, inspiring a new generation of artists to pursue their craft on their own terms.
Conclusion
Avery Marcel Joshua Jones, known professionally as Kota the Friend, stands as a testament to the power of independence and authenticity in the music industry. From his early days in Brooklyn to his rise as a respected artist and entrepreneur
