Citizen Cope

Citizen Cope is the stage name of American singer-songwriter Clarence Greenwood, known for blending blues, soul, folk, and hip-hop influences into a laid-back, groove-driven style. He got his start as a DJ with the Washington DC hip-hop group Basehead before launching a solo career that leaned heavily on acoustic guitar, understated vocals, and sample-based production. His music occupies a unique space between singer-songwriter intimacy and urban rhythm, appealing to fans of both rock and hip-hop audiences.

After signing with DreamWorks Records, he released his self-titled debut in 2002, which produced the RIAA gold single «Let The Drummer Kick». Frustrated with major-label control, he bought out his contract and self-produced «The Clarence Greenwood Recordings» in 2004, widely regarded as his artistic peak, featuring tracks like «Sideways» and «Son’s Gonna Rise» that became staples of his live shows and drew cover versions from other artists.

Seeking full independence, Greenwood founded his own label, Rainwater Recordings, in 2010, releasing «The Rainwater LP» to strong independent-chart success. Over the years his songs have been covered and sampled by numerous artists, and he has built a devoted, largely word-of-mouth fanbase through constant touring rather than mainstream radio exposure.