Kota the Friend

Kota the Friend, born Avery Marcel Joshua Jones on October 16, 1992, is a rapper, singer, producer and photographer from Brooklyn, New York. He built his reputation independently, releasing music, photography and short films largely on his own terms, cultivating an intimate relationship with listeners without relying on major-label machinery. His sound blends laid-back boom-bap and neo-soul textures with introspective, conversational lyricism, drawing on influences such as JAY-Z, Nas, Kid Cudi, Bob Dylan and The Beatles.

His breakthrough came with the Palm Tree Liquor EP in 2016, which established his warm, meditative style. He went on to release his debut studio album FOTO on May 15, 2019, featuring collaborators such as Saba, Hello Oshay and Isa Reyes. He has also worked with artists including Blu and Asher Roth over the course of his career.

Songs such as «Colorado», «Chicago Diner», «Her», «Birdie», «Alkaline» and «Smile» showcase his knack for melodic hooks paired with reflective storytelling about love, self-growth and everyday life. Kota the Friend remains a prominent figure in the independent hip-hop and R&B scene, admired for his DIY ethos and multidisciplinary approach spanning music, photography and film.