KOTA The Friend Teams Up With Statik Selektah For Their Cinematic Debut, "To Kill A Sunrise"

Brooklyn bred MC and independent artist KOTA the Friend, continues to stake his claim in music, collaborating for a no-frills, modern nostalgic, sharp, yet witty collaborative album with the legendary DJ, Statik Selektah. ‘To Kill A Sunrise’ arrives via FLTBYS Music and Entertainment. A sonic paring that’s been brewing for a few years now, ‘To Kill A Sunrise’ is a PSA, -- as KOTA the Friend chants on the opening track ‘I ain't the KOTA you first met… I. CAN’T. LOSE.’ The confident, independent MC, over the masterful production of Statik Selektah introduces a more seasoned musician, locking his view on success, stepping out of his own way, and overall those who doubt the makings of an undeniable voice of a generation.

“It’s a privilege to work with STATIK. He’s been a brother to me since I started making music. This album is a statement, it’s no fillers, bars, and amazing production. I’m coming for it all, my way and I’m not taking no for an answer”

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KOTA the Friend

Photo Credit: Calvin Schneider

The pair show no signs of stopping. Aside from his own music, Statik has continued to make noise through the airwaves on his weekly Thursday night show “ShowOff Radio” on Shade 45 Sirius XM. In addition, he has toured all over the world DJing at festivals or backing music heavyweights like Q-Tip and Nas. From taking on independence and ownership (as discussed with The WSJ) to receiving co-signs from SZA to NoName, including LaKeith Stanfield, Erykah Badu, RZA, and many others -- KOTA the Friend continues to produce his own music, content, and shows under his label, FLTBYS, showing how ‘pressure makes a diamond and depression makes a legend’.

Coming off his ninth studio album, Statik Selektah takes a swing with KOTA the Friend. An early co-sign and friendship has produced one of the promising rising MC’s from Brooklyn. Statik’s unique ear and keen eye for talent has made him an undeniable force for both rising rappers and legends. Staying authentic and true to himself, Statik speaks on why this collaboration was essential for hip-hop, saying:

“I’m excited for the world to hear this. Really serious soundtrack with him at his best lyrically. I love that Kota has made his own lane for himself the way he has so independently”

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STATIK SELEKTAH

THE BROOKLYN MC’S METEORIC RISE EARNS HIM NEARLY 400 MILLION+ GLOBAL STEAMS TO DATE!

Check out the full track-list below:

TRACKLISTING

WOLVES

HATE

THE COLD

THE LOVE

GO NOW Feat. HAILE SUPREME

WHAT YA SAYIN’

LIVE & DIRECT

DAY GLOW

SUNRISE

SUNSET