Today we’d like to introduce you to King Kosh.
King, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Kerby Garcia aka King Kosh. I was born in Corozal, Belize Central America. I moved to NYC in 1989 and then relocated a year later again to live with my mom in Oakland, CA. I fell in love with hip-hop while living in the Bronx.
I didn’t start to pursue writing until about 1993. I became a part of a crew called, DA SYRK, (short for Syrkal of Souls). Fast forward a couple of years later, our group S.O.S. started building a buzz around Oakland and we started performing. We opened up for headliners such as The Fugees, Brand Nubian, Wu-Tang, KRS1, just to name a few.
After high school, I dedicated most of my years to the youth of Oakland. I coordinated mentoring programs, after-school tutoring, and leadership programs, etc. I created a curriculum called, Hip-Hop 101 where I educated youngsters about the history and business of hiphop culture.
I got so deep into youth development I forgot about my passion for music. After years of mentoring children of Oakland, California I finally walked away to pursue my music career.
Since then, I’ve been a part of three films, “My Father Belize”, written by Leon Lozano and Ron Sierra directed by Leon (available AmazonPrime), “Strong Hawk”, written by Damon A. Hart, directed by Ramasses Head (available on Tubi) and “A little Hope for Chicago”, written by Leon Lozan and Kevin Nichols directed by Leon Lozano.
I was featured on The Pharcyde’s (currently known as The Far Side) new album, track titled, “Vortex”.
Recently, I’ve been releasing new music of my own and it feels rejuvenating. Go stream, “Prize” (Summer Remix) feat. Altee (video on YT) and “Weekend Tun-Up”.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s never a smooth road through. I think the biggest hurdle was losing my best friend, brother, and fellow artist/group member, Lawrence Stewart aka Base’Rox.
That experience took me to the darkest place of my life and brought me back to the light. I went through a deep depression state. My life was on pause for at least two years.
My decease friend came to me in my dreams three times very concerned about my well-being. I thought to myself, damn he’s gone and is worrying about me but I’m still here with the ability to achieve all the things we spoke and dreamt of. I knew I had to dig myself out. I knew I had to get discipline. I knew it was time to work and execute.
The struggles I’m facing now seem so minor compared to losing Base’Rox.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Actor, Mc, community leader, videographer/editor, owner of TreeMoon apparel and Gemstone Official, Worked with youth in East Oakland for 2 decades. Teaching hip-hop history, culture and business. Taught young artists how to become independent by learning digital recording and engineering. Copyrighting and publishing their own music. Branding and marketing their own products. Youtube university advocate.
One thing I’m most proud of is watching my students sell their own products (cds, dvds, merch, etc).
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
For people who are interested in collaborating, reach out on my IG @kingkoshmusic. Folks can support me by streaming, and following me on all my social media platforms. @kingkoshmusic everywhere.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kingkosh.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingkoshmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kingkoshmusic/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/KingKoshMusic
- Youtube: https://tinyurl.com/yawaxs2b
- SoundCloud: Check out King Kosh on #SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/kingkoshmusic?ref=clipboard&p=a&c=1&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
- Other: https://linktr.ee/kingkoshmusic
Image Credits
Danny Las Vegas
