Kota the Friend, also known as Avery Jones, was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York where he grew up learning music and playing multiple instruments. He attended Brooklyn High School of the Arts for trumpet, and then moved on to Five Towns College where he created the rap trio “Nappy Hair”

The hip-hop artist has remained independent in most every way throughout his career first by turning down three major record labels to create his own. Kota also films his own music videos, records from an at-home set-up, created his own apparel brand and produces almost all of his own discography.

His newest album, Lyrics to Go Vol.2 was released January 18^th, 2021 and features his classic laid-back feel with Lo-fi beats and impressive lyricism.