ANNOUNCES FIFTH STUDIO ALBUM PROTEA DUE JUNE 30TH
PRE-SAVE HERE
Ready to heat up the summer, Brooklyn-bred rapper KotaThe Friend teams up with British singer Samm Henshaw on his latest single “Barcelona.” Listen HERE via FLTBYS Music and Entertainment LLC & Venice Music. As he deftly guides listeners through an upbeat hybrid of funk, hip-hop, house, and jazz, the new single traverses previous lanes and showcases the full breadth of Kota’s artistry ahead of his forthcoming album, Protea – arriving on June 30th.
“Barcelona” leans into Kota’s genre-bending style of rap and explores themes of personal preference and the human experience. The track maps his journey of staying positive at all costs while expansive synths play the backdrop. It seamlessly marries an eclectic mix of sounds to create a complete, immersive listening experience that speaks to the aspects of life that bring us fulfillment. Samm’s airy tone perfectly complements Kota’s unfettered optimism when his verse starts, rapping “we only find rest when we find sunsets.” But more than anything, “Barcelona” is a head-nodding reminder to live the life of your dreams.
Behind the track, Kota the Friend explains: “Barcelona is an upbeat summer song about bringing one’s dreams into reality and appreciating the moment.”
The music video, directed by Kota, follows three individuals around NYC as they marvel at the natural beauty the city has to offer. It captures a raw and genuine interaction that finds joy in the everyday.
Kota’s latest collaboration follows the release of his addictive jam “Hope You Heal” (May 26), which arrived alongside a self-directed visual. VIBE describes the single as “a spirited change of pace for the rapper and a departure from anything he’s previously released.”
“Barcelona” and the previously released “Hope You Heal” harnesses the energy of affirming elevation that Kota weaves into his messaging and music, serving as catalysts for Protea. The new album cements him as a stalwart rapper, producer, and songwriter in the industry whose sound has evolved over the years. It’s an uptempo ode celebrating the love of his life – his wife.
Titling the project after her favorite flower, and to make the moment even more special, all features on Protea are artists that Kota and his wife listened to when he used to drive her to work. And every collaboration on the album is an artist that was featured on their wedding playlist. Spanning 16 tracks, the expansive body of work includes features from Wolftyla, Allen Stone, Hello O’Shay, Samm Henshaw, Aloe Blacc, and more.
Kota the Friend has rejuvenated the demand for meaningful music through a DIY approach that’s unlike no other. In other words, he’s paving the way for a futuristic soundscape, and setting the tone for a breakthrough 2023 on his own terms.
Protea Tracklist:
1. Super 8 (feat. Wolftyla)
2. Nola II (feat. Allen Stone & Tarionna ‘Tank’ Ball)
3. Red Lights (feat. Hello O’Shay)
4. The Good (Interlude)
5. Fireplace (feat. Jennifair)
6. Hope You Heal
7. Barcelona (feat. Samm Henshaw)
8. Forget About It (feat. Zak Abel)
9. The Bad (Interlude
10. Protea
11. Super Rare (feat. Hello O’Shay)
12. Keep Me Goin
13. Junipero Beach (Interlude)
14. Nobody
15. Autumn in Paris (feat. Braxton Cook)
16. Road Rage (feat. Aloe Blacc)
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