DC Rapper Cooley Shares What National Hip Hop History Month Means to Him

Congress proclaimed November as National Hip Hop History Month. Hip-hop’s lasting influence on American culture will be recognized for years to come. DC Rapper Cooley shares what National Hip Hop History Month means to him and also what inspired him to pursue a career in music. 

What does National Hip Hop History Month mean to you?

National Hip Hop History Month, to me, is a chance to explore different cultures that are responsible for its continuing growth and spread throughout the world.

What’s your background? What got you into rap music?

My pops put me on to Biggie and Wu-Tang in my early stages. My mom used to LOVE Bow Wow, and it drove me crazy. The city made me want to be a lead talker in a go-go band.  If I’m honest, I’ve felt the universe moving me to rap since about 14 so that’s what I did. 

If it wasn’t for music, where would you be now?

That’s almost asking what would a fish be without water. I honestly couldn’t tell where I’d be without music. 

How did you come to realize that music was the way forward for you?

In college, a rapper that I respect named Lil Dream told me I had what it took to ascend through rap. That made me feel like I could really create something through hip hop.

In what way do you aim to make a difference?

I hope, as 2pac did, to motivate a mountain mover.  To set a fire in someone that will one day blaze the world in the name of hip hop!

How would you describe your style of music?

If Biggie, Mos Def, and Method Man fused, you’d get me. 

How do you put words to paper? What’s your creative process like?

 I freestyle a lot, so I’ll remember something I said and expand that idea as far as I can.  Then repeat. After I’ve expanded, the song is usually in front of me right after. 

When it comes to performing, what’s your style?

 I’d call the style “Of the People”. As a fan, I know what type of experience I’d want to see, so I try to use that as my compass when organizing an event. 

If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

It has to be the house of blues in Chicago. It houses a specific type of artist that I would like my name mentioned with, like BB King or KRIT. 

How do you see your sound evolving in the next couple of years?

I see myself continuing to grow in my introspection and ultimately grow more in my ability to create.

What makes you different from other rappers in the industry?

Minus the obvious external things, I don’t think we’re too different. We all have a story to tell and feel only we can tell it. We all wanna express ourselves and win. They are my brothers and sisters in spirit. 

When driving, is there a certain track that has you blasting the stereo with the windows down?

Throw some D’S by Rich boy and Polo Da Don. Classic. 

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?

Wale. To spar with someone of his caliber; to have a legend recognize my ability is the goal indeed.

Cooley grew up in the Carver Terrace Apartments in North East Washington, DC. The cover art shows a 13-year-old Cooley outside of the rental office. The new single will take you through the mind of Cooley as he shares the highs lows and lessons learned as he ventured “outside”.

Hailing from Northeast Washington D.C., The tenacious emcee/vocalist Cooley combines his life experiences and perception of the world in order to create quality music that reaches the listener past entertainment. Influenced by the likes of Method Man, Mos Def, and Biggie Smalls, Cooley tells stories with the intent to give perspective to listeners on different topics in order to provoke the listener to face their own lives head-on.


You can find out more about Cooley by visiting www.cooley47music.com or following him on Instagram @cooley47music and www.facebook.com/cooley47music

Tammy Reese

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