Interview with Da Streetz Magazine Miami
Up and rising Polk County superstar "Kockiee" has been creating a major street buzz in the Central Florida area. His newly released ep, “Built Off Slime” has the streets on fire and the clubs on lock. The EP features some of the hottest artists from the Tampa Bay area like Javon Black, Lady Duet, and Shawty. DJs, other artists, and fans are saying that this cd is a definite must have. Kockiee says, “It covers everything from street music for the fellas, dance music for ladies, and bedroom music for the baby makers.” Here Kockiee gives us the scoop on his struggle to the top, his affiliation with DJ Secret, and some insightful opinions on the music game.
DSM: Introduce yourself and tell us how you started becoming known in your hometown.
Kockiee: My name is Kockiee, meaning I’m “Cocky” about my work ethic. I’m from Polk County, Lakeland, Florida. I started out doing local shows in my hometown. I dropped my first mixtape back in 2006 called L-Town Representa. After that I just started doing shows and building relationships with local djs. Finally in 2009 I started to really take my music as more than just a hobby. I’m turning it into my career. I wanted to do something different then the rest of the artists around here. So, I talked to DJ Secret and asked him what he thought it would take. After that it was a wrap.
DSM: So what did DJ Secret advise you on what to do?
Kockiee: One day I went to Secret’s studio to let him hear one of my tracks, "Hata Team". After he listened to “Hata Team” the next song came on which was “Tip Toe”. I had previously recorded this song twice and I wasn't ready for it to be heard , but he insisted on hearing it. Once he listened to it he said, “Javon Black would sound good on this track!” He gave me Lil Kee’s number and we made history after that. I released “Tip Toe”, produced by Lil Kee featuring Javon Black, in late 2009. Secret put the whole city on it! He’s the man to go when you need your music broke in Polk County.
DSM: We spoke to DJ Secret about you and he said, “Kockiee’s definitely developed into a great artist over the years. He’s putting out music produced by great producers and getting features from some of the hottest artists in the Tampa Bay area. He‘s learning the music business and definitely starting to get recognized in Florida.”
DSM: So what are the names of some of your singles that people are becoming familiar with?
Kockiee: My whole ep, “Built Off Slime”, is taking off! We have “Tip Toe” featuring Javon Black, “What’s Your Style” produced by Vinnie Beatz featuring Shawty, “Stuntn” produced by Jvon On Da Beat, “Stop Lyin”, and a new version of “Smoke Yo Weed” produced by Vinnie Beatz featuring Lady Duet. It covers everything from something for the street niggas, dance music for the ladies, and bedroom music for the baby makers.
DSM: I noticed that you decided to put out an ep before a mixtape. Do you have a specific reason for that?
Kockiee: I have a handful of hot tracks and they are all single potential. I wanted to brand my name as not the guy who has that one song with Javon Black but that guy who has several different songs. There’s so much competition. Artists are putting out several singles to keep up with the pace. I want to make sure that I get my worth out of my songs and not confuse the consumer with 20 different tracks.
DSM: It sounds like the artists that you worked with on your ep have helped you create a fan base. What advice would you give other artists who were trying to create a buzz in their hometown and in other areas as well?
Kockiee: Stay humble, invest in yourself, and believe in you. Hook up with local artists and djs to help get exposure in other markets . Don’t forget, promotion and knowing the music business is the key to your success.
DSM: Your fan base is growing rapidly. What are you doing with your project that is helping to contribute to its success?
Kockiee: I pressed up a few thousand cd’s to start out. Then I hooked up with Urban Addiction & the i.e.Dymez and they helped me get my business end and marketing set up. We started doing online and street promotions. Shit started taking off. Then we had a single release party for “Tip Toe” and over 700 people came out to support me. I couldn’t believe it. Now Im getting shows all over Central Florida. I’ve put in a lot of work. I didn’t just start doing this. I’ve been doing this since I was a jit. I feel like my time is coming.
DSM: Anything else you would like to add?
Kockiee: Thanks to Da Streetz Magazine and Urban Addiction for setting up this interview. Keep your ears and eyes opened. Remember Kockiee. One mind, one grind, different day, same grind, and built off slime. Polk County I’m on my way!
