GET TO KNOW: KOJ
FEATURES - MUSIC - GET TO KNOW
WEDNESDAY 9TH APRIL 2025
WORDS BY AMALIA CASTLE
When we think of the UK rap scene, we might assume that our attention is best left exclusively to the genre’s nucleus, London. But, we would argue that only having eyes for this portion of the scene is like watching just the first five minutes of your favorite film on its 50th rewatch; you know it's great, but can you really say you've experienced the whole thing?
While there’s been a steady stream of names rising from the North over the last few years, notably Nemzzz, Aitch, Meekz, and Aystar, it’s been left to a few legacy names - think Bugzy Malone - to switch the full beams on their cities rather than on their output alone.
While rap fans are gradually evolving, and their priorities with them, it doesn’t change the fact that, at its core, rap has always been about rebellion and highlighting the gritty realities of UK cities. Now enter Liverpool-hailing rapper KOJ, an artist wearing his city like the proudest of sportsmen and on a mission to tell both his own story and that of his hometown. On his ascent, KOJ has brandished a stark and slick pen, one that allows him to blend deep emotional storytelling with a level of lyrical dexterity fit for the UK’s main stage.
Now, releasing his debut EP, Villain With A Conscience, we caught up with KOJ to discuss the story behind the project, the importance of emotional vulnerability in LY, and the rising Liverpool rap scene he’s hoping to spearhead.
Your forthcoming EP ‘Villain With A Conscience’ is a powerful and transformative project for you, sonically and lyrically, what’s the story behind the release?
I wanted to make a project that stretched me further than I’d ever gone before sonically, testing myself to craft records with a strong structure and pushing myself vocally in various ways. Lyrically, I wanted to tell my story of survival. At some point I noticed that the concept of villainy is often a case of perspective. I’ve had to do things I’m not proud of along the way to get me here. But my message is a positive message of hope and self empowerment.
This is also your debut EP, why is now the right time for your debut project?
My stars have been aligning for a little while now, with lots of opportunities coming my way such as headlining DJ Target’s touchdown tour with BBC 1Xtra last year, and being a part of the BBC Introducing stage at Radio 1s Big Weekend this year - instinctually it feels like the right time to release a project for those in support of me.
The production on ‘Villain With A Conscience’ is sharp, confident and also complex, what were some of the inspirations behind the sonics on the project?
The overall production was led by TEE, and he produced specific records such as the title track, ‘Product of the Streets’, ‘SINterlude’ and ‘A Reminder’. Tee’s wizardry when it comes to production is unlike anything I’ve seen before. A lot of the records started with conversations around me as a person. Not just “what is the story of this song” but also, “how do you feel today?” Or “how do you want to feel”
There are certainly artists I draw inspiration from personally, and I’m sure Tee does the same but Tee has this incredible ability to draw inspiration internally and it has rubbed off on me a great deal.
What storytellers in music and beyond, past and present, have influenced you?
When I was 8 years old I was playing video games in the living room when ‘Moment of Truth’ by Gang Starr came on. That was the first time I realised music is more than just a noise and some words, it was a feeling. I dug out my mum’s old walkman and found some CDs; Dr. Dre was there, OutKast were there, and just like that I was hooked. The more I listened, I started to find UK artists doing similar things: Kano, Ghetts, JME, the list goes on. I am particular on what I listen to because I don’t have the ability to listen casually, I’m always analysing.
How essential is emotional vulnerability and introspection in your writing process?
It’s non-negotiable. While it’s true that I am just a human being like everybody else; I brush my teeth in the morning, I go to the supermarket to do grocery shopping, I walk my dog around the park - but everybody does those surface level things. Anybody could write about a day in the life of ‘Dr. Ordinary’ it takes somebody truly brave (and almost insane) to pry beyond the surface and dig deep into some of their most difficult experiences, hanging them on the wall for anyone and everyone to see. - But that’s where the magic is - And especially in a generation where influential people often show their ‘highlight reel’ moments, I seek to show the people dem we all have bad days. We all get knocked down, it’s about getting up and fighting another day.
What is the principle message you want people to take away from ‘Villian With A Conscience’?
There is a duality in the message I want people to take away from ‘Villian With A Conscience’.
A lot of villains were heroes first. Don’t judge somebody on their actions before knowing more about their story and intentions. In the same vein, a villain can become a hero with guidance and encouragement. The other side to it is that nobody should let their losses define them, it’s never too late to make a change for good and it is always worth it.
You’re a proud scouser. What makes the Liverpool rap scene different from others in the UK and what impact has the scene had on your sound?
I think Liverpool’s Black Music scene is bigger than just a “rap scene” . It's special because it’s relatively quite new. The rules have never meant much to Northerners and that makes for a very interesting and unique approach to music composition. Lack of opportunities within the music industry over the years has made scousers pretty resourceful within the space. For me, I have crafted a sound from being a born and bred scouser that has had to travel the country to be heard - picking up tricks along the way. Even as I grow as an artist, the rawness in my work with probably never be fully polished as I’d probably never want it to be. My soul will forever be tied to anarchy.
What role do you see yourself playing in the Liverpool rap scene today?
The pacesetter; I set the bar from a creative standpoint in this city. I like to think I keep things in check, pushing the city past the limitations put onto us in the past. I’m always networking behind the scenes, connecting dots and inspiring younger artists. And when things aren’t happening like they should, I’m the one they call to fix it.
In the new EP you explore the idea of having had to exist in different realities much as a means to survive. Where do you feel like your most authentic self?
On stage for sure! I wasn’t always aware that my purpose was to inspire change through music. Nowadays I’m driven and focussed to stay on my journey, although my life is still pretty hectic behind the scenes. No matter what is going on in my life, how much stress I’m going through, how much money is in my current account, what kind of illness I have at the time - when I’m on that stage, nothing else matters. In my mind, with those people: it’s a moment of serenity.
What pushes you to grow as an artist?
Lots of different things. Internal drive, people doubting me, love for music itself. I’m always pushing to break down boundaries that may have held me back in the past, proving to myself and everyone else what I am capable of with hard work and discipline. I was born to be an artist. My mum would have loved to see me grow and shine not only as an artist, but as a human being. I have to believe she is watching me, cheering me on from wherever the afterlife may be.
What is one thing the world should know about KOJ?
My action plan only started to work when I started being true to myself. I tried to keep up with a version of myself that didn’t actually exist because that’s what I was taught to do. But nobody can live your life for you, you have to live out the reality that you believe in and good things will come to you.
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