Tell us about your career, including your history, where you are from and how you started?
I was raised in Brantford and was always doing something involved with music as I was growing up. As I got into high school, my new artist name “Uncle Cobes” was getting around town, around shows/events and I can say to this day, I’m the most successful rapper to step out of Brantford and still have a legacy.
I’m still grinding every day to always improve for next time and my goal is always to always improve every time I drop a song or visuals
I started from a USB mic in my closet with Garage Band and I’ve come a long way since then and that was only four years ago. I always strive for more and I’ve been raised well from my family to work hard and keep moving.
Soon the world will know Uncle Cobes.
I was blessed to have been able to perform recently at the first annual Essence and Culture Awards in London, which was truly a rewarding and great experience.
How did you come up with your stage name?
I got my rap name from one of my Uncles (Uncle Clifton) and from how we share a lot in common and from his popular tree he would grow. I got the name Uncle Cobes from my friends and peers. I also got the name Uncle Cobes, as I was kind of a role model to younger generations in Brantford, who looked up to me as a positive influence to stay in school, get that education and believe in yourself to achieve life goals.
Do you have any recorded music available for fans?
My music is everywhere – all you have to do is search Uncle Cobes on anything and it’s a click away. It is on Spotify, TuneCore, Apple Music and YouTube. My management team (Nathan Payne and Jammin’ from The Network) have really been getting my music out there to various markets as well, from radio to podcast streams. Call your local radio station and request Too Late from Uncle Cobes.
How would you describe your music?
My music is very versatile, but you can still hear the originality in it by my voice, adlibs and beats. My music is awesome and made for everyone to enjoy. I love performing; it gives me an adrenaline rush seeing my audience vibing to the music during my performances. Once that mic is in my hand and I step on the stage hearing the intro to my opening song, look out, Uncle Cobes is going to give you a performance not to be forgotten.
What makes your music stand out from the others?
I’m doing things differently; I don’t copy flows or fake it to make it, I stay true to myself and do what I do. I also can say that nobody moves as quick as me as a growing artist and by that, I mean when I want something I go for it. I have only been in London for a year and have gained a lot of traction and respect from the London community and I know it’s only going to happen more in other cities – and fast.
What do you like to do outside of music that contributes to your music?
I always take in new music if it’s older than I am or new music being made by other upcoming artists. I collect records and everything I do always has music in it. I am in first year Music Industry Arts at Fanshawe College, which takes up a good portion of my time, but I’m learning more about the music industry. This is how serious I am about my music. I have no regrets not having as much of a social life, this is what I want to do and I am doing it. Shout outs to Fanshawe College’s Music Industry Arts, the professors, and my fellow M.I.A. classmates in this amazing program.
Name your two biggest musical influences and why?
Tyler The Creator and Travis Scott are my biggest influences because they are both super unique people that I inspire to be like and pray one day to work with them. I have a lot of artists that influence and inspire me and some that are rather not that famous or dead. Two of my London influences are King Cruff and Asante; these two guys keep me on my toes knowing I have to stay consistent making music.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?
I write my own songs and my lyrics are always different, most of my writing technique is from the current mood I feel and energy, so most of my songs would rather be hype and fun and some may be dark and sad. As my music journey continues to grow, I will for sure be more diverse in my songwriting styles.
What has been your biggest challenge and have you been able to overcome it?
My challenges await me, but I know they are coming once the ball gets rolling on everyone figuring me out because the real challenges come when they see. Another challenge is ensuring my next song is better than my last song and believing in myself knowing I can do this – plus having my team believe in me all the while continuing to be self motivated with self confidence. There is no looking back at negativity, only ahead with positivity. I also have to say, choosing the right instrumental to record to is important. If I am not feeling a certain beat, I can’t give my full creative side to record a new song. My team fully supports me when I’m not feeling a beat and I am never pressured to do anything musically I am not feeling.
What current projects are you working on?
In 2022, I’m planning all singles, daily drops and visuals, with lots of content to get my name heard. There will be no projects, just singles. Performing as much as I can is also a crucial part of 2022 for me.
COVID really put a damper on 2020 and 2021 performance wise, so this year Uncle Cobes will be hitting stages and giving my all to my fans and new audiences. My producer JrsXWorld (Jake Heckford) and I are cooking up some incredible new sounds as well.
Apple Music: Uncle Cobes
TikTok: itscobes
YouTube: Uncle Cobes
Spotify: Uncle Cobes
Instagram: @unclecobesmusic
