Long before hip-hop made its indelible imprint, Koshen, born in Belize, Central
America, was introduced to the fascinating African and Caribbean Rhythms that
would later become part an integral part of his foundation as an MC. Known for his
passionate dancing, young Koshen tore up the dance floor as soon as he could walk.
"I remember my parents waking me up to entertain customers waiting downstairs in
the restaurant", reminisces Kosh of his early years in his native country. But all of
that was about to change. When he was about eleven years old, Koshen's father, who
was living in the Bronx, New York, sent for his son. With the dramatic move to the
BX, Koshens musical beginnings shifted gears as he began what would be come a
life-long exploration; Koshen met hip-hop for the first time.
As Koshen listened attentively, his body danced a new dance, posing in his b-boy
stance moving to the sounds of EPMD, Rakim, Gang Starr, KRS 1, Big Daddy Kane,
Monie Love and many more. As fascinating as it was, Koshen's time in the Big Apple was
short-lived. Swapping the East Coast for the West, it was one year later that Koshen
made the three thousand mile move to Oakland, California and his career as an MC
began. With the move, Koshen was introduced to a whole different side of hip-hop.
Too Short, E-40, Ascari X, The Coup, Ghetto Boys, C-BO and N.W.A. were now in constant
rotation on his walkman. After clearly hearing the different kinds of hip hop music,
from The Bronx to Oakland, Koshen was inspired to pick up his own pen. "As a new
artist, I was challenged with finding myself as an artist, creating an original style and
positioning myself in an ever-changing hip-hop world".
Like a true Gemini, Koshens music often finds him at opposite ends of the spectrum
as his vocals dance eloquently, rhyming one minute and delivering vicious reggae
chants the next. From the East Coast to the West and all the way back to his
Caribbean roots, Koshens artistic style is as varied as it is unique.
