Upcoming British rapper KOJ is making waves with his latest single and the announcement of his debut EP, ‘Villain with a Conscience’. Out now! The title track is setting the stage for the highly anticipated full release on 4 April via Interval Records under EMI North.
Hailing from Liverpool, KOJ has established himself as one of the UK’s most compelling rising stars. A versatile and introspective rapper, he blends raw emotion with bold production from frequent collaborator TEE and legendary hip-hop producer Joe Buddha. His music delves into themes of self-discovery, power, and ambition, offering deeply personal storytelling that remains both relevant and thought-provoking.
After making a bold return with A Reminder, KOJ explored the intoxicating yet destructive nature of Love Money Drugs, portraying them as forces that can elevate or destroy. A Roadman’s Tale of Home examined identity and belonging, while his latest single, Villain with a Conscience, takes this a step further—grappling with the feeling of being out of place before finally stepping into his own.
KOJ explains:
“It represents a journey through many worlds. I’ve had the ability to exist in these different realities, but none ever felt like my own, a place where I could be my true self. This song marks the moment I decided to take a leap of faith into my own world—the real world. It’s the turning point of the EP.”
Produced by TEE, the track pushes KOJ further than ever sonically, mirroring his artistic evolution. The accompanying visual also sees him elevate his storytelling, stretching creative boundaries like never before.
2024 was a breakthrough year for the Scouse rapper. He headlined the Liverpool leg of BBC Radio 1Xtra’s Touchdown Tour with DJ Target and performed at major festivals, including Liverpool Sound City, Dot to Dot, and Latitude. His live event series, TRiBE, sold out multiple dates and was spotlighted by The Face Magazine as part of a cultural movement in Liverpool. Meanwhile, This is Not a Drill, a fan-driven project for his growing community #ThePeoplesTribe, further cemented his connection with supporters. His Red Bull Raise the Bar performance amassed over 20k views in just one day.
In the past year, KOJ has gained strong playlist and media support from BBC Radio 1Xtra, BBC Introducing, Spotify, Amazon Music, Clash, KISS FM, BET UK, and Apple Music’s New Fire and New Music Daily.
Tipped as “the future of UK rap” by Wordplay and Oculate, KOJ’s debut EP, Villain with a Conscience, drops on 4 April—further solidifying his place as a standout force in the UK rap scene.
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