With a voice that stirs the soul and boy-next-door charms, Kevin Cossom is easily poised to be R&B's next breakout star. It also doesn't hurt that he's the first artist signed to red-hot producer Danja's N.A.R.S / **** Records imprint either.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in Orlando, Florida, Kevin Cossom first found his love and talent for song in church. Kevin's mother- an educator and founder of a performing arts academy- was her son's first supporter, encouraging him to perform his first solo at the tender age of three. He later joined his first group, a gospel act his mother assembled, at the age of six. However, the young singer/songwriter didn't realize that he wanted to make music his life until he was 14. Once the high school-aged Kevin met Rashad Tyler, his manager, that's when things began to click for the young upstart.
It didn't take long for the hungry rookie to get put on. In 2004, he was featured on his first song, Lloyd Bank's "Karma." Thanks to fellow Orlando sons/producers The Runners, Kevin followed that up with his first songwriting credit when he penned the R. Kelly hook on Young Jeezy's "Go Getta." He has also featured on albums from Beanie Sigel, Rick Ross, Chamillionaire, Trey Songz and Rocko, among others. "For me, it was a way in… I thought that other songwriters didn't take me seriously because I was just placing hip-hop hooks," says Kevin.
They're taking him serious now…in fact, it was those guest appearances that scored Kevin an audience with super producer Danja (Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake). "I went to work with Danja in Miami as a songwriter for a girl group he was working with," says Kevin. "It was like instant chemistry. He asked me if I was just a writer, and I told him no, it was just to pay the bills. Now, we're finishing an album together."
With the support of Danja, Kevin describes his untitled debut as a direct reflection of who he is-part urban, part suburban; part spiritual, part secular. "My music is really eclectic. Not backpack or playing on the conga eclectic, but I am inspired by anything that pushes the music to another level. It's a bit unpredictable, but at the same time safe enough for you to understand it so it's not so left. It feels good, its fresh but it's reminiscent of something old."
In an age of reality stars and hardcore hip-hoppers, it's good to see that there are some artists who are still doing this for the love of the music. Whether it's his moving voice or his soulful songwriting, Kevin's love and passion for the game is what will have his fans wanting more.
