Shabooty Interview Series: Kosha Dillz

What’ the Kosha Dealz? Kosha Dillz: think Matisyahu, but less corny and less ‘affected’. Wtf – did Usain Bolt raise Matisyahu or something? I digress. ‘Oy Veying All Day,’ Jersey rapper Kosha Dillz came on my radar with countless performances with weartherman, Yak Ballz and the rest of the Def Jukie crew. Since then, I have seen Kosha on an eclectic string of hip-hop concerts – a testament to his versatility, ability, and constant grind. Kosha Dillz and C-Rayz Walz collaboed this year to release Freestyle Vs. Written (available now). URB Magazine calls him a universal voice, I call him …for an interview. He puts the mik in yamika.

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Shabooty: How did you first meet Yak Ballz?
Kosha Dillz: Soccer games. Yep, I was nice.

You went to Rutgers? Why, if you’re going to rap?
Yeah, Rutgers was where it all started. I guess you got to have an edumacation if you really want to succeed in the rap game.

Which artists do you hope to work with next?
I really want to work with the black kids. As far as fanship… since I work early morning and listen to their music. But as far as rap, I kind of take it as it comes. I don’t want to force anything, or else it won’t really sound right. But I definitely want to work with Belief as a producer. Hence, I am going out to LA to work with him. I think M.I.A. would be feeling me though.

Was Yak Ballz your entry into the Def Jukie (Def Jux) world?
No. Well, he put out a record with them and I listened to them. I listened to Company Flow at the pool lifeguarding, and used to write battle rhymes over his songs when I was 18. I listened to Bobbito 89.9.
But yeah man…the freak show!

What album you working on next?
Belief and I are creating a soundscape. Sample Free. It will shock the world and will be a great. Blah Blah.Blah. Belief is like my guidance. He kinda knows my person since I exposed that to him in recording sessions. I trust him. We are going big with a widespread sound. Labels are interested besides my own. For that to happen already is like a miracle in itself because I couldn’t even speak right 4 years ago. Expect boundaries to be broken.

kosha dillz Do you like freestyling more or writtens?
Writing is great. People judge your content of written material. And I totally care what other people think, lol.

You have done shows with…?
Killah Priest, Yak Ballz (he brought me on tour with Aesop Rock, Rob Sonic, DJ Big Wiz), C Rayz Walz. Murs, Kidz in the Hall, I guess all the big indie names. Bands like Jacobs Ladder from Miami and Transfer from San Diego. Flex Mathews and Roebus One are my core collective. Y love and Diwon in the Jewish circuit. I graced stage with Matisyahu before.

4:54 PM – Offical shout out to Pace Won and everyone else who rocked the release party shabooty missed in NYC.

Do you listen to The Howard Stern Show?
Only when someone has it on. 92.3 [Krock] was the illest back then.

Do you only date Jewish broads?
I did a remix to “I’m in love witha stripper,” called “I’m in love with a shiksa.” Listen to the song “I love Jews” as well off the new LP. You’ll be able to understand where I’m coming from.

Who were your inspirations?
My friends… Yak Ballz was putting out records. I told myself I needed a record by the time i graduated college. The first record I had was originoo gunn clappaz da storm.

When did you get in the rap game?
Ummm…I guess seriously like 2005 when the record came out. And after I got out.

Were you always that people person?
Some people beg to differ. I liked people, but lot of people didn’t like me?

What shows you got up coming?
A show with Yak Ballz, Cage, and XO Skeletons tonight [in CT]. Also, some dope left coast radio shows in November. I’m trying to promote Freestyle vs Written really hard to the public. That’s a record I have with C Rayz Walz.

Do you actually like pickles?
Coleslaw included turkey burger deluxe.

Vlasic?
Saul Williams clarified this one. You can check it up on youtube with Beau Sia, myself, and Saul.

When are you going to get some El-P produced beats?
When I save up $5,000 dollars, but thanks for envisioning that.

Who’s ur fav. jukie aside from Yak Ballz?
The Aesop, Rob Sonic, and DJ Big Wiz collective. The most professional artists I have come across ever. That makes their music much better…

KOSHA DILLZ and C-RAYZ WALZ “HOLIDAY” (freestyle vs written)