Avery Marcel Joshua Jones (born October 16, 1992), known by his stage name KOTA The Friend, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He got his stage name from the Disney movie "Brother Bear," and it is actually a Native American word "Koda," meaning friend.Kota most recently released his fifth Lyrics to Go album, titled 'Lyrics to Go Volume 5.'Kota currently lives in Brooklyn, is married, and has two children, ages 7 and 1.Kota started playing the trumpet in the 4th grade in the Brooklyn public school system. He was able to get accepted into music programs in middle school, high school, and college, as a trumpet player.After Kota left college, he started his music career as a writer and performer.Kota the Friend released his debut mixtape, Palm Tree Liquor, in 2016, followed by his second mixtape, Paloma Beach, in 2017. In 2018, he released his third mixtape, the lengthier Anything, with 2019 marking the release of his first independent studio album, FOTO, followed by the Lyrics to GO, Vol. 1 compilation in January 2020, and then his second studio album, EVERYTHING, in late May of the same year. Kota then released Lyrics to GO, Vol.2, in January 2021 and the collaborative project To Kill A Sunrise with record producer and DJ Statik Selektah later in March. Lyrics to GO, Vol.3 was surprise-released in January 2022, with Kota's third studio album, MEMO, following in July of that year. Kota the Friend has spent the last couple of years of his life traveling the world.Kota has remained an independent artist throughout his career-turning down three major record labels, instead creating his own label and apparel store, FLTBYS. He frequently cites a do-it-yourself mentality, such as filming his own music videos, recording within a home setup, and producing most of his discography. His mentality was fueled by a desire for freedom and to avoid the sense of musical confinement. Kota the Friend cites Jay-Z, Nas, Kid Cudi, Bob Dylan, The Beatles, and Pharrell as some of his influences in music.
