photo credit: Kota the Friend by Minh Nguyen
Marking a unique fusion of today’s hip-hop vibe with New York’s venerable jazz tradition, Brooklyn’s Kota the Friend will appear at the Blue Note Jazz Club for two evenings, December 2 and 3. Fans will get a special live-band performance in one of NYC’s most renowned music settings. Tickets can be purchased now from Ticketweb.
The concerts follow a successful 20-city tour, No Rap on Sunday, which further cemented Kota’s reputation as a standout in the independent scene. These upcoming NYC shows will put a spotlight on his jazz musicianship and formal music training, both central to his creativity but often overlooked.
A Modern Star on a Legendary Stage
Since opening over forty years ago, The Blue Note has been a cornerstone for live music in the city, hosting such greats as Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Sarah Vaughan, Ron Carter, and Stevie Wonder, and regularly featuring emerging voices in jazz, soul, hip-hop, funk, and R&B. For Kota, performing at Blue Note is more than a career highlight — it’s returning to the roots of his sound and inspiration.
“The Blue Note has hosted some of the greatest musicians ever, so stepping onto that stage is an honor,” Kota said. “I’ve always respected the musicians who came before me, the ones who made the music that shaped my sound. To share my art in a space built on that legacy means everything.”
How Jazz Shapes Kota’s Music
Even before albums like Foto and Lyrics to Go, Kota’s background was in trumpet, classical study, and jazz theory. You can hear this throughout his music — the refined arrangements, intricate chords, and musicality that underpin his songwriting.
His Blue Note performance will put these aspects up front. Listen for fresh live arrangements of classics such as “Colorado” and “Good Friday,” performed in the intimate club setting with a full band. The space is tailored to elevate both sides of Kota: the rapper and the trained musician.
Championing Creative Independence
Kota has built his career within his own creative framework and outside the conventional music industry mold. As the creator of FLTBYS (Flight Boys), he upholds full ownership of his catalogue and cultivates a loyal, engaged fanbase. His last tour, No Rap on Sunday, was another example of this thriving relationship, featuring stripped-back performances that struck a chord with audiences everywhere.
Ending 2025 with two nights at the Blue Note — a venue graced by trailblazers like Dizzy Gillespie and Erykah Badu — sums up his journey so far and signals his enduring commitment to musical freedom.
Concert Details
Kota the Friend Live with Band
Dates: December 2–3, 2025
Location: The Blue Note Jazz Club, New York City
Tickets: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/kota-the-friend-with-live-blue-note-jazz-club-tickets/14663733
