After grinding for 10 years, working with different indie labels and flirti… Read Full Bio ↴After grinding for 10 years, working with different indie labels and flirting with fame, Cognito has found the perfect label to call home: Strange Music, one of the most successful independent music labels in the world. “They work hard like I work hard,” assures COGNITO. “They put everything into their artists.”
The dogged determination to prevail at any cost that both Strange and COGNITO share couldn't be a better match. The Fairfield, Calif.-raised father of two has poured his heart into albums, toured relentlessly, and stayed in the studio late numerous Friday nights when he could've been chilling at home with his family – all for the love of the game.
Growing up in the North Bay, COGNITO fast became intrigued with the burgeoning local hip-hop scene led by E-40 and B-Legit. The two hip-hop heavyweights exposed the young emcee to the hip-hop community, tapping his services at the Sick Wid It offices and schooling him in the art of promotion. He is the first to admit he was not the best student. But writing stories was his strong point in school. He started writing rhymes at 16, taking his cue from the people he was around. Yet it was hard to take rapping seriously as a career. A white rapper just wasn't considered normal yet. It wasn't until three years later, when Eminem's The Slim Shady LP released, that COGNITO's path became clearer.
“I don't think being a white rapper has held me back,” relays COGNITO about the always-controversial topic of the White Rapper. “It got me seen more. It got me out there. I stand out because I am white. But let my music speak for itself.”
As for the Eminem comparisons, COGNITO is flattered but suggests otherwise.
“When Eminem dropped minds were blown. I look at the Eminem comparison as an honor. He's the best rapper in game. But never once has a guy I work with said I sound like Eminem.”
At age 21 COGNITO earned himself a new title; father. In order to care for his family, he put hip-hop on the back burner for the next year, popping into the studio every so often to record tracks with producing partner D Buck. Mike Mosley, who had worked with E-40, TQ, C-Bo, Richie Rich and Tupac, heard COGNITO's music, and in 2002, offered him a deal with his Steady Mobbin' label.
“When Mike wants to offer you a record deal,” COGNITO states, “you take your career serious.”
COGNITO never dropped an album, but he did make a handful of important connections in the industry, one being QD3 producer Femi, one of the two producers he still consistently works with today. He continued doing shows and brushed up on the record industry rules.
2006 was a big year for COGNITO. He hooked up with Master P and his newly formed Gutta Music to release Recognition. It was an honor to be affiliated with P, a hip-hopreneur COGNITO had admired since hearing his West Coast Bad Boyz compilation in 1997. COGNITO would score his biggest hit to date, “Shift Kits,” from the Shift Kits and Hood Chicks DVD.
COGNITO stayed busy touring with fellow Bay Area rapper Andre Nickatina. When Nickatina took some time off, COGNITO hit the road solo. As fate would have it, COGNITO and Strange shared the same booker. Together on a string of show dates, COGNITO witnessed Strange's impressive stage show and extreme professionalism. COGNITO even shared a joke with Tech: He had previously recorded over Femi's “Slacker” beat, a song that appears on Tech's Absolute Power (2002).
The groundwork for the COGNITO-Strange merger was set in motion. Three years later when hip-hop activist Violet Brown, a longtime supporter of Strange, approached COGNITO about shopping a deal to the indie powerhouse, he was with it.
One conversation with Strange Music co-owner and CEO Travis O'Guin and another with Dave Weiner, Vice President of Strange Music West, plus one visit to Kansas City, the label's home, and COGNITO knew he was home. “I know it sounds cliché, but you can do anything you want,” tells COGNITO. “My motivation has been people saying I couldn't do this. I'm hardheaded. At the end of the day, you have to go get it and no one is going to give it to you. But I look at my progression. Seeing what I'm accomplishing on my own and knowing that if I go get it, it could happen. There hasn't been a goal I shot for that I haven't achieved when it comes to my music.”
Building on his own persistence, COGNITO is quick to admit his success has been buoyed by his supportive team: Violet Brown, Femi, Mike Mosley, Darien Smith, his studio engineer for the past seven years. The 29 year old has had an amazing team behind him, which has catapulted him to where he is today. Currently, COGNITO is working on his Strange debut, Automatic, scheduled for a February/March 2010 release.
“Stylewise, I'm a storyteller,” COGNITO points out. “Whether it's a club track or a serious, depressed track, I'm going to tell you a story and get my message across to you. I like when people can relate to a song. That's what I love more than anything.”
“I don't follow trends,” he adds. “I pride myself in making my music real. I don't like to front, but I also like to have fun. Take me serious, but don't take me too serious. Listen to me with an open mind. I want to be an inspiration like my musical influences were to me.”
As COGNITO prepares for the next stage of his career, he is more than ready for the full-time grind.
“From 21 until now I have given this everything. I don't stop until I achieve my goal. With Strange backing me, I feel that I can accomplish all my goals. I got a shot like this and I'm going to run with it and make it happen.”
The dogged determination to prevail at any cost that both Strange and COGNITO share couldn't be a better match. The Fairfield, Calif.-raised father of two has poured his heart into albums, toured relentlessly, and stayed in the studio late numerous Friday nights when he could've been chilling at home with his family – all for the love of the game.
Growing up in the North Bay, COGNITO fast became intrigued with the burgeoning local hip-hop scene led by E-40 and B-Legit. The two hip-hop heavyweights exposed the young emcee to the hip-hop community, tapping his services at the Sick Wid It offices and schooling him in the art of promotion. He is the first to admit he was not the best student. But writing stories was his strong point in school. He started writing rhymes at 16, taking his cue from the people he was around. Yet it was hard to take rapping seriously as a career. A white rapper just wasn't considered normal yet. It wasn't until three years later, when Eminem's The Slim Shady LP released, that COGNITO's path became clearer.
“I don't think being a white rapper has held me back,” relays COGNITO about the always-controversial topic of the White Rapper. “It got me seen more. It got me out there. I stand out because I am white. But let my music speak for itself.”
As for the Eminem comparisons, COGNITO is flattered but suggests otherwise.
“When Eminem dropped minds were blown. I look at the Eminem comparison as an honor. He's the best rapper in game. But never once has a guy I work with said I sound like Eminem.”
At age 21 COGNITO earned himself a new title; father. In order to care for his family, he put hip-hop on the back burner for the next year, popping into the studio every so often to record tracks with producing partner D Buck. Mike Mosley, who had worked with E-40, TQ, C-Bo, Richie Rich and Tupac, heard COGNITO's music, and in 2002, offered him a deal with his Steady Mobbin' label.
“When Mike wants to offer you a record deal,” COGNITO states, “you take your career serious.”
COGNITO never dropped an album, but he did make a handful of important connections in the industry, one being QD3 producer Femi, one of the two producers he still consistently works with today. He continued doing shows and brushed up on the record industry rules.
2006 was a big year for COGNITO. He hooked up with Master P and his newly formed Gutta Music to release Recognition. It was an honor to be affiliated with P, a hip-hopreneur COGNITO had admired since hearing his West Coast Bad Boyz compilation in 1997. COGNITO would score his biggest hit to date, “Shift Kits,” from the Shift Kits and Hood Chicks DVD.
COGNITO stayed busy touring with fellow Bay Area rapper Andre Nickatina. When Nickatina took some time off, COGNITO hit the road solo. As fate would have it, COGNITO and Strange shared the same booker. Together on a string of show dates, COGNITO witnessed Strange's impressive stage show and extreme professionalism. COGNITO even shared a joke with Tech: He had previously recorded over Femi's “Slacker” beat, a song that appears on Tech's Absolute Power (2002).
The groundwork for the COGNITO-Strange merger was set in motion. Three years later when hip-hop activist Violet Brown, a longtime supporter of Strange, approached COGNITO about shopping a deal to the indie powerhouse, he was with it.
One conversation with Strange Music co-owner and CEO Travis O'Guin and another with Dave Weiner, Vice President of Strange Music West, plus one visit to Kansas City, the label's home, and COGNITO knew he was home. “I know it sounds cliché, but you can do anything you want,” tells COGNITO. “My motivation has been people saying I couldn't do this. I'm hardheaded. At the end of the day, you have to go get it and no one is going to give it to you. But I look at my progression. Seeing what I'm accomplishing on my own and knowing that if I go get it, it could happen. There hasn't been a goal I shot for that I haven't achieved when it comes to my music.”
Building on his own persistence, COGNITO is quick to admit his success has been buoyed by his supportive team: Violet Brown, Femi, Mike Mosley, Darien Smith, his studio engineer for the past seven years. The 29 year old has had an amazing team behind him, which has catapulted him to where he is today. Currently, COGNITO is working on his Strange debut, Automatic, scheduled for a February/March 2010 release.
“Stylewise, I'm a storyteller,” COGNITO points out. “Whether it's a club track or a serious, depressed track, I'm going to tell you a story and get my message across to you. I like when people can relate to a song. That's what I love more than anything.”
“I don't follow trends,” he adds. “I pride myself in making my music real. I don't like to front, but I also like to have fun. Take me serious, but don't take me too serious. Listen to me with an open mind. I want to be an inspiration like my musical influences were to me.”
As COGNITO prepares for the next stage of his career, he is more than ready for the full-time grind.
“From 21 until now I have given this everything. I don't stop until I achieve my goal. With Strange backing me, I feel that I can accomplish all my goals. I got a shot like this and I'm going to run with it and make it happen.”
Best of Me
Cognito Lyrics
We have lyrics for 'Best of Me' by these artists:
(BTS) When you say that you love me 난 하늘 위를 걷네 영원을…
- Lil' Wayne Somebody tell Fat (Fee Baby) to holla at me man Shit, Louie…
..... The best of you Holds nothing to remember But since it's you…
A Day to Remember What'd you expect from me? It's not my fault you'll never…
A Day To Remember (USA) What'd you expect from me? It's not my fault you'll never…
Aldo & Felipe Song in Me Felipe Aguiar I will give you the best song…
Alicia Keys He, he He, he You get the side of me I would hold…
Amanda Marshall Drop those flowers, back away slowly You jumped in thinking …
American Legion The thing about giving your heart away Is hoping love will…
Anthony Hamilton It's simple, I love it, having you near me, having…
Aprile I follow the knife The kiss of the dawn Unconcealed, so feel…
Artbat & Sailor & I (This is a certified Christian classic) Wake up 8am in the…
B.Ford I've had my share Of life's ups and down But fate's been…
B.T.S Tryna find the truth Following my faith Real recognize Lame …
Barry Manilow So many years gone still I remember How did I ever…
Beasley / Price It gets harder for me to sleep every night And no…
Bigwig I can't see how things fall apart so easily Still I…
Billy "Daniel" Bunter & CLSM You've got the best in me You've got the best in…
BNXN Jae 5 Couldn't get the best of me Ko ma de s'elomi See…
BooCocky Lights off you′ve been living in my thoughts Every time you…
Bored & Gorgeous So goodnight all my friends You got the best of me Thi…
Brantley Gilbert I found a box of memories, Read a letter, Dropped a tear…
Bre-Z I'm focused man Tell Stout to holla at me man Uh, young…
Brenda Mtambo When mind is free My heart opens up Love overflows I see cle…
Britannia High Cast Na na na na na x8 It's the same old line…
Bryan Adams You got it Sometimes words are hard to find I'm looking for…
brynn That's right bitch yeah you shoulda never left me You just…
BTS When you say that you love me 난 하늘 위를 걷네 영원을…
BTS (K-Pop) When you say that you love me 高鳴る想い 永遠と言って oh just one…
BTS - FACE YOURSELF When you say that you love me 난 하늘 위를 걷네 영원을…
BulletProof Messenger (Verse 1) My fears are far behind Don't feel like changing I…
Chrisette Michele Saw you again at the parlor Crossing the walk with your…
Christina Aguilera Think I'm steel, tough as nails Never feel, never fail But y…
Cliff Richard So many years gone Still I remember How did I ever let…
Corey Harper I only ever tell myself I should have been somebody else Don…
Count Me Out Can't take back what's said and done. time to take…
Daniel Powter I was made the wrong way Won't you do me the…
Dao Kahn I'll let rest of me go, let my destiny take…
David Foster So many years gone Still I remember How did I ever let…
Delbert McClinton I told you I was doin' just fine Didn't need nothin'…
DJ Teddy-O I've been thinking about, thinking about this year And how I…
Dokken Such A Long Road I've Been Travelin Trying To Find My Way…
Donny & Marie So many years gone, still I remember How did I ever…
Edane hey you got to take on the tide if you…
Efraim Leo I can't go on like I can't go on like this (You…
Elektrik People Jet planes Fast cars Fought the game of who you are. Baby go…
Everly So baby bye bye I'm letting you go Cuz you'll never get…
Far Too Jones I don't think you're ever gonna need To call me by…
FourPlay MNL You′re the light of my life You're the apple of my…
Freddy Lap$ Mi a more you opened the door up to my…
Gemini Syndrome Take another trip around the world again Buy the ticket, tak…
Getter It's cold here, want you closer We've tried this, but now…
gosto What do you mean You need a colour tv The black and…
Haven Fire Say, say would you say I'm giving up Say, say would you…
Horticulture You said you never liked the way I shared my…
Huey Lewis & The News I've been trying to forget you girl Since you put…
Jack Jack Life, now I wanna praise you And try to return the…
Jack Wins Katie Sky Ooh-ooh-ooh Ooh-ooh-ooh I′m never care about you anywhere E…
Jackie Castro You didn't question me when I said I wasn't ready…
Jadakiss Uh, huh I don't want to get the best of you Yo,…
Jadakiss/Mya [Jadakiss](Mya) Uh, huh I don't want to get the best of you,…
jakkyboí Why you gotta fucking make me feel like this Every fucking…
Jay Z Feat Mya I'm focused man Tell Stout to holla at me man Uh, young…
Jazmine Sullivan Why can't I, leave him alone? Break the chains that trap…
Jessie Farrell Yeah, yeah, yeah You've got away of holding me But you neve…
Jody Watley Since we met, a wonderful feeling I get So complete and…
JOHN.k (Jeer!, why the fuck you so hard?) (Yeah, uh) (K8) Uh Yea' R…
Jordan Feliz I said goodbye to my chains When I said hello to…
Josh Ramsay It feels like home, doesn't look right The truth seems wrong…
KE4T Yeah yeah yeah Catch me if you can Yeah yeah yeah Drive it…
Kid Rock I can't sing like Marvin Gaye no I can't play that…
Lil Baby Cook that shit up Quay Caught a few cases, I been…
Lil Wayne & The Sqad Somebody tell Fat (Fee Baby) to holla at me man Shit, Louie…
Lorenzo Fragola I've got a plan to save me hurting Don't let my…
Lucas & Steve & Philip Strand I smile though my heart inside is breaking I laugh just…
Lyria I was alone Covered by the dark That pulled me down Stuck in…
M Tryna find the truth Following my faith Real recognize Lame …
Malaika Tell me why, do we believe such a lie? The love…
Maria Muldaur What'd you expect from me? It's not my fault you'll never…
Matt Cab Baby, yeah, yeah, baby, oh na na She say you looking…
Maxi Priest You've got the best of me More than I can give In…
MercyMe Why would I want to try and meet You half…
michael bublé So many years gone, still I remember How did I ever…
Michele Chrisette Saw you again at the parlor Crossing the walk with your…
Moglii Releasing what you're made of Never hold it back Cause you…
Morningwood I bet the better you get, the better you get,…
Mr. Del Oh,Mickey, you're so fine You're so fine you blow my mind,…
Mr.Pool My love is so hard when I love I love…
Mýa Whohohohooow Put it on me, put in on me I can't let Can't…
Mya Uh, huh I don't want to get the best of you Yo,…
Mya F/ Jay-Z I'm focused man Tell Stout to holla at me man Uh, young…
Mya f/Jadakiss [Jadakiss](Mya) Uh, huh I don't want to get the best of you,…
Mýa feat. JAY Z I'm focused man Tell Stout to holla at me man Uh, young…
mýa feat. jay-z I'm focused man Tell Stout to holla at me man Uh, young…
Mya featuring Jadakiss Uh, huh I don't want to get the best of you Yo,…
Mya ft Jadakiss [Jadakiss](Mya) Uh, huh I don't want to get the best of you,…
Mya ft Jay z I'm focused man Tell Stout to holla at me man Uh, young…
Mya ft. Jadakiss [Jadakiss](Mya) Uh, huh I don't want to get the best of you,…
NEFFEX I have a dream that's all I need I'll make it happen…
Noah Gault I can't lie, you got the best of me Up all…
OGR-Scintilla I don't need no reason, just drive. I've got a million…
ORIGINAL GOD You got the best of me You got the best of…
P.Jack Weather man turns his dials Says it's gonna rain a while Wal…
Palast plase walk away plase came back to me plase don't keep blami…
Paul and The Patients Precious flower in my hand I wanted love always at my…
Peter Andre Ask me questions lady, I won't tell you no lies …
Protect Your Heart Just like a shot in the dark wanting someone to…
R.Chris Ain't no stressing me Bitch I got the sauce and recipe Stron…
Rass Limit You can get the best of me, you know? I feel…
Ratt What do you get when you've got the best The best…
Rayy Dubb Uh Uhh yeah (aye) Huh yeah yeah (aye) Uh yeah yeah (huh) Huh…
Romain Virgo When it's all played out and I'm old and grey There's…
RVNGE Now let's assess your lies You're gonna have to pay the…
Ryan Sarai You wondering why I've been the same No call no show…
Ryan Vosler Verse 1 : So was I the exception, or were you…
Safari Room Wear it on your shoulder, wear it on your sleeve. Wear…
Sailor & I (This is a certified Christian classic) Wake up 8am in the…
Sailor & I & ARTBAT (This is a certified Christian classic) Wake up 8am in the…
sal the virgo I had this vested in me No one invested in…
Saliva I am all alone 'Cause you cut me open And poured me…
Seal You wore a gown that evening That brought me to my…
Secret Nation She's every seasons The promise of spring A cool breeze in s…
setyøursails Blood red Sunset My head Hits rock bottom Taped to my bed I …
Shayne Orok feat. Yuuwii & Weiwen When you say that you love me Girl I feel like…
Starkeeper Got no reason to defy it I was waning on the…
Starsailor I've got another confession to make I'm your fool Everyone's…
Starting Line Tell me what you thought about When you were gone and…
Starting Line (The) Tell me what you thought about when you were gone…
Suicide Seven Don't be surprised that you're my anchor Would you want…
Sum 41 It's so hard To say that I'm sorry I'll make everything all …
Sweet Pill Take it all apart Mind logic and thought Everyone knows a di…
Tamzene God it’s all now coming back to me Sneaking out the…
The Darkness (not completely right i dont think, not sure.....i gussed on…
The Fully Down Look around to see something real But all I see are…
The Letter Black If I could find yesterday I would take You back to…
The Starting Line Tell me what you thought about When you were gone and…
The Third-Rates I don't think you know what's best for me When you…
The Vegabonds Well somebody call the doctor, cause I′m feeling way too…
thestartingline Tell me what you thought about when you were gone…
Thouxanbanfauni Long barrel on that rifle, trust me It'll reach I'm gon' kee…
Tounsi Ey ey ey eey Ey ey ey Uhhu Cooking Up Cooking…
Treat Never again isn't that what you said I still pretend that…
TSOUL Tryna let you know just how I really feel about…
Tyrese What a joy it is to be loved by you My…
U.City When you look so good, the pain in your face…
Underoath In my mind you never left Falling wasn't true I had faith…
Varley I don’t wanna go there tonight I don't see the point…
Vérité My mind gets closer to my heart when I can…
Vybz Kartel & Gaza Slim If a bwoy don't like mi, mi no care Mi no…
Vybz kartel feat Gaza Slim Tell dem enuh, Dinearo this is for my baby This is…
Vybz Kartel feat. Gaza Slim If a bwoy don't like mi, mi no care Mi no…
Wake the Light It's a quarter til 3 when she comes home This has…
Young Paris One time bring it back yea And I got Tiwa on…
Youth Brush แค่นี้ของเธอแต่มันช่างมากและมายยิ่งใหญ่สำหรับฉัน แค่อิจฉาแมว…
Yuna I can see that lately you've been struggling I know that…
Zero With every breath I take Rips my heart a little more With…
♥Sum 41 It's so hard To say that I'm sorry I'll make everything all …
丹尼尔 Daniel Powter I was made the wrong way Won't you do me the…
丹尼尔 波特 I wasn't mean the wrong way won't you do me the…
방탄소년단 (BTS) - LOVE YOURSELF 結 `Answer` When you say that you love me 난 하늘 위를 걷네 영원을…
We have lyrics for these tracks by Cognito:
Big Bank [Hook: repeat 4X] We got big bank, big rank walkin through t…
Born 2 Be Fly Cause I was born 2 be fly (Tech N9ne): Strange music bab…
Depression I got issues only I can have That's why I…
I Can't Think About It Day time I control my feelings, night times like a…
I'm Goin' Crazy Now that i sing with strange music the industry about to…
My Lil Girl I make her hold all my percs in her purse,…
Outcast When I think about the past of my life, and…
Pain How do you deal with the demons that seem to…
Pill Poppin' Music INTRO In my opinion, it's the music these days. These rap…
Stranger (Tech N9ne) I remember when they used to point they fingers…
Stranger (Ft. Tech N9ne Big Scoob Kutt Coulhoun Stevie Stone (Tech N9ne) I remember when they used to point they fingers…
The lyrics are frequently found in the comments by searching or by filtering for lyric videos
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