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.”
Momma
Cognito Lyrics
We have lyrics for 'Momma' by these artists:
#KendrickLamar Oh shit! Oh, I need that I need that sloppy That sloppy …
20-2-Life featuring Ronnie Spencer Momma said she proud of me Im hopin that dont…
9-Milla feat. Big John Lucky Luchiano & Pak-Man Got a text from my momma she said my cousin…
a beginner Just wanted to hear your voice, so um Told you I…
Abigail Washburn Momma, please tell me truly Even though life ain't what it…
Black Pool You gave me all your time You gave me back…
Bob Seger I was the baby brother, I was the quiet other, And I…
Brand Nubian (Grand Puba) Yeah I'd like to send this one to my favorite…
brotherkenzie momma said i'd grow up big and strong sorry, momma, you…
Cortt Chavis She didn't join a feminist group, didn't trade her apron…
Dae Zhen My momma told me I'm too handsome To not be livin'…
Electric Light Orchestra She came up from the country with a smile for…
Fridayy One day at a time It'll get better, momma, don't you…
Ghostface Damn, this is for all my women That been going through…
Ghostface Killah Damn, this is for all my women thats been going…
Ghostface Killah; Megan Rochell [Ghostface] Damn, this is for all my women thats been going…
Hodges James & Smith At 17 years old I started runnin' the streets Man, I…
Hurricane Chris Intro(nicole wray): I love you momma, love you momma ,…
J.K. The Reaper I'm gonna tell you girls a story It's one you all…
J.Locc Hey Sam Thought about you today And wanted to remind you th…
Jackie Frank Russell III This is probably alarming to your virgin ears I swear it's…
James The Prophet it takes a little more to be a master sleep depravation…
Joell Ortiz I only love my bed and my mama, I'm sorry That's…
Justin Stone Dropout on my chest, curved yesterday, homie We okay Inhale …
K-Ci & JoJo We gonna do something a little different for y'all On…
K. Sparks I'm gonna tell you girls a story It's one you all…
Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground Hey momma' I am such a selfish bastard I stare through…
Kendrick Lamar Oh shit! Oh, I need that I need that sloppy That sloppy Like…
kid buu Suck on my dick, suck on my balls Aye, aye, aye,…
King.Kidd Let’s go right off the top with it Big boss the…
konsoul i swear to momma i swear to my momma 난 맹세코 내…
Kota the Friend Like I said We didn't know we was poor, man We had…
L-Matik Aye we can set a date Ima set ya straight lil…
LAMAR Kendrick Oh shit! Oh, I need that I need that sloppy That sloppy Like…
Lil Eddie Oh, yeah, oh no! Oh yeah, yeah, yeah! Oh no! Walk around my…
Lil Yachty C'mon, baby now My best friend, queen of my world, my…
LIVING ROOM - Kendrick Lamar Oh shit! Oh, I need that I need that sloppy That sloppy Like…
Matty Momma, I think that I got a drug problem I got…
Melody Gardot Momma it's driving me insane To see you in such an…
Mipso Momma, momma Did you see me cry as a lay to…
Miracle cye... it's BLEU You know it's a bunch of Mack…
Mother Lion No one ever told me growing up would be this…
Mott the Hoople Momma's little jewel, just out of school Fresh from the nuns…
MrsProd Koulma kandir zwin Kanakol ghi de9 kanakol hedra mora dher L…
Mutari See momma knows ima be a great yeah See momma knows…
Nat Lefkoff Thank god for the zoo, it taught me everything I…
O.G. 3rd Degree Girl I know that you heard it Bout a million times Girl…
P. Dukes You're not invited to my party I don't even care Gave…
Punkin Momma By: Luvinnia Flowers Cant get you off my mind, I cant…
QUADRY Intro Moonlight, red light, alright Can't be a quitter, I le…
Queen Golem Hot like a devil when you're getting stoned Juiced from the…
Rasputina Momma was an opium-smoker She light it with a red-hot poker …
Rasta Boi A.K.A. The Godfather I'm gonna tell you girls a story It's one you all…
Regula Shots cá fora (aham) Na hora da colheita, vou ser sincero Ma…
Rockie Brown Momma tells me it’s over Says she's gotta go She says life’s…
Ronnie Laws & Pressure Ken get together now you gotta newer child Still kill his…
Russ Yeah Yeah, yeah, yeah Yeah Every once in a while, you gotta …
Sam Davies Estic cansat bruddy Pero ya mola Sigo en el bucle Están vola…
Showtek Momma tried to raise me right but I came out…
Stryken One two three Momma told me son What you gonna do with…
Terry Presume Momma,(maaaa) Im calling you today im calling on you just he…
THE F.A.M. Fuck yo baby momma let me holla at yo mother…
The Late Momma was Roaming on her Own Moving home to Home We was all …
The Willis Clan From the moment we first cried she held us in her…
Vagabond Mafia Time's on my side mufucka Time do what the fuck I…
Vincent Poag Momma did I tell you You are my favorite girl Momma…
Webbie I was just drinkin and thankin I remember em sayin…
Yo Gotti Momma, I don't never want to see you struggle Tired of…
Yung Joc [Yung Joc:] Ay you know what, eh-heh When I started recordin…
Yung Joc Feat. Jazze Pha [Yung Joc:] Ay you know what, eh-heh When I started record…
Yung Joc [feat. Jazze Pha] [Yung Joc:] Ay you know what, eh-heh When I started recordin…
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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