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.”
what's up
Cognito Lyrics
We have lyrics for 'what's up' by these artists:
17 Эй, братан, че как? Да так Скажи What’s up Вот так What’s up…
4 Non Blondes Twenty-five years and my life is still Trying to get up…
4 Not Blondies 25 years of my life and still I'm trying to get…
50 Cent G-Unit (bah), we in here (bah) We can get the drama…
50 Cent Feat. Lloyd Banks & Tony Yayo Oh, oh, Gggga Gggga G-UNIT (UNIT, haha) , yeah, it's 50…
50/50 Twin G-Unit (bah), we in here (bah) We can get the drama…
6-ONE Tu as mis notre amour dans les flammes Brulé mon coeur…
A.M.P I'm counting the stars Wherever you are The sky is so calm L…
A.M.P. Twenty-five years and my life is still Trying to get up…
Acoustic Classic Rock Twenty-five years and my life is still I′m trying to get…
Al. Hy Twenty-five years and my life is still trying to get up…
Antion Scales I'm back, Ya dig it, You goal line fumble, Antion finna pick…
B-Streezy Ten Years of wading in the water My hair is bleached…
B.I.C. (Bitches Is Crazy) High rollers, what's up? Drinks Houston, what's up? Onyx…
BES Feat. 仙人掌 Ten Years of wading in the water My hair is bleached…
Between Friends I've been chasing after you forever Can you call me on…
Big Russian Boss feat. Young P&H Minnesota Mo, tell them what's up Minnesota Mo, tell them wh…
Blackway/Black Caviar Two-thousand on thermometers Two-thousand surroundin' us Tra…
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony; Swizz Beatz Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, everybody Hey my ladi…
bzik I wake up I’m still drunk we had a party Last…
C. HeN [Chorus: C.O.] This bitch ain't nothing but a filthy slut th…
C.J. Green We got another one yo I ain’t ever suss We the ones…
Chamillionaire Alright, now its about that time What's up Hey what's up Wha…
Chase Holfelder Twenty-five years and my life is still Trying to get up…
Christof Hunte The party's in motion Your eyes full of emotion You're looki…
Ciscaux Let me start talking my shit on this beat before…
Clipse For my hustlas, play the part, I′m a smuggler This is…
CODY JON He don't just deal the deck and play it Controlling all…
Courtnie Think I just missed the train by a minute I look…
Crushead May i tell you something about bad blood And may i…
Curren$y I just want to let you know that you're beautiful From…
D-Cru I started acting like a Diva I told you that we…
D.J. Disco Dance We got another one yo I ain’t ever suss We the ones…
D.J. Miller G-Unit (Bo!) We in here (Bo!) We can get the drama…
Daniel Does she look better? Does she laugh harder? Does she make y…
Danni Carlos Twenty-five years and my life is still Trying to get up…
Decabrsky Is it me, I′m trying too hard Is it you trying…
DJ Dark & Mentol Twenty-five years and my life is still Trying to get up…
DJ Miko Twenty-five years of my life And still I'm trying to get…
Donell Jones feat. Left Eye Ooh, say what, say what, say what Ooh, girl you know…
Drunken What happens when the four of us are in the…
Duvchi Find it hard to seperate Calling up keep calling me I…
dvsn Jagged Edge Biggest mistake I made Shouldn't have let you go Instead of …
Ekkah I was waitin' all this time For an answer Don't be lyin',…
Elephant Man (feat. Mr. Vegas) [Intro: Elephant Man (Mr. Vegas)] Yeah mo…
Elephant Man & Mr Vegas [Intro: Elephant Man (Mr. Vegas)] Yeah mon!!! Well mi know n…
Excellence Tell me do you like it like that Show me where…
fanclubwallet Hoping for something more to do Other than let you in You'…
four non blondes Twenty-five years and my life is still Trying to get up…
G Perico You was like, "What's up?" I was like "What's happenin'?" "I…
Gaullin You was talkin' shit 'bout me, now you say, "what's…
Geneviève Leclerc Twenty-five years and my life is still Trying to get up…
Girl You walk around like it's night time, but don't you…
Graham BLVD Twenty-five years and my life is still Trying to get up…
Hannah Grace 25 years and my life is still Tryin' to get up…
He-Man [Intro: Elephant Man (Mr. Vegas)] Yeah mon!!! Well mi know n…
Holy Moses You know I see you You know I see You know I…
Hunter & Lauks Ay, what if I just uhhh you know what I'm…
I.deals Baby what's up? Like what's up? What's up with that, what's…
Idetto And so I cry sometimes when I'm lying in bed Just…
J-Diggs We got another one yo I ain’t ever suss We the ones…
Jada Kingdom Twinkle Rvssian Yeah Ay, ay, yeah Big buddy, what's up? I g…
Jean-Pierre Taïeb You, you've got a lot on your plate this week A…
Jinusean feat. Perry All of these years and my life is still Just tryin'…
Joe Budden This what is sound like when the boys back-up Wassup, wassu…
Joey Yung 遇上什么关于爱情都可当话题 若有热恋选举我要直接进入围 陪你每天煲粥我们当然有问题 谈情恋爱自然没力量放低 da di …
Juvenile [Verse 1: Skip] U-T-P Its only 5 seconds till' we blow up …
juvenile and the utp playas Juvenile: Look... Uh.. Cash Money nigga, Juvenile nigga, Pu…
Juvenile feat. UTP [Verse 1: Skip] U-T-P Its only 5 seconds till' we blow up …
Juvenile-Wacko-Skip Juvenile: Look... Uh.. Cash Money nigga, Juvenile nigga, Pu…
k-e 614 to the 312 You know how we do What up what…
K-rab I just want to let you know that you're beautiful From…
L. Perry 25 years of my life and still I'm trying to get…
L.E.D. 614 to the 312 You know how we do What up what…
Lainey Wilson Twenty-five years and my life is still Tryin' to get up…
Left-Eye Ooh, say what, say what, say what Ooh, girl you know…
LEIGH Show me something More than before What I need is your love …
Lil Zane [Lil' Zane] I was once wit a team, that, sold me…
Linda Perry Twenty-five years of my life and still. I´m trying to get …
Lizot Twenty-five years of my life is still Trying to get up…
Lo Mejor del Rock de los 90 Twenty five years and my life is still Trying to get…
Loni Lovato Twenty-five years and my life is still I′m trying to get…
Lucky Luke & Gaullin You was talkin' shit 'bout me, now you say, "what's…
Malcolm Todd Girl I wanna play the game Baby you know what's up It's…
MARCO VAN BASSKEN FEAT. CHARLENE Twenty-five years and my life is still Trying to get that…
Marzia Gaggioli Baby I wanna tell you don′t worry Baby come on tell…
Max Deejay & Dj Miko Twenty-five years of my life And still I'm trying to get…
Mega City Four Hey you what's happening? I just got back yesterday I call…
mom jeans. You, you've got a lot on your plate this week A…
Mon DJ Twenty-five years and my life is still Trying to get up…
Mr Vegas & Elephant Man [Intro: Elephant Man (Mr. Vegas)] Yeah mon!!! Well mi know n…
mr. fowks How Un-gratifying it would be To let go of your Dream How…
Mr. Reece Take a look in the mirror, what do you see? A…
Mr. Rommel Kevin Hernandez How Un-gratifying it would be To let go of your Dream How…
Mr. Vegas & Elephant Man [Intro: Elephant Man (Mr. Vegas)] Yeah mon!!! Well mi know n…
NDX a.k.a I just want to let you know that you're beautiful From…
NEFFEX Yeah, let′s go Yeah I said what's up, what′s up? y'all gon'…
O-Dee Again ooo Bless Dee that again ooo (2X) Salamalekum, you…
Oki's Finest 俺はオキズファインスト 最高な奴に紹介してあげよう Yo my blood pressure is building 俺…
OOZE Twenty-five years and my life is still Trying to get up…
P!nk feat. Linda Perry All of these years and my life is still Just tryin'…
Pete Sheppibone 25 years of my life and still I′m trying to get…
Pink and Linda Perry All of these years and my life is still Just tryin'…
PNC Whats up my friend never saw you with that face i think…
pop-o [Chorus] Can we rock? Yeah, what's up doc? Can we rock? What…
Post Malone Baby what's up? Like what's up? What's up with that, what's…
Post Malone Ft. 1st Baby what's up? Like what's up? What's up with that, wha…
Powered Milk and DJ Miko Twenty-five years of my life And still I'm trying to get…
Quin Flow What's up my boy What's up my g Making a change Feeling s…
R-Truth What's up Stand up and say what's up What's up What's up Wha…
Rage [Wagner, Schmidt] [instrumental] [A quick one to warm your…
Riko & M-Project I'm counting the stars Wherever you are The sky is so calm L…
Rinne Kubotakai asmi & Anatsume 気温ならば22.5℃ (yeah, yeah) 眠たい目と良い天気の予報 (報 yeah) 背伸びから冷蔵庫の横 どの …
Scary Movie Ooh say what, say what, say what Ooh girl you know…
Skales E le le le le le le Its okay I say baby…
Supersuckers What's up with this motherfucking thing' I can't figure it…
T.H. Express Minnesota Mo, tell them what's up Minnesota Mo, tell them wh…
T.I. Aye What's Happenin' All you haters should get at me cause…
the cleverlys Twenty-five years And my life is still Tryin′ to get up That…
The Cooltrane Quartet [feat. Sarah Menescal] Twenty-five years and my life is still Trying to get up…
The Lounge-O-Leers [Chorus] Can we rock? Yeah, what's up doc? Can we rock? What…
Thomas Gold & Alex Kenji Twenty-five years and my life is still Trying to get up…
Tiktak Once upon a time, a boy meets girl Mad in love,…
Tom Mountain Vs. Dj Miko Twenty-five years of my life And still I'm trying to get…
U.T.P. Playas [Verse 1: Skip] U-T-P Its only 5 seconds till' we blow up …
ugly god Thanks Ugly God, thanks Ugly God Thanks Ugly God, thanks Ugl…
Unwoman Twenty-five years and my life is still, Trying to get up…
UTP [Verse 1: Skip] U-T-P Its only 5 seconds till' we blow up …
V $ X V PRiNCE Hey, baby, what's up Не вернуть время назад Я позабуду все а…
Various Artists Twenty - five years and my life is still Trying to…
White Skull 25 years of my life and still I'm trying to…
Willa Amai Twenty-five years and my life is still Trying to get up…
Wolphonics East Coast, Jersey You know how the people try to keep…
Отбивка [50/50] G-Unit (Bo!) We in here (Bo!) We can get the drama…
容祖兒 遇上什么关于爱情都可当话题 若有热恋选举我要直接进入围 陪你每天煲粥我们当然有问题 谈情恋爱自然没力量放低 da di …
張惠妹 哎 大家唱 And I say hey I say hey What is going…
李俊毅 不经意 在人群中发现你 那时记忆 不禁再次回忆起 你脸上的表情 好像感觉很开心 搂着她的手臂 好像比原来更紧 不敢看你太…
王凯琪 25 years of my life and still I'm trying to get…
4 Non Blondes Twenty-five years and my life is still Trying to get up…
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…
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Clara Jackson
I love this song so much
Todd Maas
Never heard this song before....where can I get it? I love it!
JWill95Rare
@Todd Maas https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/whats-up-you-me-feat.-lisa/id733495535 buy it on itunes
JWill95Rare
Thanks Ky! They finally put it on iTunes, too! :)
Firegirlable
This is dope!
MJ16OG7
Left Eye <3 fo'lifeee!
Tanya Holmes
It`s Lefteye what`s up i luv it
illadelph archives90s
where's the 1998 original?
illadelph archives90s
+JWill95Rare naw, i know, i meant where's the original online. it didn't come up on my cell then it did. thx though...
JWill95Rare
+illadelph archives90s her rap is from a song called "What's Up" by Dede O'neal released in 1997.