Kota the Friend - Independent Hip Hop Artist & Producer
FLTBYS Music + Entertainment
Kota the Friend - Independent Hip Hop Artist & Producer
Brooklyn's Kota the Friend, known globally for his independent success, will release his new album on July 30 while continuing his nationwide Just Happy To Be Here Tour. The upcoming project has also inspired him to showcase more of his musical background on stage, where fans are seeing him perform acoustic guitar alongside a live group of musicians for the first time. The release marks another chapter in Kota's independently built career and ongoing connection with audiences across the country.
Kota the Friend Announces New 'Just Happy to Be Here Album', Out July 30, as Tour Takes Fans Behind the Music
NEW YORK, NY — July 22, 2026 — Independent hip-hop artist Kota the Friend will release his highly anticipated new album, Just Happy To Be Here!, on July 30, marking the latest chapter in a career built on artistic independence, ownership, and authentic storytelling.
Released during his nationwide Just Happy To Be Here Tour, the album reflects an appreciation for the present moment and the journey that made it possible. Rather than looking ahead to what's next, the project embraces the idea of being grateful for where you are today,a mindset that has become central to Kota's music, career, and live performances.
Kota stated, “Just Happy To Be Here is an album about embracing vulnerability and being brave enough to allow love into your life. It's also about being grateful for life experiences even when things aren’t working in your favor.”
While the album remains true to the sound that has earned Kota a devoted worldwide following, creating it inspired him to reconnect with the musical roots that first shaped him as an artist. As a result, fans attending the tour are seeing Kota perform acoustic guitar on stage for the first time alongside a live group of musicians. Although the guitar is not featured as part of the album, bringing it into the live show has become a natural extension of the creative spirit behind the project.
Many listeners know Kota as an independent rapper, producer, and songwriter, but fewer realize he is also a trained musician. His first instrument was the trumpet, and he also plays guitar and keyboards, making this evolution of his live performance a personal milestone.
Just Happy To Be Here! also showcases a talented group of collaborators. The album features guest appearances by Loony and Lisa Chiodo, with production from Eeryskies, Powers Pleasant, ORIGAMI, Aja Grant, MAX HE, Bobby Wooten, and Pat Finnerty, each contributing to the album's warm, soulful, and introspective sound.
As one of hip-hop's leading independent artists, Kota the Friend has built a global audience while remaining committed to complete creative control over his music and business. Just Happy To Be Here! continues that journey, offering fans another deeply personal project while celebrating the freedom that comes with creating music on his own terms.
Fans can pre-save the album now and find tour dates and ticket information at KotaTheFriend.com/tour.
About Kota the Friend
Kota the Friend is an independent hip hop artist, producer, songwriter, entrepreneur, and multi-instrumentalist from Brooklyn, New York. Through complete artistic independence, he has built a worldwide fan base while remaining dedicated to creating music that reflects authenticity, growth, and creative freedom. He owns his own merchandise brand, music label and festival-style showcase, all under the FLTBYS brand (pronounced Flight Boys).
Media Contact:
JIG Media PR + Marekting
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SOURCE: FLTBYS Music + Entertainment
