Kota the Friend Drops
'Local Art Dealer Vol.1'

Brooklyn, NY — Independent hip hop artist Kota the Friend, in partnership with FLTBYS (Flight Boys) Music, officially releases his new album Local Art Dealer, Vol. 1 on March 25 on all streaming platforms. The 10-track project brings together artists across disciplines, reinforcing Kota’s commitment to independence and community-driven creativity.

Local Art Dealer, Vol. 1 is built on a powerful concept—turning the phrase “local art dealer” into a celebration of neighborhood artistry. Each track features local collaborators, from producers and engineers to vocalists, emphasizing that the foundation of culture starts within the community.

Raised in Brooklyn’s Clinton Hill neighborhood, a longtime home to artists and creatives, Kota continues to draw inspiration from his surroundings. That influence is reflected in his FLTBYS showroom in DUMBO, Brooklyn, where he creates music immersed in visual art and fashion.

“This project is about ownership, creativity, and community,” said Kota the Friend. “When I say Local Art Dealer, I’m talking about the people around me—the artists, the creators, the ones building something real without waiting for permission. We’re the culture, and we’re keeping it independent.”

The album also marks a return to Kota’s musical roots, as he incorporates trumpet playing on select tracks—an element he recently reintroduced during live performances.

“I picked the trumpet back up because it’s a part of who I am musically,” Kota added. “It felt right to bring that sound into this project and share another layer of my artistry with the fans.”

Kota has been showcasing this evolution during his residency at Blue Note, where he performed trumpet live on stage for the first time since launching his rap career. He has additional shows remaining in both New York City and Los Angeles. 

Ahead of the full release, Kota dropped two singles last month, giving fans an early introduction to the project’s sound and direction. Now complete, Local Art Dealer, Vol. 1 represents a full-circle moment, blending his musical roots with his independent vision. Before its wide release, the full album was made available early on the EVEN.biz platform to thousands of Kota’s most dedicated fans, many of whom have supported him since the beginning of his career. The album is now available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify.

“At the end of the day, this is about showing what’s possible when you stay true to your vision,” said Kota. “No shortcuts, no compromises—just real art from real people.”

About Kota the Friend

Kota the Friend is a Brooklyn-born independent artist, producer, and entrepreneur known for his introspective lyrics, soulful production, and direct-to-fan approach. As the founder of FLTBYS (Flight Boys), Kota has built a fully independent ecosystem spanning music, fashion, and visual art. His work consistently emphasizes ownership, creative freedom, and community, earning him a dedicated global fanbase without relying on traditional major label systems. Through projects like Local Art Dealer, Vol. 1, Kota continues to push the boundaries of independent artistry while staying rooted in the culture and neighborhoods that shaped him.

Media Contact

Wayne Jordan
SVP, JIG Media
[email protected]