Kota the Friend to Perform
2 Days at Blue Note NYC

New York, NY — November 19, 2025 — Fresh off his acclaimed 20-city No Rap on Sunday tour, Brooklyn-born artist Kota the Friend will take the stage at one of the most iconic venues in music history — The Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City — for two unforgettable nights on December 2 and 3, 2025. Fans can expect a rare, intimate experience as Kota performs with a full live band, showcasing both his lyrical mastery and his deep musical roots. Tickets are available now at Ticketweb.

A Historic Stage for a Modern Independent Star

Since opening in 1981, The Blue Note has hosted some of the greatest musicians of all time — from Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock to Stevie Wonder and Erykah Badu. Artists who had long stopped performing in jazz clubs, such as Sarah Vaughan, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Stanley Turrentine, Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown, and Tito Puente,soon called the Blue Note home. The venue has remained a cornerstone of New York’s cultural and musical landscape, preserving the history of jazz while encouraging innovation and progression, the same qualities that define Kota’s artistic journey. The Blue Note regularly features the world’s top musicians, including Robert Glasper, Pat Metheny, Christian McBride, Joshua Redman, Ron Carter, and Chris Botti, while continuing to introduce emerging jazz, soul, hip-hop, R&B, and funk artists.

For Kota, performing at this storied Greenwich Village club is more than just another show; it’s a full-circle moment that connects his independent hip-hop artistry to a deep legacy of musicianship.

“The Blue Note has hosted some of the greatest musicians ever, so stepping onto that stage is an honor.,” said Kota. “I’ve always respected the musicians who came before me, the ones who made the music that shaped my sound. To share my art in a space built on that legacy means everything.”

The Musicianship Behind the Music

While most know Kota the Friend as a gifted rapper, producer, and storyteller, few realize that he’s also a formally trained musician and instrumentalist, with roots in classical trumpet and jazz theory. Before his breakout projects Lyrics to Go and Foto, Kota studied music and composition, developing an ear for tone, harmony, and live instrumentation that continues to define his sound today. These upcoming performances will celebrate that foundation, offering fans reimagined versions of his most beloved tracks performed with a full band. It’s a rare chance to experience Kota’s catalog, from the introspective Colorado to the uplifting Good Friday, in a space that amplifies every note, every lyric, and every emotion.

Continuing a Trailblazing Independent Journey

Kota the Friend’s career has been built on independence, authenticity, and creative freedom. As the founder of FLTBYS (Flight Boys), his creative collective and lifestyle brand — he’s forged his own path without ever signing to a major label, maintaining ownership of his music and message. His recent No Rap on Sunday tour reinforced his position as one of the most consistent and self-made artists of his generation, connecting with fans across North America before returning home to close out the year at one of the most respected venues in the world.

Event Details

What: Kota the Friend Live with Band
When: December 2–3, 2025
Where: The Blue Note Jazz Club, New York City
Tickets: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/kota-the-friend-with-live-blue-note-jazz-club-tickets/14663733

About Kota the Friend

Kota the Friend is an independent hip hop artist, producer, and musician from Brooklyn, NY. Known for his introspective lyrics, soulful sound, and self-reliant approach, he’s released acclaimed projects including Foto, Lyrics to Go, Everythingand most recently No Rap on Sunday. Through his FLTBYS brand, Kota has cultivated a global community built on positivity, self-love, and artistic independence.