Brooklyn, NY – Independent hip-hop powerhouse Kota the Friend is taking artistic and business independence to the next level with the exclusive release of his highly anticipated album, ‘No Rap on Sunday,’ launching only on the EVEN platform before its full DSP release in July.
Big Sean, Fivio Foreign, and Vic Mensa, ‘No Rap on Sunday’ is more than just an album drop—it’s a game-changing moment for independent artists, proving that ownership and direct-to-fan engagement are the future of music.
Other artists release music on the EVEN platform before it hits DSPs like Spotify and Apple Music, but only for a short window. Kota the Friend is breaking that mold, leaving No Rap on Sunday on EVEN for 4 months—the longest any artist has kept their music exclusive to the platform before streaming.
“I’m leaving No Rap on Sunday on EVEN longer because I believe in giving my hardcore supporters something special—first and direct,” Kota said. “Most platforms don’t let us truly know who our fans are. We drop music and get general data about where listeners are tuning in from, but we don’t actually know who they are. That makes it hard to build a real connection. There’s always some company in the middle—whether it’s a label, a digital platform, or a ticketing service—dictating how artists can move. Those days are numbered. With EVEN, I know exactly who’s supporting me, and I can connect with them directly through email or text. This isn’t just about exclusivity—it’s about ownership, community, and creating something sustainable. I want to show independent artists there’s another way. This is the future, especially for those of us who want to know our fans personally.”
Through EVEN, fans will get early access to the album, along with options of limited-edition merch, an exclusive ‘No Rap on Sunday’ signed vinyl, Kota’s customized travel bag (designed by Kota based on his needs for travelling), VIP tickets to his 20 city U.S. tour, which kicks off in September 2025 and direct chats and discussions with Kota.
“Kota the Friend joined EVEN in our Beta days, and welcoming him back is special. He’s always led conversations around ownership and genuine fan connection—exactly what EVEN stands for”, stated EVEN CEO, Mag Rodriguez.
Kota explained the meaning behind the album title and its Sunday release, saying, “No Rap On Sunday is about holding on to values that promote growth. It’s a mindset that aligns perfectly with being an independent artist. Choosing independence is like refusing to sell grandma’s house—it’s about preserving what matters. No Rap On Sunday represents a value system, a reminder that this journey isn’t just about me. We thrive because of these principles. And even if mainstream culture isn’t pushing these values right now, there are still people living by that sacred code.”
Early exclusive access to the full album will be available Sunday March 30, 2025. You can go to this link to get notified when the album is released.
Redefining Independence in Hip-Hop
Kota the Friend has been a trailblazer in the independent music space, thriving in a streaming-dominated industry without signing to a major label. Now, he’s doubling down on his independence by putting his music directly in the hands of his supporters in a way that’s more interactive and rewarding for both the artist and the fans.
“This isn’t just about dropping an album,” says Kota. “It’s about creating a new business model for independent artists to thrive. We don’t have to wait for permission. We can own our music, control our rollout, and make sure our hardcore fans get the best experience possible.”
A Strategic Release Rollout
- ‘No Rap on Sunday’ will be accessed exclusively on EVEN until July 2025.
- Leading up to the full release on DSPs like Spotify and Apple Music, Kota will strategically drop select singles on major streaming platforms.
- Fans who support the album through EVEN will receive first access to Kota’s tour, exclusive merch, and direct engagement opportunities.
This move further solidifies Kota the Friend’s role as a leader in reshaping the independent artist business model, proving that artists can control their own destiny while staying connected to the people who matter most—the fans.
For more details on the album and to secure early access, visit Kota on EVEN.
