After spending the past year focused on family and simply living life, Brooklyn’s own Kota the Friend returns to the spotlight with a powerful new track — teaming up with Detroit rap heavyweight Big Sean on the emotionally rich single “MICHIGAN.” The record dropped Sunday, April 13, with a video premiere on Billboard, and is now available on all streaming platforms.
Kota the Friend, one of the most important and innovative independent artists of our time, has built a loyal fanbase by moving at his own pace and outside the traditional music industry structure. This new release brings his signature reflective style back to the forefront “MICHIGAN” offers a poetic blend of soul, storytelling, and authenticity — a sonic journey amplified by Big Sean’s heartfelt verse and a stunning visual shot on location in Detroit.
The music video, now live on YouTube, features a special appearance from comedian and actor Dave Merheje, known for his roles in Ramy and Mr. D. The intro sets a cinematic tone, but the heart of the video belongs to Kota and his two children, who appear throughout the mini-film — a moving reminder of the his priorities and the legacy he’s building.
“Shooting the video for ‘MICHIGAN’ in Detroit with my kids was bigger than music — it was about legacy,” said Kota. “It’s about showing them and the world that you can be present, be a parent, and still chase your purpose with intention.”
“MICHIGAN” is the latest release from Kota’s upcoming album, No Rap on Sunday, which is available exclusively on the direct-to-fan platform EVEN.biz. Rather than releasing the full album on streaming platforms, Kota chose to offer fans an immersive, intimate experience — aligning with the album’s theme of disconnection from the noise and reconnection with self.
“The whole No Rap on Sunday movement is about peace in a loud world. It’s about being still, being human,” said Kota. “That’s why I’m keeping it exclusive — I want people to experience the art without the noise, with a clear mind and an open heart.”
Though the full album won’t hit streaming platforms until July 2025, Kota will be releasing select singles over the next four months. “MICHIGAN” is a preview of what’s to come — a deeply personal and creatively ambitious project that blends artistry, authenticity, and real life.
Fans can watch the video now on YouTube, stream the new single across all platforms, and experience the full No Rap on Sunday movement by visiting EVEN.biz/No-Rap-on-Sunday. For more updates from Kota the Friend, visit KotaTheFriend.com.
