Closing Stretch Adds New York Flavor
Independent hip-hop artist Kota the Friend will be joined by violinist, DJ, MC, and producer Phearnone for the closing dates of the No Rap on Sunday Tour. The pair will share the stage in Boston, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia, before a highly anticipated finale in Brooklyn at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on October 16—a night that doubles as Kota’s birthday celebration.
No Rap on Sunday Tour Dates Featuring Phearnone
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October 3 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club
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October 4 – Washington, D.C. – Howard Theatre
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October 8 – Philadelphia, PA – City Winery
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October 16 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg (Tour Finale & Kota’s Birthday)
Tickets: KotaTheFriend.com/Tour
A Creative Partnership Rekindled
This is not the first time Kota and Phearnone have collaborated. The two previously shared the stage at TEDx Portland, merging hip-hop, lyricism, and violin in a standout performance. Their partnership also extends into the studio, with Phearnone contributing to Once In A Blue Moon, the joint album by Kota the Friend and producer Statik Selektah.
Phearnone reflected on their partnership:
“It’s always a blessing when you get to collaborate with an artist you have great synergy with. Having worked with Kota before both in the studio, for his Once In A Blue Moon album, and on stage, I know we’ll be able to cook up something special for the last leg of the tour.”
Phearnone’s Musical Journey
Born Shayshahn MacPherson in The Bronx, Phearnone has built a career that defies musical boundaries. A classically trained violinist, his repertoire spans Classical, Jazz, West African, Hip Hop, Reggae, House, and R&B. By age 12, he was performing at Carnegie Hall, and he later joined Wu-Tang Clan on “The Final Chamber” tour. His resume also includes collaborations with icons such as Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Big Daddy Kane, Roy Ayers, GZA, and Lettuce.
His contributions have been recognized by The Washington Times, and he received an Emmy Award for composition and string performance on Vote.
On working with Kota, Phearnone added:
“Kota and I have a lot in common. We’re both New Yorkers, musicians, lyricists, and independent artists. What I’m most inspired by with Kota is how he’s cracked the code on what success as an independent artist can look like…making music of substance, developing other streams of income, and really connecting with fans. The more we work together, the more I see him navigating the business part of all of this while still maintaining the integrity of the art and being his authentic self.”
Looking Ahead to Brooklyn Finale
Kota the Friend also emphasized the significance of closing the tour with Phearnone:
“Phearnone is one of those rare artists who can move effortlessly across genres and still bring it back home to hip-hop. Having him with me for these last shows makes it even more special.”
Kota added, “We’ve already shared moments that felt bigger than music, from TEDx Portland to the Once In A Blue Moon sessions. Ending this tour together, especially in Brooklyn on my birthday, feels like everything coming full circle. When Phearnone touches the violin, you feel it in your chest. It’s soul, its energy, it’s something different. I can’t wait for fans to experience that live on this tour.”
The No Rap on Sunday Tour has already visited 16 cities, with the final four dates promising an unforgettable conclusion grounded in artistry, independence, and hometown pride.
Tickets are available now at KotaTheFriend.com/Tour.
