Brooklyn’s musical diversity takes center stage this week with the release of Hello, a boundary-pushing new single that brings together two of the rap world’s most contrasting and talented voices — introspective indie rapper Kota the Friend and drill heavyweight Fivio Foreign.
Dropped today for New Music Friday, the track is now streaming across all major platforms, offering fans a fresh preview of Kota’s upcoming album No Rap on Sunday, which is set for full release in late June.
This is not just a Brooklyn collaboration, it is the kind of genre-bending record the rap industry needed — showing that when artistry leads, styles that seem worlds apart can meet to create undeniable hits.
When Mellow Meets Drill, Magic Happens
While Kota’s laid-back, jazz-infused style and Fivio’s explosive drill energy represent opposite ends of the hip-hop spectrum, Hello proves that great music knows no boundaries.
Their shared borough roots with Kota from Clinton Hill and Fivio from Fort Greene and East Flatbush, ground the track in a mutual respect that comes through in every verse and hook. The record feels like a musical dialogue, bridging both the borough and the culture itself.
“It made sense,” Kota said in a press release. “We are both from Brooklyn, and I think the contrast in our styles makes the song that much more interesting. I am hoping Fivio gets out soon so he can get back on his grind and keep making music. Brooklyn needs that.”
King Kota Brings a Generational Twist
Adding to the unique chemistry of Hello is its opening verse, performed by Kota’s 8-year-old son, recording under the name King Kota.
His playful, confident delivery injects a layer of generational energy that underscores one of the track’s deeper messages that hip-hop’s ability to evolve and connect across eras and sounds is its greatest strength.
A Glimpse Into No Rap on Sunday
Hello is the third single released from No Rap on Sunday, following Michigan featuring Big Sean and Cozy Girls featuring Liana Bank$.
The full album is already available exclusively on EVEN.biz, where Kota has embraced a direct-to-fan model designed to foster independence and genuine artist-audience connection. The project will become widely available on all major streaming platforms in late June or early July.
Visuals Arriving June 9
Fans eager for the visual story behind Hello will not have to wait long — the official music video is set to premiere Monday, June 9. The video promises to deliver the same raw authenticity and cross-genre energy that make the song a standout moment for both artists.
A Blueprint for Collaboration in Rap
As Brooklyn’s music scene continues to evolve, Hello serves as an important reminder for the wider rap industry — innovation happens when artists are willing to step outside of their lanes and trust the power of collaboration.
Jazz and drill may come from different corners of the culture, but in the hands of Kota the Friend and Fivio Foreign, they come together seamlessly, proving that true talent transcends style.
This is exactly the kind of collaboration hip-hop needs more of — and it is born, fittingly, right in the heart of Brooklyn.
News shared via Kota the Friend’s Newsroom on NYC Newswire