Legendary West Coast artist Kokane honors the traditions of Motown and Chess Records by mentoring emerging talent Skitso, bridging the past and future of music.
A Legacy Rooted in Musical Heritage
Kokane – Bud E Boy Music – Press Photo
Kokane, born Jerry B. Long, has long been a cornerstone of West Coast Funk and Hip Hop. With a career spanning decades, his influence on the genre is unmistakable, blending funk, early R&B, and Hip Hop into a sound uniquely his own. As the son of a Motown insider, Kokane’s upbringing was steeped in the traditions of iconic labels like Motown and Chess Records, where legends not only made music but also mentored rising stars. Today, Kokane carries that legacy forward, introducing the world to Skitso, aka TheRealSkitso, an artist, producer, and serial entrepreneur poised to make his mark via a new collaboration entitled “Well Connected,” produced by Skitso and featuring Tha Eastsidaz.
TheRealSkitso: From Buffalo to the World
Born and raised on Buffalo’s East Side, Skitso hails from a city that produced legends like Rick James and Grover Washington Jr. Despite growing up in challenging circumstances, Skitso discovered his passion for music early. Influenced by the likes of DJ Premier, Dr. Dre, and Alchemist, he honed his craft as a producer and lyricist, starting with a Korg ESX-1 beat machine.
Now, as half-owner of Illustrious Music and Illustrious Garments, Skitso is not just a producer but a multifaceted creative force. His partnership with Kokane’s Bud E Boy Entertainment signals a new chapter in his career, where his work is set to reach a global audience.
A Collaboration That Echoes the Past
Kokane has taken a personal interest in Skitso’s development in the spirit of Motown’s tradition of fostering talent. The two recently teamed up on the “Well Connected” track featuring Tha Eastsidaz, which TheRealSkitso produced. The song highlights Skitso’s production prowess while staying true to Kokane’s signature West Coast Funky sound. A cinematic music video accompanies the single, and as mentioned before, it’s not just party music; there’s a message of unity that is manifested in a visual bar at the close of the video…for those from the land, the significance will be more than clear as LEGENDARY shot callers from different sections in the Black and Brown community show up for each other…IFYKYN. If you’re on the outside looking in, I’ll comment that it’s a lesson the political world should learn and employ.
Listen to “Well Connected” below:
The music video filmed by @directed_by_smitty was only released yesterday, December 27th, but it already boasts more than 10k views. It is not a bad introductory outing!
Copyright 2024 © via Illustrious Music / Bud E Boy Entertainment
A Star-Studded Future
Skitso is preparing to release his highly anticipated compilation album, “The Asylum Vol. 1,” set for 2025. The project boasts an all-star lineup, including Kokane, Westside Gunn, Devin the Dude, Tha Eastsidaz, and many more. With every track produced by Skitso, the album promises to showcase his versatility and ability to unite diverse voices under a cohesive sound.
Bridging Generations Through Music
Kokane’s decision to mentor Skitso mirrors the practices of iconic labels like Motown, where seasoned artists nurtured the next generation of talent. By blending his deep roots in Funk and Hip Hop with Skitso’s fresh perspective, Kokane is ensuring that the traditions of innovation and mentorship remain alive.
“I believe in the power of music to connect generations,” Kokane shared. “Skitso’s talent, passion, and dedication remind me of the values that built this industry. It’s an honor to help him bring his vision to life.”
Explore the Music
Follow TheRealSkitso on Instagram: @therealskitso
Visit Kokane’s Bud E Boy Entertainment: www.budeboymusic.com
With Kokane and TheRealSkitso joining forces, the future of Hip Hop and Funk is in capable hands, continuing a legacy of artistry, innovation, and collaboration. We’re excited to bring you more as this story develops…stay tuned!
You can also keep up on the latest from Skitso via our custom Instagram feed below!!!