Kokane Prepares New Album “King Of G-Funk”

THE LEGENDARY KOKANE @KOKANEOFFICIAL

Kokane, also known as Jerry B. Long, Jr., was born in Bronx, New York. When he was still a baby he moved to California, where he was raised in the city of Pomona. Though Kokane had been involved with the West Coast rap scene since the dawn of gangsta rap, Kokane’s life has always included music. He is the son of Motown composer “Jerry B Long, Sr.”, who’s works include; “Just My Imagination” sung by the Temptations, “Still Waters Run Deep (album)”, “Smiling Faces”, “Papa Was A Rolling Stone” & many more.

Kokane’s musical genius stems from the lineage of his father which of whom is one of the great writers/composer/musician for Motown Records. Jerry Jr. had spent a lot of time with him in the studio. At an early age he was engaged in the art of sound, which had led him to embrace his natural talents for music. He began to build his craft & style, listening to the old school funk of the 70’s. During his school years he won numerous talent shows, he was top student in drama club and acted in many plays. Jerry Jr. had found a comfort in performing on stage.

Growing up as kid he dealt with the hardships and social ills of poverty and the life of violence, but continued to stay focused and stay away from trouble. He began his career as a vocalist in the mid-1980s as rap was first appearing in his native Los Angeles before eventually signing to Eazy-E’s Ruthless Records label at the end of 1989. He adopted his stage name “Kokane” which was given to him by his cousin (Hutch aka Cold 187um), of the legendary rap group Above the Law. The name “Kokane” is a representation of how dope & addictive his sound is to the ear.

Kokane’s career had launched at Eazy-E’s Ruthless Records, with him co-writing for N.W.A.’s “Appetite for Destruction” from the album Niggaz4life, where he first introduced one of his character’s “Sweet Talk.” His first album release, Addictive Hip Hop Muzick, in 1991, was credited as “Who Am I?.” “Nickel Slick Nigga,” (first solo single) had appeared on the Deep Cover soundtrack. In addition, to guest-appearing & co-writing for Eazy E’s “It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa,” Kokane also contributed to other West Coast gangsta rap albums such as Above the Law’s “Black Mafia Life” & “Uncle Sam’s Curse,” and much more.

In 1994, Kokane had released his second album, Funk Upon a Rhyme, where he completely revolutionized his style, incorporating a great deal of singing, rapping and packin’ it with the original G Funk (the sound that impacted cultures). His eccentric vocal approach is half fluid rapping and half weird P-funk-influenced singing. Funk Upon A Rhyme had hit Billboard Charts and sold globally, and is now a collectors album selling for $100 or more on Ebay and other internet sites.

Kokane’s sound was so “IN DEMAND,” that by this time, music artist from all over the world had to get a feature from the Legendary Kokane. He left Ruthless right after Eazy-E death. Two years later, Kokane was a free agent. He reappeared in late 1999 with a solo album on Eureka Records, “They Call Me Mr. Kane.” Shortly after, he co-appearance on Dr. Dre’s album 2001 and did heavy collaboration with Snoop Dogg and his album, “The Last Meal,” which Kokane had played a major role in the success on the album.

He has worked with artists such as George Clinton (musician), Bootsy Collins, George Duke & Stanley Clark (The Great Jazz Legends), Larry Blackman (Cameo), Above The Law, N.W.A., Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Tha Eastsidaz, Cypress Hill, E-40, Nipsey Hussle, P Diddy & Busta Rhymes, and many many more.

Among Kokane’s many works, it includes soundtracks for films such as: Training Day, Menace II Society, Malibu’s Most Wanted, Deep Cover, Love and a Bullet, Undercover Brother, True Crimes (video games) and Sport Media. His filmography includes the movie “Old School” with Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, & Luke Wilson, to name a few.

Kokane signed to Koch Records forming a new group The Hood Mob. It is led by him joined by Cricet and Contraband. They released an album on July 3, 2006. Kokane continued to collaborate, setting up his platform and contributing to other artist’s album success in the music industry.

Due to the misconception of his stage name, Kokane ran into some road blocks in the music industry as far as not being able expand more commercially in the U.S., but ironically, (like other major recording artist) he never had a problem overseas. His passion for music did not allow his circumstances to overcome him. He had to work twice as hard in the music industry, finding a safe-haven through guest appearances on gold & platinum records.

Through the transition of his career & its pitfalls; the artist known as “Kokane” went into a short isolation period to where it allowed him to have atonement for himself and take care of his beautiful wife & eight wonderful children (four boys & four girls) to redirect his steps towards the Lord.

Currently Jerry B. Long aka Kokane (Owner/CEO) has his own independent record label called Bud E Boy Entertainment distribution through The Orchard/SONY a (full service record label). along with his wife Alicia Long (Vice President) Kokane latest albums; “Kokane’s 24th Anniversary” and “Shut Da F Up & Cut Da Checc” which is now available on Itunes & other online music stores. Kokane’s “Shut Da F Up & Cut Da Checc album includes appearances from Busta Rhymes, Kurupt, Daz, Richie Rich, B-Legit, Mac Lucci, Aanisah Long (his daughter), Big Hutch (Above The Law) & more. Stay tuned for more exciting newz, updates, & upcoming projects from Kokane & his Bud E Boy Entertainment record label!

INFLUENCES: Jerry B. Long Sr, Rick James, George Clington, Rakim, Chuck D, Bob Marley

About Doc Herbalist 299 Articles
Hey, I'm Doc Herbalist and I'm the Online Editor-in-Chief as well as the web developer and designer here at One West Magazine. I hope you enjoy the online magazine articles and website that I've put together for your reading pleasure. Peace and Love. ~DoC

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