The title of Kofi Stone's latest project is both a message to the masses and a personal mantra: Nobody Cares Till Everyone Does. With his undeniable lyrical prowess and distinctive tone, Kofi stands out in the saturated and often uniform UK rap scene. Known as the 'Mayor of Brum’, he brings an aura that seamlessly blends his mellow cadence with a carefully crafted aesthetic, from creative direction in visuals to album artwork and rollout strategies. His involvement in every detail is a testament to his dedication to delivering the full Kofi Stone experience.
Since his album release in 2019, Kofi has sporadically released features and singles, collaborating with artists like Sam Wills on Sweet Distraction and Lizzie Berchie on Pass Time. However, 2024 marked a significant shift with the release of five tracks in quick succession, including May Sound Crazy, featuring the late, great Benjamin Zephaniah. This burst of activity hints at an electrifying new project, signalling his anticipated return.
Reflecting on his five year break, Kofi shared, “I released Nobody Cares in December, 2019. Then we spearheaded into COVID in early 2020. I spent 2020 trying to make the second project, but I didn’t release it because I wasn’t confident in it.” This period of uncertainty and the subsequent decision to withhold his work underscores Kofi's commitment to his art. He elaborates, “The sound of that project took things in a different direction, which could have been quite refreshing.”
Kofi’s hiatus may have been birthed by self-doubt but much like the positive messages that permeate through his music, the break became an opportunity for growth and progression. His faith played a significant role during this time. “My faith grew, my understanding of how things work deepened, and I started to integrate these insights into my music while remaining true to myself,” he explains.
Balancing faith and artistry can be complex for many artists. The Birmingham-born rapper admits, “At first, it was conflicting. But I realised we’re not called to be perfect. My story, with its ups and downs, needs to be told.” This newfound equilibrium is subtly woven into his recent work. “In my new stuff, it’s more subtle moments. It’s honest and genuine.” The new release, King David Flow, is a prime example of the sands he treads between music and faith. After boldly declaring his name over a old skool hip-hop inspired beat, he states “came up in the game, God bless my entry”. Although it has never been a topic Stone has shied away from, the confidence in his abilities have only strengthened with his spiritual walk.
Touring during this transformative period also provided another layer of validation and connection with his audience. “People were quite engaged, especially with the deeper songs,” Kofi notes. Despite having a catalogue of songs that could be described as ‘conscious’ and ‘inspiring’ in content, the vibe is one that translates well to concert crowds. The live performances allowed him to see firsthand the impact of his music. Where many attend shows to dance, sway or to soak in the sounds, the common thread is a sense of belonging and escapism. “The most important thing is that people leave not feeling alone and wanting to be better.”
Kofi's selective approach to collaborations further highlights his strategic mindset. “I like working with lesser-known artists to shine a light on them. There’s so much talent that goes under the radar.” This philosophy aligns with his desire to create a broader platform for diverse voices within the industry that many minds share but don’t always act upon.
His latest project, “Nobody Cares Till Everyone Does,” encapsulates his journey. The title track was crafted towards the end of the project and symbolises the struggle for recognition and validation. “I wanted to capture the energy of busking in Birmingham City Centre, where people might overlook you until they realise your value,” Kofi explains. This sentiment is deeply personal, reflecting his experiences in an industry that often feels London-centric.
It’s no secret that attention tends to gravitate towards artists from the capital. It usually causes musicians from other parts of the country to take one of two routes: move to London in hopes of garnering more support or to focus on the homegrown love they have already cultivated. Although choosing the latter option may be viewed as more honourable and valiant, it definitely comes with more obstacles.
Despite the challenges, Kofi’s perspective remains optimistic. “Thank God, there’s been a lot of growth and visibility since then. That project changed a lot for me, bringing me to the forefront.” He continues to represent Birmingham and raise its status domestically, hoping to bolster the already fervent creative movement within the city.
Summarising the project in three words, Kofi chooses “thought-provoking, introspective, and honest.” For him, the track Frozen Hearts stands out as it embodies strength, resilience, and the journey of toughening oneself. “It speaks about the journey the most, the challenges, and has a positive spin on it.”
As Kofi Stone re-emerges on the scene, his message remains clear: persistence, authenticity, and resilience will eventually garner the recognition deserved. His journey is a testament to the power of staying true to oneself, even when the path is fraught with obstacles. “The main message is compassion and kindness for humanity,” he concludes, hoping to inspire his audience to strive for better.
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