Kojaque is an Irish rapper, record producer, visual artist, and filmmaker known for his unique blend of hip-hop and jazz rap. After receiving the prestigious RHA Student Graduate Award in 2017 for his fine art contributions, Kojaque (Kevin Smith) has carved out a distinctive career as a multifaceted Irish rapper, record producer, visual artist, and filmmaker. His active music career commenced in 2015 with the release of his first single, ‘Midnight Flower,’ which garnered significant attention for its innovative accompanying music video. This was quickly followed by his 2016 mixtape, ‘Sunday Roast,’ further solidifying his presence in the hip-hop scene.
Throughout these projects, Kojaque consistently integrated his background in visual arts and filmmaking, creating a cohesive multimedia experience. Kojaque continued his prolific output with the 2023 release of his album ‘Phantom of the Afters.’ This critically lauded project featured notable collaborations with artists such as Biig Piig, Wiki, Charlotte Dos Santos, and Gotts Street Park. ‘Phantom of the Afters’ explored complex themes including childhood trauma, depression, grief, and immigrant identity, earning Kojaque his third consecutive Choice Music Prize nomination. His work is consistently characterized by its unique blend of sampling, intricate jazz beats, and deeply socially conscious lyrics, setting him apart in the contemporary music landscape.
As a versatile and impactful artist, Kojaque’s consistent critical recognition, marked by multiple Choice Music Prize nominations across his discography, underscores his marketability. He continues to blend his skills as a rapper, producer, visual artist, and filmmaker to deliver compelling and thought-provoking projects, demonstrating a rare synthesis of creative talents in the industry.