Dillon Cooper

Dillon Cooper, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, developed an early connection to music through his parents; his father is a guitar player and reggae DJ from London, and his mother is an entertainment journalist and former VJ for a public-access reggae show. He received his first guitar at age seven and later attended his first concert, featuring Eminem and 50 Cent, with his mother. Cooper’s initial musical focus was on guitar, leading him to study at the Berklee College of Music in Boston on a partial scholarship from Jay-Z’s Shawn Carter Foundation. During his time studying guitar, he began to immerse himself in hip-hop, learning to rap and developing his own musical style.

After facing academic probation and losing his scholarship, Cooper turned his attention fully to crafting his own beats and rhymes. This period led to the self-release of his debut mixtape, “Cozmik,” in June, marking his formal entry into the hip-hop scene. “Cozmik” featured lyrical content with pop-culture references from his childhood and beats reminiscent of 90s-era New York City rap, combined with modern production techniques. Cooper became associated with New York’s “Beast Coast” movement, a group of artists including Joey Bada$$ known for their lyrical abilities and blend of 90s influences with contemporary elements.

Cooper’s career has included collaborations within the action sports community and music contributions to projects like “BE Inspired” by Henrik Harlaut and Phil Casabon, and “In The Meantime” from Tanner Hall. He has also been a long-standing member of the AR Family, associated with Armada Skis for 10 years, where he not only contributes musically but also helps build the brand’s culture and future. His ongoing work includes crafting an EP that aims to explore a wider range of his musical interests, including jazz and R&B, and showcase his guitar skills.