A storyteller through and through, the Southside Atlanta native moves through music, visual art, and community-building with a clarity that’s as rare as it is refreshing.

“I make music that blends storytelling with soul and Southside bars,” she tells Black Sound Wave. “The folks I attract are creative, passionate, and driven… hustlers with empathy.”

“I make music that blends storytelling with soul and Southside bars,” she tells Black Sound Wave. “The folks I attract are creative, passionate, and driven… hustlers with empathy.”

As we move through the month of August, we continue to celebrate the voices of hip hop today during the 52nd anniversary of the genre. We also spotlight Black Business Month, where entrepreneurs are making money moves in an ever-evolving economy. Cooley embodies the essence of both by turning her art into a profitable platform.

As we move through the month of August, we continue to celebrate the voices of hip hop today during the 52nd anniversary of the genre. We also spotlight Black Business Month, where entrepreneurs are making money moves in an ever-evolving economy. Cooley embodies the essence of both by turning her art into a profitable platform.

Cooley’s artistry is rooted in self-definition and ownership, driven not only by her neo-soul/hip-hop fusion sound but also by her behind-the-scenes work as a creative agency owner, educator, and advocate.

Cooley’s artistry is rooted in self-definition and ownership, driven not only by her neo-soul/hip-hop fusion sound but also by her behind-the-scenes work as a creative agency owner, educator, and advocate.

“I own a creative agency called ELEV8ED,” she says. “Outside of marketing services, we host an 8-week Music Marketing Cohort for independent artists. Translating my ad industry knowledge into a language musicians understand has been a really great, unexpected avenue.”

“I own a creative agency called ELEV8ED,” she says. “Outside of marketing services, we host an 8-week Music Marketing Cohort for independent artists. Translating my ad industry knowledge into a language musicians understand has been a really great, unexpected avenue.”

Raised in a home where creativity and practicality often clashed, Cooley still found a way to carve out space for her art while navigating personal upheaval. From being kicked out of her parents’ house, unemployment, and supporting her partner through a federal prison sentence, the story is deeply layered and influences the sound of King Cooley. Out of that fire came music like “Climate Change,” a track that unexpectedly launched her onto Spotify’s radar.

Raised in a home where creativity and practicality often clashed, Cooley still found a way to carve out space for her art while navigating personal upheaval. From being kicked out of her parents’ house, unemployment, and supporting her partner through a federal prison sentence, the story is deeply layered and influences the sound of King Cooley. Out of that fire came music like “Climate Change,” a track that unexpectedly launched her onto Spotify’s radar.

“I was fine with getting 1,000 plays on SoundCloud,” she remembers. “Next thing I knew, Spotify Editorial and A&Rs were emailing me.”

“I was fine with getting 1,000 plays on SoundCloud,” she remembers. “Next thing I knew, Spotify Editorial and A&Rs were emailing me.”

Cooley’s reverence for hip hop runs deep.

Cooley’s reverence for hip hop runs deep.

“If the Blues narrates Black emotion, and R&B narrates Black love, then hip hop is a narration of Black excellence,” she proclaims. “It’s resistance — past and present.”

“If the Blues narrates Black emotion, and R&B narrates Black love, then hip hop is a narration of Black excellence,” she proclaims. “It’s resistance — past and present.”

Her list of influences ranges from Jay-Z, Nipsey Hussle, Lauryn Hill, Mos Def, to André 3000. It reads like a syllabus.

Her list of influences ranges from Jay-Z, Nipsey Hussle, Lauryn Hill, Mos Def, to André 3000. It reads like a syllabus.

“Jay and Nipsey laid out my blueprint. Lauryn taught me how to get a point across directly. André is my art teacher,” Cooley adds.

“Jay and Nipsey laid out my blueprint. Lauryn taught me how to get a point across directly. André is my art teacher,” Cooley adds.

That balance between business and spirit makes her a standout in a saturated landscape.

That balance between business and spirit makes her a standout in a saturated landscape.

“Releasing more intentionally has been the most innovative thing I’ve done,” she shares. “I’m not chasing any dangling carrots. I just follow my instincts.”

“Releasing more intentionally has been the most innovative thing I’ve done,” she shares. “I’m not chasing any dangling carrots. I just follow my instincts.”

And those instincts have led to some pretty big moments for Cooley: Netflix placements on Forever, syncs on BET’s Sistas and Love Is Blind, and performances from Coca-Cola HQ to WarnerMedia — all affirming what Cooley always knew: the art speaks for itself when the story is honest.

And those instincts have led to some pretty big moments for Cooley: Netflix placements on Forever, syncs on BET’s Sistas and Love Is Blind, and performances from Coca-Cola HQ to WarnerMedia — all affirming what Cooley always knew: the art speaks for itself when the story is honest.

“To headline a sold-out show in Brooklyn… to get emails from folks in Osaka and Rio de Janeiro… I just feel super blessed,” she adds.

“To headline a sold-out show in Brooklyn… to get emails from folks in Osaka and Rio de Janeiro… I just feel super blessed,” she adds.

The giving spirit also runs through Cooley’s work like a bassline. From mentoring students to co-curating city-sponsored artist panels, her service is her strategy.

The giving spirit also runs through Cooley’s work like a bassline. From mentoring students to co-curating city-sponsored artist panels, her service is her strategy.

“Anything supporting the youth gets a ‘yes’ from me,” she says. “I think creating spaces like that is where I serve best.”

“Anything supporting the youth gets a ‘yes’ from me,” she says. “I think creating spaces like that is where I serve best.”

And even as the industry shifts, Cooley remains anchored in authenticity. “My lane is in experiential design,” she says. “People know when they come to a Cooley show or a King Cooley release, they’re getting more than something to stream.”

And even as the industry shifts, Cooley remains anchored in authenticity. “My lane is in experiential design,” she says. “People know when they come to a Cooley show or a King Cooley release, they’re getting more than something to stream.”

Right now, she’s wrapping a new project called KILN, born from a year of loss, introspection, and renewal.

Right now, she’s wrapping a new project called KILN, born from a year of loss, introspection, and renewal.

“I haven’t shared anything as personal as this before,” she admits. “But I can tell my apprehension is a good sign.”

“I haven’t shared anything as personal as this before,” she admits. “But I can tell my apprehension is a good sign.”

For King Cooley, the fire within hasn’t just forged the music — it’s shaped the movement.

For King Cooley, the fire within hasn’t just forged the music — it’s shaped the movement.

“You don’t need permission to lead,” she says. “You don’t need permission to shine. Keep blinding them folks.”

“You don’t need permission to lead,” she says. “You don’t need permission to shine. Keep blinding them folks.”

That’s exactly what King Cooley continues to do with her creative journey. She leads with a bright light and a turbulent wave that doesn’t ask for permission to take up space.

That’s exactly what King Cooley continues to do with her creative journey. She leads with a bright light and a turbulent wave that doesn’t ask for permission to take up space.

Be sure to follow her journey here. 

Be sure to follow her journey here. 

Fatherhood shows up in more ways than one. Whether it’s giving good advice, being present at every show, or occasionally dropping offbeat “dad jokes” in the most unserious of times, it’s the kind of wisdom that runs deep and leaves a long-lasting impact for the moments we never knew we would need it.

In music, fatherhood stretches far beyond biology though, it shows up in the way artists mentor, nurture talent, and model what it looks like to lead with compassion and discipline. These men have more than lyrics or production credits, but they provide guidance, strategy, and a blueprint for how to stay solid in an ever-changing industry. 

In music, fatherhood stretches far beyond biology though, it shows up in the way artists mentor, nurture talent, and model what it looks like to lead with compassion and discipline. These men have more than lyrics or production credits, but they provide guidance, strategy, and a blueprint for how to stay solid in an ever-changing industry. 

That kind of mentorship has long been the heartbeat of music. Before accolades or headlining moments, there’s often a quiet presence in the background, a more seasoned artist lending advice, studio time, or a consistent voice. Some are literal fathers. Others have taken on the role without sharing blood. Either way, they’ve chosen to show up with purpose.

That kind of mentorship has long been the heartbeat of music. Before accolades or headlining moments, there’s often a quiet presence in the background, a more seasoned artist lending advice, studio time, or a consistent voice. Some are literal fathers. Others have taken on the role without sharing blood. Either way, they’ve chosen to show up with purpose.

in honor of Father’s Day, we’re showing love to the men who embody just that. The ones who selflessly put in the work, move with intention, and pour into the next generation in order to leave a legacy that surpasses far more than music. 

in honor of Father’s Day, we’re showing love to the men who embody just that. The ones who selflessly put in the work, move with intention, and pour into the next generation in order to leave a legacy that surpasses far more than music. 

Take a look at these artists who’ve paved the way for others and enjoy our short Father’s Day playlist to put in rotation while you’re celebrating Dad at the function. 

Take a look at these artists who’ve paved the way for others and enjoy our short Father’s Day playlist to put in rotation while you’re celebrating Dad at the function. 

Jay-Z 

Jay-Z 

Whether he’s standing in awe as his daughters effortlessly command the stage with family appearances on world tours or strategizing with their mother behind the scenes,  Jay-Z’s influence on fatherhood runs deep and stretches outside his own home or sold-out stadiums. Sean Carter’s mentorship track record has shaped some of the most important voices in modern hip-hop. His influence has overflowed into various generations of artists through moves like signing and supporting J. Cole’s under Roc Nation after he famously waited outside the offices with a demo CD. HOV has consistently invested in Black talent offering up the resources, vision, and space to grow. 

Whether he’s standing in awe as his daughters effortlessly command the stage with family appearances on world tours or strategizing with their mother behind the scenes,  Jay-Z’s influence on fatherhood runs deep and stretches outside his own home or sold-out stadiums. Sean Carter’s mentorship track record has shaped some of the most important voices in modern hip-hop. His influence has overflowed into various generations of artists through moves like signing and supporting J. Cole’s under Roc Nation after he famously waited outside the offices with a demo CD. HOV has consistently invested in Black talent offering up the resources, vision, and space to grow. 

It doesn’t stop at artists.  Jay’s influence also shows up with how he’s championed figures like Rihanna or Lebron James in business ventures. And through platforms like Tidal and Roc Nation School of Music, he’s built up an infrastructure that shows Black creatives how to make moves in ownership and long-term vision. 

It doesn’t stop at artists.  Jay’s influence also shows up with how he’s championed figures like Rihanna or Lebron James in business ventures. And through platforms like Tidal and Roc Nation School of Music, he’s built up an infrastructure that shows Black creatives how to make moves in ownership and long-term vision. 

He’s handed out game on how to evolve from talent to boss and that’s why we’ll forever give our boy Jay his flowers for the impact he’s had on the culture. 

He’s handed out game on how to evolve from talent to boss and that’s why we’ll forever give our boy Jay his flowers for the impact he’s had on the culture. 

Add this  to your playlist: 

Add this  to your playlist: 

“Glory” – Jay-Z: A vulnerable tribute to fatherhood, written for his daughter Blue Ivy. 

“Glory” – Jay-Z: A vulnerable tribute to fatherhood, written for his daughter Blue Ivy. 

J. Cole 

J. Cole 

Cole has always been the type to let the work speak for itself. But when it comes to mentoring the next generation, J. Cole’s never been quiet about showing up. 

Cole has always been the type to let the work speak for itself. But when it comes to mentoring the next generation, J. Cole’s never been quiet about showing up. 

Founder of the label Dreamville and father of two sons with his wife Melissa Meholt, Cole didn’t just build space for artists to record, but created a family. Artists like JID, Ari Lennox, and EarthGang have all spoken highly of the space he’s created for creative freedom, support, and real growth. His line on Summer Walker’s song “To Summer, From Cole” is a small but powerful testament of that presence: “If you ever need somethin from me, don’t hesitate, please.”

Founder of the label Dreamville and father of two sons with his wife Melissa Meholt, Cole didn’t just build space for artists to record, but created a family. Artists like JID, Ari Lennox, and EarthGang have all spoken highly of the space he’s created for creative freedom, support, and real growth. His line on Summer Walker’s song “To Summer, From Cole” is a small but powerful testament of that presence: “If you ever need somethin from me, don’t hesitate, please.”

Even in his own lyrics, Cole often wrestles with legacy and the responsibility that comes with it. His journey from rising star to grounded mentor reflects someone who doesn’t just want to succeed, but wants to leave something behind for others to build on.

Even in his own lyrics, Cole often wrestles with legacy and the responsibility that comes with it. His journey from rising star to grounded mentor reflects someone who doesn’t just want to succeed, but wants to leave something behind for others to build on.

Add this to your playlist: 

Add this to your playlist: 

“Love Yourz” – J. Cole: A manifesto to appreciate what you have and cherish the journey.

“Love Yourz” – J. Cole: A manifesto to appreciate what you have and cherish the journey.

Andre 3000 

Andre 3000 

Andre 3000 is one of Hip Hop’s most prolific lyricists and performers. The diverse musical giant is a prime example of the limitless capabilities one can reach when they employ all their talents. It is that exact execution that has been an influence for the last three decades. Whether Dre is emerging as a grammy nominated flute player, sparking ripple effects across peers like Juicy J and his jazz album, or dismantling fashion norms.

Andre 3000 is one of Hip Hop’s most prolific lyricists and performers. The diverse musical giant is a prime example of the limitless capabilities one can reach when they employ all their talents. It is that exact execution that has been an influence for the last three decades. Whether Dre is emerging as a grammy nominated flute player, sparking ripple effects across peers like Juicy J and his jazz album, or dismantling fashion norms.

The mastermind poet has maintained an unwavering relevance and impact amongst younger generations like that of Akeem Ali, and nearly stops time whenever he lends his genius to as a feature on an artists track. His is a Southernplayalistic Gentleman that undeniable has been positioned as a father of the Atlien sound that has taken over the world relentlessly.

The mastermind poet has maintained an unwavering relevance and impact amongst younger generations like that of Akeem Ali, and nearly stops time whenever he lends his genius to as a feature on an artists track. His is a Southernplayalistic Gentleman that undeniable has been positioned as a father of the Atlien sound that has taken over the world relentlessly.

Add this to your playlist: 

Add this to your playlist: 

“Vibrate.” – Andre 3000: A synthesized masterpiece melodically expressing the value of mental elevation.

“Vibrate.” – Andre 3000: A synthesized masterpiece melodically expressing the value of mental elevation.

Quincy Jones 

Quincy Jones 

Quincy Jones was a true icon in music–a producer, composer, arranger, and mentor whose work shaped modern sound across genres. As a father, he understood legacy deeply in music culture. Quincy’s career highlights include an impressive discography: Working with big names like Frank Sinatra, producing Michael Jackson’s legendary albums like Thriller, or composing film scores for classics like “The Wiz” or “The Color Purple.” 

Quincy Jones was a true icon in music–a producer, composer, arranger, and mentor whose work shaped modern sound across genres. As a father, he understood legacy deeply in music culture. Quincy’s career highlights include an impressive discography: Working with big names like Frank Sinatra, producing Michael Jackson’s legendary albums like Thriller, or composing film scores for classics like “The Wiz” or “The Color Purple.” 

Quincy showed that creative excellence and smart business moves can coexist. Though he passed away, his impact will ruminate through rooms for years to come. His mentorships extend to a whole community of musicians who still credit him for guiding their careers and inspiring them to think big and commit to the art. 

Quincy showed that creative excellence and smart business moves can coexist. Though he passed away, his impact will ruminate through rooms for years to come. His mentorships extend to a whole community of musicians who still credit him for guiding their careers and inspiring them to think big and commit to the art. 

Add this to your playlist: 

Add this to your playlist: 

“Do You Love What You Feel” – Rufus & Chaka Khan: A feel good song produced by the late great Quincy Jones

“Do You Love What You Feel” – Rufus & Chaka Khan: A feel good song produced by the late great Quincy Jones