Kokane

Jerry Buddy Long Jr., better known by his stage name Kokane, is a highly influential rapper and singer from Pomona, California. With a career spanning over three decades, he has worked with some of the biggest names in the West Coast hip-hop scene, including Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Ice Cube. He is known for his distinctive vocal style, which incorporates elements of singing, rapping, and spoken word.

Kokane was born on March 10, 1969, in the Bronx, New York City. His father, Jerry B. Long Sr., was a Motown composer, and his mother, Debra Long, was a singer. When Kokane was a child, his family relocated to Pomona, California, where he would grow up surrounded by his father’s work.

Kokane began his career in the mid-1980s as a vocalist before signing to Eazy-E’s Ruthless Records label in late 1989. He co-wrote songs for N.W.A and Above the Law before releasing his first album, “Addictive Hip Hop Muzick,” in 1991. The album showcased Kokane’s smooth vocals and was well-received by critics and fans alike. He followed it up with his second album, “Funk Upon a Rhyme,” in 1994, which incorporated more singing and a unique form of G-funk.

Throughout his career, Kokane has worked on numerous collaborations and guest appearances. He co-wrote “Appetite for Destruction” for N.W.A’s “Niggaz4life” album and has contributed to other West Coast gangsta rap albums such as Above the Law’s “Black Mafia Life.” However, it was his work on Dr. Dre’s “2001” album that really propelled his career to new heights. Through that album, he developed a relationship with Snoop Dogg and Tha Eastsidaz, and soon became involved in Tha Eastsidaz’ debut album. He played a significant role in the success of Snoop Dogg’s “Tha Last Meal” and continued to make guest appearances until releasing his third solo album through Eureka Records in 1999, entitled “They Call Me Mr. Kane.”

Over the course of his career, Kokane has released numerous albums, including “Mr. Kane, Pt. 2,” “Back 2 tha Clap,” and “The Legend Continues,” which peaked at number 196 on the US Billboard 200 chart. He has also collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Above the Law, Cypress Hill, and E-40. He is married to Alicia Long and has eight children, including Aanisah C. Long, who is a singer signed to Bud E Boy Entertainment, a record label owned by Kokane.

Kokane’s influence on West Coast hip-hop cannot be overstated. He has been a driving force in the genre for over three decades and has worked with some of the most iconic artists in the game. With his unique vocal style and undeniable talent, he continues to inspire new generations of hip-hop artists and fans.