Ncognita

Photo Credit: @zen.joi

Los Angeles-based artist Ncognita thrives outside of the norm; the rapper uses an incredible variety of sounds and genres to create a truly unique soundscape. Having grown up singing in her church choir, she quickly gained a love for words in the form of storytelling. The artist continued this passion all throughout her childhood, making her first music only in the 6th grade. Ncognita made her professional streaming debut earlier this year with “Clap Clap”. The song saw great streaming success with over 105 thousand Spotify streams. She followed up the single with “Hallucinogen (Trippin)”, a track that showcases the true artistry of the musician. Ncognita current boasts over 142 thousand streams a month and is showing no signs of slowing down. We recently spoke to the artist about her musical influences, favorite hobbies, and more!

How did you start making music?

I started in a church because I would have to go in the front and sing in the choir. My dad was a pastor and my mom was a teacher. I got my influence from them and my love of words came from them always being in front of people and performing their words to a crowd.

Who is your biggest musical influence?

My biggest musical influence is Missy Elliot.

Favorite things to do when you aren’t making music?

My favorite things to do include listening to music, reading, playing chess, and watch TV. But to be honest, my life is surrounded by my music and it is hard to really do anything else but my music.

Your second single “Hallucinogen (Trippin’)” has only been out for a few weeks, but has already amassed hundreds of thousands of streams. As a newer artist on the scene, what can you attribute that success to?

I attribute that success to perseverance, and never settling for less. I never want to settle to just let something good fester… it starts at good, then it goes to great, and then it goes to legendary. To get there, you have to keep pushing consistently.

It’s collab time: Who are you choosing to make a song with?

Smino!

What has it been like navigating the music industry thus far? 

Thus far, it has been an exhilarating process. I have learned a lot about myself, but also a lot about the people around me. You go into these types of things (meetings, music, etc), and you have to play it like chess. You have to think about how you talk to people and what you say because every move you make can determine and affect your future.

Any future projects for fans to get excited about?

New music coming soon so stay on the look out and follow me on Instagram!