Independent hip hop artist Kota the Friend is hitting the road once again, bringing his acclaimed No Rap on Sundayalbum to stages across the U.S. The No Rap on Sunday Tour kicks off Thursday, August 28 in Tampa, Florida, and wraps up in Kota’s hometown of Brooklyn, New York on October 16—a fitting finale that also marks his birthday.
More Than Music: A Full Campaign
For Kota, each new project isn’t just about the music—it’s an entire campaign. No Rap on Sunday includes an album, tour, merchandise, and a concept that resonates with his loyal fanbase. The album itself has been one of his biggest yet, first made available to his most dedicated listeners through early access on the EVEN platform. This exclusive release strategy gave fans the chance to connect with the project before it went public, reinforcing Kota’s reputation as one of the most innovative independent artists in the game.
As Kota explained in his announcement on NYC Newswire: “Every project I drop is more than just music—it’s a way to connect with my people on a deeper level. With No Rap on Sunday, I wanted to give fans something special from day one, starting with early access and extending into this tour.”
Empowering Independent Artists: The Verse Challenge
True to his community-driven ethos, Kota also launched the No Rap on Sunday Verse Challenge. Independent artists across the country were invited to record their own verse for the project’s title track. Winners in select cities will not only earn the chance to open for Kota when the tour hits their city, but they’ll also receive a special collaboration: a featured verse from Kota himself on their next song.
“This is about shining a light on independent artists who are out here grinding just like I was,” Kota told NYC Newswire. “If I can help them get seen and heard by new audiences, then we all win. I’m especially excited to jump on a track with the winners and keep building together.”
This initiative exemplifies Kota’s ongoing mission to uplift and spotlight rising talent.
Tour Dates & Cities
Grab your tickets now at kotathefriend.com/tour.
- Tampa, FL – Orpheum – Thursday, August 28
- Fort Lauderdale, FL – Stache – Friday, August 29
- Orlando, FL – The Abbey – Saturday, August 30
- Seattle, WA – Showbox Market – Wednesday, September 3
- Portland, OR – Nova PDX – Thursday, September 4
- San Francisco, CA – Midway – Friday, September 5
- Los Angeles, CA – Vermont Hollywood – Saturday, September 6
- Denver, CO – Cervantes Ballroom – Thursday, September 11
- Albuquerque, NM – Sister Bar – Friday, September 12
- Mesa, AZ – Nile Theater – Saturday, September 13
- El Paso, TX – 808 – Tuesday, September 16
- Austin, TX – Mohawk – Thursday, September 18
- Houston, TX – Warehouse Live – Friday, September 19
- San Antonio, TX – Paper Tiger – Saturday, September 20
- Dallas, TX – Trees – Sunday, September 21
- Chicago, IL – Outset – Saturday, September 27
- Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club – Friday, October 3
- Washington, DC – Howard Theatre – Saturday, October 4
- Philadelphia, PA – City Winery – Wednesday, October 8
- Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg – Thursday, October 16
A Brooklyn Birthday Finale
The tour will culminate in Brooklyn at the Music Hall of Williamsburg, where Kota will celebrate not only the success of No Rap on Sunday but also his birthday with the city that raised him.
“Closing the tour in Brooklyn on my birthday is a dream come true,” Kota said in his NYC Newswire announcement. “That night is going to be unforgettable, not just for me but for everybody in the building. Brooklyn raised me, and I can’t wait to celebrate this moment at home.”
The closing show promises to be an unforgettable homecoming filled with energy, gratitude, and love from fans who have been on this journey with him from the start.
Get Tickets at KotaTheFriend.com/TOUR
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