New York Independents: A Musical Alliance
Acclaimed indie rapper Kota the Friend is set to complete his No Rap on Sunday Tour alongside Phearnone—a versatile violinist, DJ, MC, and producer. Both hailing from New York, the collaborators will appear in Boston, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia, rounding off their tour at Brooklyn’s Music Hall of Williamsburg on October 16, which also marks Kota’s birthday.
Phearnone Joins No Rap on Sunday Tour Dates
- October 3 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club
- October 4 – Washington, D.C. – Howard Theatre
- October 8 – Philadelphia, PA – City Winery
- October 16 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg (Tour Finale & Kota’s Birthday)
Tickets can be purchased from KotaTheFriend.com/Tour
Returning to the Stage as a Duo
Their onstage partnership isn’t new—Kota and Phearnone previously collaborated at TEDx Portland, blending hip-hop with violin in a standout show. Phearnone also contributed to Kota’s Once In A Blue Moon album, a joint project with Statik Selektah.
Phearnone reflected, “Working with an artist like Kota—someone you mesh with creatively—is always rewarding. After recording and performing together for Once In A Blue Moon, I’m excited to cook up something special for this tour’s conclusion.”
He added, “Kota and I are both independent musicians from New York, and that bond shows in our work. Kota’s approach to success—crafting art with impact, exploring new business opportunities, truly engaging his fanbase—inspires me every time.”
Phearnone’s Influential Musical Reach
Shayshahn MacPherson, known as Phearnone, emerged from The Bronx with classical violin training and a genre-blending career that spans Classical, Jazz, West African, Hip Hop, Reggae, House, and R&B.
Notable achievements include playing Carnegie Hall at 12, international touring with Wu-Tang Clan’s The Final Chamber, and session work with icons like Stevie Wonder, Roy Ayers, Erykah Badu, GZA, Lettuce, and Big Daddy Kane. He’s received honors in The Washington Times and an Emmy for his music on Vote.
Finale: Bringing It Home to Brooklyn
Kota shared his anticipation for the upcoming performances: “Phearnone’s genre versatility always centers on hip-hop. Having him for these closing shows makes them truly memorable.”
“TEDx Portland and the Once In A Blue Moon sessions created incredible memories for us. Ending the tour together in Brooklyn, especially for my birthday, is the perfect way to bring everything full circle,” Kota added. “Phearnone’s violin playing is pure energy and soul—fans are in for something extraordinary live.”
Having already hit 16 cities, the No Rap on Sunday Tour’s last stops in Boston, D.C., Philly, and Brooklyn promise a grand finale highlighting independence, artistry, and a true New York homage.
Final show tickets available via KotaTheFriend.com/Tour
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