Tate Kobang

Early and personal life

Tate Kobang grew up in Northeast Baltimore, Maryland before moving to York, Pennsylvania as a teenager, where he attended Central York High School before dropping out to pursue rap. In 2013, his mother and father passed away suddenly within months of each other, making him responsible for his 8 younger siblings at age 21, prompting him to continue music at a more serious level to provide for his family. Kobang also has five children of his own and still spends his time between Baltimore and York, as well as holding shoe drives and other charitable events for the two cities. His professional name comes from “Dancing Tater,” a nickname given to him because he liked to dance, while Kobang is an acronym for “King Of Baltimore And N*ggas’ Girls.”

Influences

Although he originally wanted to be a video game programmer, Kobang’s interest in music stemmed at an early age--he sang in his church choir at age 5, and began writing music around age 11. He also learned to read music and play the saxophone and piano in middle school, and took music production classes in high school. Kobang’s uncle, Baltimore rapper Killa Q, introduced him to rap, and even had Kobang write for him. Kobang also credits artists Mr. Cheeks, Method Man, and Cassidy as influences.

Success of Bank Rolls (Remix)

In honor of his late mother’s birthday, a tribute that’s been done since 2013, Kobang released Bank Rolls (Remix) on April 19, 2015 as a promotional hit for his newest mixtape. The song uses Baltimore rapper Tim Trees’ 2000 song “Bank Roll” and features a verse that remembers Baltimore DJ K-Swift, who died in 2008. That day is also the day of Freddie Gray's death after being in a coma from injury complications allegedly caused by the Baltimore Police Department. With heavy media attention and national focus on Baltimore at this time, Kobang released the song to bring a sense of happiness and pride to the city. Following the viral success of the 90-second video, Kobang went into the studio with the producer of the original track, Rod Lee, to extend the track into a full song.

Signing with 300 Entertainment

Shortly after its release, “Bank Rolls (Remix)” gained the attention of veteran industry leader Lyor Cohen’s and Baltimore native Kevin Liles’ 300 Entertainment. At first, Kobang was hesitant, but considered the offer after researching the industry leading names behind the label. In July 2015, Kobang travelled to New York City to sign a record deal with 300 Entertainment. In January 2016, he appeared on the label’s 13-city Young Hustle Tour which featured acts such as Rich The Kid, T-Wayne, TK N Cash, and Rejjie Snow.

Since We’re Here

Kobang released the Since We’re Here mixtape in April 2016, which consisted of freestyle and remixed songs. A video for “Poppin”, a single from the mixtape, was released on April 26, 2016. The video was filmed spontaneously at a Georgia Waffle House. On May 20, 2016, Kobang released a video for “Don’t Need”, which features artist Freeband TEST.

Discography

Notable mentions

Kobang’s “Bank Rolls (Remix)” appears at #87 on Pitchfork’s list of the 100 Best Tracks of 2015, as well as on NPR Music’s Favorite Songs of 2015 in the hip hop genre. The song also made it to PigeonsandPlanes.com’s Best Songs of 2015 at #66, as well as TheStashed.com’s list of 25 Artists to Watch in 2016 at #22.