Interview with Kosha Dillz: Life, Hip Hop, and Hustle

Man in black cap and green shirt looking up, standing outside a store with a neon sign.

You may or may not know Rami Matan Even-Esh, aka Kosha Dillz. He is someone that I have encountered throughout the years and has been an inspiration to my music ever since. Kosha is a Jewish rapper from Edison, New Jersey, and has been in the music industry since 2005. He has released three full-length albums and is currently working on a documentary. It is only fitting that I conduct this interview with him...


Who or what inspired you to become a musician?


"I think trying to impress my friends with rhymes." 


I can relate to that too a bit...So how did you come up with the Kosha Dillz name? It is a very unique artist name.


"The jar"


Haha, right...Tell me who your favorite artist or artists are that you worked with?


"Rza and Jesse Shatkin"


That's cool, you got your start working with one of the more notable Wu-Tang members. I see you take pride in being a Jewish rapper. How much are you in touch with your religious roots?


"I'd say every day I get in touch more." 

   

Awesome! Well, how long does it take to write a song? Walk me through the process, please…


"Anywhere from 2 hrs. to 8 hrs. I go through my life and come back to things. I'm an improv artist, so I never take 4 months to write - I base my emotion and freestyle things. I usually come back and edit, and the engineer plays a big role in arranging song structure."


That sounds like a lot of work, no wonder they call you the hardest working artist in hip-hop! Moving on...tell me what you would do if there were no music?


"Probably be broke, physically and spiritually" 


I'm glad that's not the case. It seems like you got your head on straight. Can you share something about yourself that people might not already know?


 "I am on Vans Warped Tour all summer and want YOU to come to the show :) I try to give charity $$$ all the time whenever I get the chance." 

   

Span-Hebrish music video: https://youtu.be/KrYRB6HFwP0

In Da Club video: https://youtu.be/h3yLUGk2pKw

What's Going On Upstairs video: https://youtu.be/b_ngVwanzTg

Hangin' Out video: https://youtu.be/knzj1Dji7Bc


Nice little advertisement (laughing), but seriously, that is exciting. According to the Jewish religion, giving to the less fortunate is a mitzvah, and is looked upon very highly :) So you were touring at Coachella a little while ago. How has your Coachella experience been so far?


"It was koshachella, haha."

 

http://shemspeed.com/koshachella-t-shirts-are-in/

Right...Before you get up on stage, do you have any pre-show rituals?


"Pano usually lol. I always invite people to come up and enjoy and thank them for being there."

   

That's what's up. That's kind of how I met you! Any goals for your music?


"I want people to listen and watch. Once that happens, I think the rest falls into place." 


Well said. How can new fans connect with you?


"My website is good, and Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc. The usual stuff."


http://koshadillzworld.com/

https://www.facebook.com/koshadillz

https://instagram.com/koshadillz/

https://www.youtube.com/user/koshadillz


Kosha is all over social media and has his website. He isn't hard to find online. As artists, we all have our favorite material. What is your favorite project/song you ever worked on?


"I enjoyed working on Beverly Dillz - it was the first time I worked on something." 

   

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/beverly-dillz/id337955732


That was your debut solo album. My favorite song off that album is "Cellular phone". It's a fun song and was also in a Super Bowl commercial. You have worked with some unique and talented artists over the years, but there are some you haven't yet that you would like to. Is there a particular artist you want to work with in the future?


 "Kanye West, El-P, Miley Cyrus" 

      

It seems that everyone wants to work with Miley these days (laughing). Speaking of the future, can you update me on any projects you have coming up?


 "Stop thinking - my new EP"


I look forward to checking that out. Last question, do you have any advice for me or other aspiring musicians?


"Read read read. Write write write. Hustle hustle hustle. Do not give up and exercise frequently - this is a job for the mind, body, and soul. Make sure each one is in tip-top condition at all times because you never know when you will get the call..."


Thanks, Rami, for your time! Good luck with your music!

 

Editor's Note (2025): This interview was originally published in 2013. While it captures a moment in time, it remains a fun look back at an artist's journey and my early work as an interviewer.