Who are you? What do you do?
I’m a hip-hop artist, educator, writer, and community activist. I’ve been releasing music and performing for awhile now. My talents have taken me across the country and planet. I recently released my latest mixtape, “Cold Inc.,” which is now streaming on all platforms.
What inspired your name?
My homie who I first started making music with came up with the idea. He said I should use my real name “Medina” because it has a lot of history in hip-hip culture and he felt the “Cold” part fit because it describes my style as a rapper and my general chill personality as a human being.
When did you first start getting into music?
I’ve been into music my whole life. My parents played a lot of different genres growing up. I played in school bands when I was younger as well. Rapping really came from me merging my passions of music and creative writing. It just came naturally.
Who are some of the artists that influence your style?
So many to count, but a few big influences include Big Pun, Nas, Jay-Z, Atmosphere, Bone Thugs N Harmony. Cypress Hill, OutKast, Kanye West, and A Tribe Called Quest.
Let’s talk about the project coming out…
Knights In Tropicana is an album I’m working on with producer Matt Kelly. I’m super excited because the concept and music is super strong and I know it will make a lot of noise once we drop. Right now we’re just getting marketing materials together and doing a lot preview performances. So far the reception has been really good and we haven’t even released any music. I know big things are gonna come out of this.
When is that dropping and where can we find it?
Originally we had planned to drop in May/June but because of the quarantine we were not able to travel and record in Los Angeles like we were planning. We’re still working on the record though and it should definitely be coming out in 2020.
You’re a community activist. Can you share some of the work you’ve done and enjoy?
I work with The Jamestown Community Center in the San Francisco Mission District. We work on putting on events for the community and provide arts, education and other social services to the Latino community in SF. I’m really proud to be part of this team because when you lift up your community you lift up yourself.
What’s the importance behind going after your dreams?
It’s everything. If you don’t have a dream or a purpose you’re really just floating through life. I’m tryna to maximize my time here on earth and leave a legacy behind. Your dreams should scare you and push you to be better than you were yesterday. Otherwise you might as well just be an NPC Player in the game of life and that just ain’t it.
Favorite music moment in your career?
I was the featured poet for the City of Miami’s official tribute to the life of Nelson Mandela. Not only was it a huge crowd but it was full of change-makers and community leaders. It was just dope to get that positive response from folks outside of hip-hop and to receive accolades as an artist period.
Everyday challenges you face?
Man, just tryna stay active and motivated. Music is a marathon and takes a lot out of you. I just try to remain hungry and hopeful and keep my hustle going.
Thank you so much for being able to this with us. We appreciate you and we know that our viewers will be able to find inspiration behind what you do. Cannot wait for the project to drop with Knights In Tropicana coming out sometime in 2020.
If there’s one thing you can tell the young artist coming up looking for some confidence and motivation, what would that be?
Chase your dreams and believe in yourself. You have to be your biggest fan and advocate before you can expect anyone else to support you. You are all you need as long as you have the confidence and hustle to push forward.
Instagram: thecoldmedina // Twitter: @TheColdMedina
HDDNGEMS 