Throughout the course of life, some people, places and interests fade out while some come back and stay for good. For Los Angeles artist Mani Coolin’, music is one of those things. On January 6, 2019 I found myself at Los Globos for Coolin’s first self-headlined show, performing his most recent project Here 4 Me Only. I didn’t realize it at the time, but in hindsight this was a full circle moment. With that being said, let’s begin with a little backstory: Coolin’ and I met at Crescent Heights Elementary School in third grade. It was evident that we both had extensive knowledge in music at a very young age. At one point, we may or may not have been part of our schools talent show as a rapper and back up dancer (lmao). Since elementary school days Coolin’ has been many things, among them an athlete, a student, a hustler, a skater - but the one thing that just so happened to find him again during his trial & error, was rap.
In 2011 Mani Coolin’ stumbled upon a friends in-home studio - a work space that at the time, was unheard of. From there, rapping quickly went from something he did for fun to something that was life changing.
“I didn’t know anything back then…how shit is blue printed and mapped out, I didn’t know about mixing songs, why my songs don’t sound like shit on the radio… I had to really learn everything in a different way. That motivated me to really fall in love with the music shit.”
Moments of ignorance can either make a person want to quit or make them want to master the craft. Judging from these early moments, Mani Coolin’ definitely chose the latter. From watching his peers in the music industry, to researching and learning how to properly guerrilla market his own music, Coolin’ was doing it all. A few mixtape releases and a few years later he dropped his first official project titled Hope 4 The Youth in 2015. With cosigns from labels like Dom Kennedy’s OPM and placements on major festivals like A3C, some would say the year 2015 was Mani Coolin’s peak. But, from what I saw the other night at Los Globos, I’d say the best is yet to come.
To be frank, I’m not sure anyone knew what to expect. What I do know is when Coolin’ started his set there was a very apparent energy and attention shift that only a true performer could command. His voice was clear, his posture tall. Not to mention he was dressed head to toe in Fuck The Population (FTP) x Undefeated collaboration sweatsuit with Y-3 sneakers - a look fit for a star. All of that, combined with the fact that he actually knew how to properly hold a mic (you’d be surprised how many of your favs don’t) did it for me.
“I did a lot of shows in front of big crowds this year, really because of Niko G4. He brought me out to damn near every show he did with Dom Kennedy…that shit just made me more comfortable, I knew I could do my own shit after that…and to keep it G, I really do this rap shit. I have no shame, I get in the mirror and I rap every day as if I was performing.”
A piece of advice that all performers, musicians, rappers etc. should adhere to. It takes way more than just good music. A genuine fan base is built on captivating your audience and you never know when an opportunity will present itself,
“There’s been times I’ve pulled up to a show not expecting to perform and then Jay 305 would come in like aye let’s do ‘Freak Ho’ and - you gotta be ready.”
Just like grooming performance skills, as a truly independent artist - no label, no PR and no distribution - Mani Coolin’ and his team are far from strangers to hard work. With his own personal studio being built as well as plans to work with LA peers Kee Riches, KB Devaughn and Rucci, an outline is already set in stone for this to be a successful year, but the only way to see the growth is to witness it in person,
“However you perceive me I don’t give a fuck. You see whatever you see on the internet but you can’t tell how I really am. You gon’ have to come to a show. You gon’ have to meet me in real life.”
There’s not much else to be said. Spend the money that you would otherwise blow on something with no value and instead, support your local independent artists - starting with Mani Coolin’.
- Nameless
P.S. Here 4 Me Only is available on all platforms.