He began his career as a vocalist in the mid-1980’s, as rap was first appearing in his native Los Angeles, before eventually signing to Eazy-E’s Ruthless Records label at the end of 1989. He adopted his stage name “Kokane” which was given to him by his cousin (Hutch aka Cold 187um of the legendary rap group “Above the Law”). The name “Kokane” is a representation of how dope & addictive his sound is to the ear. Kokane’s Music Career had launched at Eazy-E’s Ruthless Records, with him co-writing for N.W.A.’s “Appetite for Destruction” and guest appearing on the intro of the album “Niggaz4Life“(efil4zaggiN), where he first introduced one of his character’s “Sweet Talk”. Kokane’s first album release, “Addictive Hip Hop Muzick”, in 1991′, was credited as “Who am I” featuring the song “Nickel Slick Nigga”, (first solo single) that had appeared on the Deep Cover movie soundtrack. In addition, Kokane guest-appeared & co-wrote for Eazy E’s “It’s On (Dr. Dre) 187um Killa” and also contributed to other West Coast gangsta rap albums, such as; Above the Law’s “Black Mafia Life” and “Uncle Sam’s curse”.
In 1994, Kokane had released his second album, “Funk upon a Rhyme” where he completely revolutionized his style, incorporating a great deal of singing, rapping and packing’ it with a sound that would impact cultures; known as, G-Funk (A style of music which was originated by Kokane and Above The Law). His eccentric vocal approach is half fluid rapping and half weird P-funk-influenced singing. Funk upon a Rhyme had hit Billboard Charts and sold globally. The album is now a collector’s, selling for as much as $100 or more on Ebay & other online stores. Kokane left Ruthless right after the passing of Eazy E (RIP). Two years later, Kokane was a free agent. He reappeared in the rap scene in the late 1999 with a solo album on Eureka Records, “They Call Me Mr. Kane”. Shortly after, he co-appearanced on Dr. Dre’s album 2001 and did heavy collaboration with Snoop Dogg’s, “The Last Meal” along with Tha Eastsidaz albums, playing a major role in the success of the albums. Kokane’s sound was so “In-Demand,” that by this time, music artist from all over the world had to get a feature from the Legendary Kokane.