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Call it a tale of rebirth or resurrection, a second chance or a second coming, but the story of COTIC aka Hakim Kinard belongs on screen as an epic drama. He refused to be a victim of the mean streets of Philadelphia. Learning that only the strong survive, he resorted to living out a stereotype that would ultimately put him behind bars and away from his passion for music.For a time, he had it all and he lost it all, Eventually, though self-determination, COTIC regained it all again. Today, thanks to his prodigious gift for rapping, he lives to share his story with others though music. COTIC release his long awaited solo MIXTAPE “Militant Mode†and the voice of a new generation is heard.“I wouldn’t change the struggles & strife that I endured in my life, for nothing†says COTIC. That’s because he knows that, before he would become a man, COTIC had to travel through a dark time, when crime and violence defined his existence.Life was all so sweet until his father died when Hakim was 14. Suddenly the foundation for his existence was gone. Turning his grief and pain into lyrics he poured his heart into his pen & pad.Life has it own plans, now as the man of the house he had to make up for the slack of a missing parent. Plans for stardom would have to be put on the back burner for now. Unable to support his mother and siblings, he found himself in trouble with the law over his newfound profession of a drug dealer. Fortunately, his juvenile status kept him from
serious time and convictions.By the age of 16, COTIC had seen many of his friends and associates, murdered, injured and incarcerated. His lyrics would reflect vivid and real depiction of street life that he knew to be “real rapâ€. This attracted the attention of RED BRICK SYNDICATE, who propositioned him to join their group. He accepted and became apart of one of Philadelphia’s most known groups.From the beginning COTIC supplied the missing ingredient that RED BRICK SYNDICATE needed and was looking for. While traveling the country performing and recording with the group he perfected his skills as a MC, recording several Mixtapes with over 20 thousands copies distributed and sold through out the Tri-State.His Club appearances include shows opening for Major Figas and State Property, local Philly radio stations such as Power 99 and 100.3 the Beat, featured COTIC and the rest of the group regularly on the radio. It was clear to see that the city of Philadelphia supported the movement that he helped build.Unfortunately, his run-ins with the law were not over. At the age of 19 he was arrested again, this time for possession of illegal firearms and unauthorized use of military gear (bulletproof vest). With Federal Charges pending COTIC was given probation and yet another chance to redeem himself and his rap career. In the last Three years COTIC has turned his life around. Keeping his nose clean, staying out of trouble as well as completing his first Solo Mixtape. He now, looks forward of no longer being on probation come this December.Out growing his tremulous past and the group that help solidify his reputation as a gifted lyrics and rapper, COTIC moves on to another chapter in his life. His new Mixape finds himself teaming up with guest producers & rappers such as Dee Jay Pham, DJ IAN, Peedie Crack, Gille Da Kid, 40 Clock (G- Unit) and many others. COTIC puts the past behind him and encourages other to learn from his mistakes as he give you insight though music of a life of a hustler.
