Kosha Dillz

This pickle isn’t at the deli around the corner, it’s not in a jar and it’s not the only thing all your non-Jewish friends know is “Kosher.”

koshaThis pickle spits rhymes in English, Hebrew and Spanish, and bursts with the flavors of Judaism, politics, and Israel. It goes by “Kosha Dillz,” a name that symbolizes both his people and passion.

Kosha Dillz, whose birth name is Rami Matan Even-Esh, is a 31-year-old Israeli-American Jewish hip-hop artist based out of Los Angeles. He grew up in New Jersey and is a graduate of Rutgers University where he was a member of the wrestling team.

Currently, Kosha Dillz is touring with Matisyahu. Stopping in Cleveland earlier this month at House of Blues, or as he called it, House of Jews, in Cleveland. Dillz gave a huge shout out to the city, to Michael Symon, the Grog Shop and Cleveland girls. He had the whole crowd chanting O-H-I-O within 30 seconds, even Matisyahu chimed in.

JStyle had the opportunity to chat with the rapper about his rhymes, career, and personal life as he stood at the merch table, in a white “Everything is Kosha” tank, with a blinged out Mogen David around his neck.

How did you come up with the name, “Kosha Dillz?”

I’m Jewish, so I wanted to relate to that. I was in a store and thought “Kosher Dill,” so I went by that, but then “Kosha Dillz” seemed to vibe a bit better, so I stuck with it.

When did you enter the rap game?

I got into the open mic and battle circuit in 1999 and early 2000s. I performed at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe in New York a few times. It opened a lot of doors.

So you’ve been performing with Matisyahu and you’ve worked with Erez “Diwon” Safar, what’s that like?

Fun. Really talented guys. People are always excited to see Matis rap. It brings a level of shock value, like his secret weapon.

Have you been to Cleveland before?

Four or five times. I played at the Grog Shop with Hoodie Allen. I’m planning a Midwest tour for November/December, I’ll be back.

Your fond of “freestyling,” if you could battle anyone, who would it be?

Eminem


Get a taste of Kosha Dillz when his next album, “Awkward in a Good Way,” comes out next week! In the meantime, hit the rapper up on Twitter @koshadillz for his latest stuff!

#KOSHERCLEVELAND

 akaplan@jstylemagazine.com

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