peeno coogi

Peeno Coogi

As the birthplace of American music, the great state of Mississippi has turned out some of the most influential figures in entertainment. Whether hardcore hip hop of David Banner, gangster funk of late Clarksdale native Nate Dogg, to McComb-born songbird/ actress Brandy and bad boy brother Ray J, all the way back to Elvis and B.B. King, the Crooked Letter state has been a hotbed for talent over generations.

Continuing in a long line of musicians from the Magnolia State to produce quality music that withstands the test of time is multi-talented triple threat Peeno Coogi. A highly diverse singer, songwriter and rapper, there is absolutely nothing this kid does not do. And he does it all on his latest feel-good single “Throwing Cash.”

The cocky, up-tempo anthem is ready made for the strip clubs and introduces Coogi’s forthcoming independent label No Huddle Records mixtape The Mississippi Dream Vol. 1 and accompanying movie The Mississippi Dream.

“I sing my own hooks and rap my own verses. When I drop my mixtapes, people are waiting to see what I’mma do next,” explains Peeno Coogi. “It’s not like you can put in my tape and know I’m talking about Polo or selling dope. You never really know how I’m coming. That’s why a lot of people love me.”

Born Joshua Hosey, 22, in the sleepy South Mississippi town of Laurel on the city’s working class West side, Peeno came up much like every other little boy in small town America.

“Everybody mostly sticks together in the neighborhood I grew up in,” says Peeno. “Everybody is cool with each other and call each other’s momma ‘momma’ and each other’s daddy ‘daddy.’ It’s a real family over there.”

As early as he can remember, Peeno had been in love with the sound of music. With musicians all through his family, that love of music was inherited honestly.

His blood cousin is late R&B superstar Gerald Levert. His grandmother played piano at St. Elmo’s Baptist Church, where young Peeno started off in the choir. And all through his school age years, Peeno sang in gospel groups, school choirs and family reunions. He was even entered into his fist talent show at the tender age of seven.

“Music has always been my heart,” Peeno admits. “When I was coming up, I would perform at every chance I got. I started off singing. Then, I went to rapping and now I’m doing both.”

During the summer of his eighth grade year, Peeno met local record spinner DJ Goldyi at a party. Goldyi instantly recognized Coogi’s talents and placed Peeno’s well-received debut single “Put It on You” in rotation on the radio.

By the 12th grade, he came back to back with singles “There He Is” and “On the Hill,” both with accompanying videos. Shortly after, he dropped his first mixtape Fantasy in 2008. Then like clockwork, he came back to back with mixtapes Preseason in 2010, The Season in 2011 and his most recent release For a Reason back in January.

Coogi’s next installment is arguably his latest effort to date. Fueled by the swagged-out, up-tempo anthem “Throwing Cash,” his forthcoming independent label No Huddle Records mixtape The Mississippi Dream Vol. 1 and accompanying movie The Mississippi Dream are destined to change the game.

“We got a big movement popping off,” Peeno explains. “I really don’t have a certain style because I try to come different on every track. My music catches your ear as soon as you hear it. You’re going to feel it.”
- CW