2026 Artist to Watch: How 4200Kory’s Cobra Son Positions Him Among Hip-Hop’s New Class
2025 has been one of the most intriguing years we’ve had in a long time. Hip-Hop has reached a point where the need for new names is more prevalent than ever. There have been many standout artists who’ve brought presence, authenticity, and overall quality to the genre in a major way.
4200Kory is one of those artists who has gone above and beyond the standard to be a part of the new class changing the narrative of Hip-Hop. His new album, Cobra Son, is a large reason why he’s in the discussion.
“Naptown” as it was explained to us, is the proper name to call where 4200Kory is from because of the unique environment he grew up in. The midwest native gave listeners an incredible project this year, one that shows complete taste at every turn. It’s filled with truths and serves as the perfect introduction for a new audience as more people continue to learn his name.
Well Raised, is one of those special records you know is a hit when you first hear it, and the attention it’s garnered has added to this worthy moment.
Cobra Son touches on the realities of the world 4200Kory lives in. Through a level of lyricism that can only be displayed by someone who truly cares about their craft, he showcases vulnerability and humility, allowing listeners to understand who he is and who he’s becoming.
The album has surpassed 100K streams, which is a phenomenal and well-deserved feat. He’s also given fans a number of visuals to help further tell his story.
His year has been filled with performances, including a stop at the legendary SOBs in New York City, adding yet another accomplishment to an already impressive run.
Novice was privileged enough to sit down with the rising star to learn more about his journey. He speaks with complete confidence in his abilities and leads with a clear vision of where he’s headed.
One thing 4200Kory emphasized in our conversation was community, and how pivotal it has been throughout his journey.
4200Kory is a complete artist with all the intangibles to become a major player as the world continues to seek out this new class for quality music.
You can check out our full conversation with the talent below.
4200Kory Interview
Cherry: I’m very excited about this guest. He released his debut album in August, 4200Kory. How are you?
4200Kory: I’m solid. All is well with me.
Cherry: I want to jump right into things. Congratulations on the project. It’s one of the best we’ve listened to in 2025. From a storytelling aspect, it’s really good.
4200Kory: That means a lot to me. To your point about enjoying the project, it’s dope because coming from Indy, we have a special music scene. It’s very unique and you can consider it a melting pot, so where I’m from, it’s interesting hearing people who aren’t from the area enjoying the music.
Cherry: We’re about three months since the release. How has the reception been, and how are you feeling?
4200Kory: Honestly, I’ve been very moved, but to be transparent, also very surprised. We expected some type of positive feedback because we worked hard. It’s easy to feel removed after time has passed and people have had time to sit with the music, but we’re finding second and third gear traction now.
For me, having a record like “Well Raised” is important. One thing about it, the guys I learned from always had a record the city loved. Seeing people embrace the introspective songs they can relate to is humbling.
Cherry: August 20th is one of the most important records on the album. How are you able to be so vulnerable and talk about the trauma you’ve experienced through your music?
4200Kory: Firstly, it’s an ugly process. I never want it to be misconstrued as something easy. I’m a young Black man, and that speaks volumes to what it’s like uncovering our emotions. It’s big for me just to identify how I’m feeling. It was never about performing a certain way. It’s about demanding that I tell as much of my truth as possible.
I was passionate about trying to figure out as much of myself as possible to make it easier for my [future] children to live their lives because I was able to provide them answers through my vulnerability.
Cherry: How’s your mental health at the moment, handling all you’ve had to?
4200Kory: I’ve learned to embrace the experiences for what they are. I’m feeling good for the most part. The project was meant to blend into this season of my life. I also found love early on, so I have very few complaints.
Cherry: Congratulations. How has the family been as well, especially since you have them very involved in the process of Cobra Son?
4200Kory: Pretty solid. Hectic is an appropriate word, but we’ve found a lot of comfort in that essence of life because we adapt well and know we’re going to be alright. Around the winter, we try to wind things down, so I’d say pretty well overall.
Cherry: I want to ask about the importance of Indianapolis, but specifically, the meaning of the number 4200.
4200Kory: Now you’re talking my language. I come from a block in Indy on the far east side. It’s 42nd & Post Road, and it means something. For me, it’s a calling to tradition. I never want to be too far from home, so I put it right next to my middle name. No matter where I go, everyone knows where I’m from. Indianapolis is home.
Without a foundation, you’re a lost cause. Every time I won, I never felt like the city wasn’t behind me.
Cherry: We’re coming up in a time where the genre is being questioned, but in the same breath, we’re witnessing so many artists rising to the top. When you’re not listening to your own music, who do you have in rotation?
4200Kory: I listen to a lot of old music. From the new school, I listen to JIREH, Wakai, LOS KEMET, Marco Plus, Jiggs, and Horace Gaither. I say I love these guys because I know them.
Cherry: What was your favorite song to record?
4200Kory: I’d have to say Well Raised. My biggest issue was wanting to finish the album, but also wanting more happiness and ignorance to contrast the heavy records on the project. The first half has so much traction that many people don’t realize there’s a whole other half to the song.
Cherry: What are some things you want to accomplish in the next year?
4200Kory: If I were to name three things I really want to accomplish heading into the next year, first would be hitting the road and being able to perform in more small markets. Second, I want to show more versatility in my bag. I love dropping projects that don’t sound the same, and we’ve got more records that I think are going to surprise people. Lastly, I just want to be healthier.
When you have a purpose higher than yourself, there’s going to be goals you won’t be able to write down; That’s how faith works.
