Chattanooga, Tennessee — For Ysm Kooley, music is more than a creative outlet. It is a way to tell the story of where he comes from and give listeners an honest look into an environment and life experience that shaped him.
Known for his versatility, authentic melodies, and clever use of metaphors, Kooley brings a perspective rooted in his hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee. His music gives listeners insight into his city through the eyes of someone who is still living the journey rather than simply reflecting on it from the other side.
His path toward becoming an artist was influenced by loss. Kooley watched friends who once rapped lose their lives to the streets, experiences that ultimately pushed him toward taking music seriously himself. What began as inspiration from those around him became his own creative outlet and a way to continue telling stories through his music.
That authenticity remains one of the defining elements of Kooley’s artistry. He isn’t interested in portraying a life that isn’t his. As he puts it, he still hasn’t “made it out,” and that reality continues to influence the music he creates. His lyrics reflect the experiences around him, often using metaphors and layered bars that reward listeners who take the time to really listen.
That approach has already begun to translate into measurable momentum. Kooley has accumulated approximately 500,000 streams on Apple Music alone, a milestone that continues to motivate him and reinforce his belief in what he’s building.
His latest project, The Blackprint, represents another important chapter. Dedicated to the fans who have been waiting for him to release the album, Kooley considers it one of his favorite projects to date. The album gives longtime listeners another opportunity to experience his versatility while introducing new listeners to the sound and perspective he has been developing.
For Kooley, however, the journey is far from finished.
Moving forward, he plans to continue releasing music and expanding his visual presence with more music videos on his YouTube channel. He also has his sights set on collaborating with more mainstream artists as he continues building his name and reaching new audiences.
With hundreds of thousands of streams already behind him and a growing catalog that reflects his experiences, Ysm Kooley remains focused on one thing: staying authentic to himself and continuing to tell his story.
The journey is still unfolding, but for Ysm Kooley, that’s exactly what makes the music worth making.
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