About Cosmo Baker
The driving force of the artist is the intrinsic connection to the art, no more and no less. The state of there being a natural compulsion to share what is so deeply woven to one's character and soul with the world. The audience reacts to the art and the energy, and it becomes a symbiotic relationship between the artist and those processing it. No more is this the case than with Cosmo Baker. With him, the experience is part history lesson, part spiritual revival, and part roof-raising house party.
Philosophy
Cosmo Baker is widely known as the ultimate “DJs DJ" - a tastemaker, a visionary, and most importantly a world-renowned party rocker. This East-Coaster truly embodies the very soul – both musically and otherwise – of his native Philadelphia. As a child he was surrounded in a household where the arts were a tremendous focus, and at an early age he was exposed to everything from rock and soul, to jazz, folk and classical music. But it was hip-hop that spoke to him like no other, and set him on the path to become the legendary DJ that he is. Armed with an encyclopedia-like knowledge and collection of music, classical training and a passionate drive, Cosmo sought to make his mark and express the way that he perceived the music within him. With his roots firmly planted in hip-hop, Cosmo developed a style of mixing music of different genres seamlessly to create a "bigger picture. As a DJ, Cosmo's musical knowledge crosses over to his approach to spinning. He sees each DJ set as a movement - much like a piece of classical music - that takes the listener on a journey from point A to point B. With this outlook of connecting the dots, the “everything but the kitchen sink” philosophy rings true here, leading to influencing a whole school of DJs in the early 2000s in Philadelphia, including Diplo and Low Budget of Hollertronix. In a sense, he is a godfather of the movement. And this philosophy not only applies to his genre-hopping, critically acclaimed mixes but to his live performances as well.
As a DJ, his performances are exactly that – A LIVE PERFORMANCE. Cosmo brings an energy behind the decks that is unmatched, and is felt and reciprocated by his audiences. He’s a true showman, and whether it’s raw hip-hop, reggae, house & electronic, disco, funk, soul or rock music that he’s playing, he makes you love it, and makes you feel it like you didn’t even think you could. His musical styles are as diverse as the imagination. Seamless blends, razor-sharp cuts, and the most impeccable selection are all part of the concoction. But on top of that, he has an ability to read a crowd like no other. He’s always in sync with his audience, one step ahead of the times, and his finger is always on the pulse. He has amazed crowds with his electrifying DJ sets in places such as New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Barcelona, Cancun, Toronto, Vancouver, Tel Aviv, Bangkok and more. And don’t be surprised if you find him grabbing the microphone to drop some verses, or to sing and dance and do a James Brown routine. It’s all just part of his incredible show.
History
Cosmo conquered the Philadelphia nightlife scene before he was even 21, and under the tutelage of King Britt, learned the ropes of how to engage a crowd. Along with contemporaries such as ?uestlove and Rich Medina, both of whom he shared now legendary residencies with, he helped enrich the Philly musical environment. Cosmo then relocated and planted his roots in his current home of Brooklyn, NY, and helped launch yet another legendary musical institution, The Rub. They have taken their DJing crew to new heights, making The Rub one of the world's most sought after crew of DJs, pushing boundaries and always educating while entertaining. And that's the thing with Cosmo. He always lets his passion for music take him to new places, inspiring his fellow DJs and the people that come out to listen to him. Whether he's spinning for an intimate group of 50 or an audience of thousands, he always knows what song will engage and, of course, move the crowd.
Music
The same passion, energy and philosophy that Cosmo has with his DJing is brought to his original productions and music. Cosmo has a string of critically acclaimed CDs. They include the legendary Love Break series that touches on classic soul slow jams, his Raphael Saadiq mix that came out in conjunction with Saadiq’s “The Way I See It” album, the groundbreaking “XXXPlosive” mix CD done with Pase Rock and Spankrock, the Rub “It’s The Motherf**king Remix” Volumes 1 through 3, and of course the Scion “Award Tour” mix that he did with his Rub partner DJ Ayres – which shipped 500,000 copies, essentially going gold. On top of his mixes are his original productions, remixing artists like 50 Cent, Janet Jackson, Prince, The Notorious B.I.G. and Moby. And in 2009, Cosmo teamed up with his friend 4th Pyramid to create the new funk/hip-hop super group “Sheen Bros.” This funky dance project will take your heads to places that you’ve never been before with a revolutionary amalgamation of sweaty funk sounds, drippy disco beats with an old-school hip-hop mentality. With two teaser mixes in the bag and an EP and LP set to drop in 2010, this is bound to wreck your body and say turn the party out.
And that’s the thing with Cosmo – his main motivation from the beginning has always been about having fun, being creative, and sharing that all with people who share the same sentiment. That’s what it’s all about, with both his productions and his DJing. He’s the consummate professional, a DJ that will go toe to toe with the biggest names in the game, always bringing his “A Game,” an artist who converts a regular night at the club into a legendary and unforgettable experience. That’s just him doing what he does best, and what comes natural to him. That’s Cosmo Baker.
Has opened for / performed with:
Public Enemy
The Chemical Brothers
Jay-Z
N*E*R*D
Moby
MSTRKRFT
Justice
Spank Rock
Chromeo
M.I.A.
Kid Sister
Santigold
Lily Allen
The Roots
Erykah Badu
Redman
Pharoahe Monch
Big Daddy Kane
Run-D.M.C.
Slick Rick
De La Soul
Wu-Tang Clan
Common
Slum Village
M.O.P.
Nice & Smooth
Doug E. Fresh
MF Doom
D.I.T.C.
Talib Kweli
Blackalicious
Brother Ali
Cool Kids
Digable Planets
Brand Nubian
Buckshot
Skillz
Special Ed
Grandmaster Caz
The Heavy
El Michels Affair
Archie Bell & The Drells
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
MGMT
The Rapture
Death Cab For Cutie
311
Blonde Redhead
Art Brut
The Von Bondies
Editors
Man Man
Klaxons
Kudu
Of Montreal
Jimmy Cliff
Third World
Roy Ayers
Boyz II Men
and many more.
Has performed with (DJs):
Bobbito Garcia
Prince Paul
Cut Chemist
Giles Peterson
Madlib
Goldie
DJ Skribble
Peanut Butter Wolf
DJ Premier
Mark Ronson
DJ Drama
A-Trak
DJ AM
DJ Jazzy Jeff
Diplo
Steve Aoki
Frankie Knuckles
Danny Tenaglia
Danny Krivit
David Morales
Josh Wink
King Britt
Roy Davis, Jr.
Donald Glaude
Tommie Sunshine
Junior Sanchez
Hex Hector
Flosstradamus
DJ Craze
DJ Klever
Tittsworth
Dave Nada
Sinden
Switch
Blaqqstar
DJ Nu-Mark
RJD2
DJ Scratch
DJ Spinna
J.Rocc
Kenny Dope
?uestlove
Rich Medina
Waajeed
DJ Cash Money
Mixmaster Mike
Tony Touch
Kon & Amir
Andy Smith
and many more.
Has toured with:
Redman
Brand Nubian
Spank Rock
Pharoahe Monch
A-Trak
The Rub
Buckshot
Skillz
Special Ed
Orgone
Connie Price & The Keystones
Smalltown DJs
and many more.
Clients:
New York State Democratic Party
The Clinton Global Initiative
Green Party of Philadelphia
Gore Presidential Campaign 2000
The Smithsonian Institute
The Guggenheim Museum
Cooper-Hewett, National Design Museum
American Museum of Natural HistoryAmerican Music Awards
The Philadelphia 76ers
Larry Gold’s “The Studio”
Cut & Paste Digital Design Tournament
Weiden & Kennedy
Saatchi & Saatchi
Tribeca Film Festival
NXNE Festival
SXSW Festival
X-Games
Sled Island Festival
Crankworx Festival
Remix Hotel
Okayplayer.com
Flavorpill.com
Giant Step
Frank 151The Roots
Allen IversonJill Scott
Christina Aguilera
Erykah Badu
Jessica Simpson
Nelly
Pharrell Williams
Shepard FaireyJames Poyser
Charlie AhearnMTV
VH1
Nokia
iMeem
Hershey’s Atari Games
Ikea USA Scion
Redbull Energy Drink
Monster Energy Drink
Rockstar Energy Drink
Philly Car Share
Baby Loves Disco
Scratch Academy
TurntableLab
Adidas
Puma Reebok
Urban Outfitters
Diesel
Levi’s
Obey
55DSL
Circa
Gravis Footwear
Burton
Jimmy’zPlayboy Magazine
The Fader Magazine
Details Magazine
Spin Magazine
Complex Magazine
Urb Magazine
Blender Magazine
Vice Magazine
Vapors Magazine
Remix Magazine
Mass Appeal Magazine
Misbehave Magazine
Juxtapose MagazineQuotes:
A-Trak "Cosmo Baker is hands down one of my favorite DJs. very few dudes can read a crowd like Cosmo, first of all. My man can rock it in so many ways, and he continues to surprise me. Cosmo lives and breathes music and his knowledge runs deep!! He's a virtual librarian of music."
DJ Jazzy Jeff "When it comes to keeping the Philly Music tradition goin, Cosmo has it locked. His knowledge is incredible and his Crates are deep and his passion and skills makes him one of my faves."
DJ AM "Cos is a Philly native with more flavor than a pack of Now N' Laters. This flavor comes in handy when he's deciding what tunes you're gonna hear for a few hours!"
RJD2 "Cosmo is the club DJ I aspire to be - smooth, seamless, on top of his game, knows exactly what's appropriate at any given time. He'll play the song that I'm totally sure could not be resurrected, and bam - gangbusters. He's definitely that guy."
Diplo "I would sneak into Fluid when I was still under 21 to see Cosmo play at the legendary Remedy, his parties were part of my foundation in Philly. The dude has a sixth sense at turnin' a crowd out."
?uestlove "Cosmo Cosmo Cosmo... I remember when Cosmo got his first mixer and started dj'n back in 92. Little did I know this guy would constantly keep me on my a game like no other cat I know. He is always dropping that "This ain't out yet" game on us and I'm always dropping that "Cell phone memo note to cop that 'This ain't out yet'" jam he played. When I grow up, I wanna be like Mo"
DJ Monk One (Wax Poetics) "Cosmo’s a rare cat. There aren’t many who can impress me with a funk 45s set, turn around and destroy a rave packed with barely legal hipsters, then pull out a disco twelve-inch that I’d all but forgotten about—and still be one of my favorite faces to see over a pint of beer."
Rich Medina "I fucking love Cosmo like a brother. We were a huge part of each other's growth as DJs, promoters and men in the 90s in Philly, and I have the utmost respect for his skill set and his work ethic. The dude is a fucking beast!"
XXXChange (Spankrock) "Cosmo Baker is, without a doubt, the most learned DJ I have ever seen. From early house, to club bangers, classics, rock shit, jazz, dude has done his research, and done it well!"
Eli Escobar "Cosmo is everything I think a great DJ should be; versatile, skilled and before anything else, a true tastemaker."
Nick Catchdubs (Fools Gold) "In the biggest DJ city in the world, where every single one of your friends, neighbors and co-workers is spinning a party on any given night of the week, I still go out of my way to check Cosmo Baker play whenever I can. His style never fails to surprise and inspire in fresh ways."
Tittsworth "I'm proud to say that I have looked up to Cosmo Baker for years... as far as musical knowledge, party-rockin' and being an all around amazing dude, there is no substitute!!"
Dave Nada "Cosmo Baker is a major influence in my musical career. I put him right up there with heroes like James Brown, Afrika Bambaataa, and Masters At Work. He's not a DJ. He's an artist. A soul man."
Emynd "It's not rare to meet someone with a talent for music, but it IS rare to meet someone with so much talent who is so damn giving in every way with that talent: whether we're talking about his DJing, his willingness to share his knowledge, or just hitting you off with a high quality rip of hard-to-find MP3, itgets no better than Cosmo mothereffing Baker."
Max Glazer (Rihanna's DJ) "Cosmo Baker is a real fucking asshole!"
Frankie Chan "From the first day I met him Cosmo Baker has been a pillar of support and inspiration, both getting my back at a moment's notice (SXSW '07) and offering words of kindness and advice when his somehow psychic sense knew I needed to hear it most."
DJ Lindsey "Cosmo always inspires me when I hear his mixes or live sets. I love a DJ who can nerd out on rare shit but then still play the hits tastefully. One of my favorites for certain!"
Matthew Africa "Cosmo is the new new minister of super heavy funk."
DJ Mr. Supreme "100% pure no gimmicks"
Kon (Kon & Amir) "Cosmo is that well rounded Classic Philly style DJ that I wish more DJs were like... he's been killing party's with all the hit's we know and love, but I've seen the man wreck shop with a straight funk and soul set... the mans got the cure for male pattern baldness too... Listen and learn !!"
DJ Mighty Mi "I've known Cosmo since we were both 13-year-old young Philly boi's. Even back in 1986, you could tell Cosmo wasent your ordinary cat. Blessed with artistic parents like myself, Cos was groomed on good music, taste, and culture. His very eclectic upbringing is evidenced in his spinning. Cosmo does Philly dj's proud every time he puts on a pair of headphones."
DJ Tat Money "Cos is one of the most dedicated people that I've met. He made The Remedy successful in Philly for many years with this same passion. And that love was felt in the room everynight at Club Fluid. That night was definitely something special. Cos is on point, down to earth and a genuine friend. His selection in music is off the charts. I've had the pleasure of spinning with him and all I can say is That's my man throwin down. Cosmo is the perfect example of a Real dj, Dedicated -focused - skillful and a man of his word."
Scottie B "First things first - Where's Cosmo playing tonight? And that's real!!!"
DJ Too Tuff (Tuff Crew) "Cosmo Baker? What can I say about a truly motivated and dedicated pioneer of the club scene, Cos has both supported and inspired me to comeback and strive to live up to my potential. He has far surpassed the title of ground breaking dj and has created and instituted a brand of music and club nights thats to this day has given him a secure and untouchable place in Philly and worldwide hip hop!"
DJ Day "Everything Cosmo does is straight from the heart"
Thanks for reading this whole thing and I hope you learned a little bit more about me. By the way. I have no desire to play for a crowd that ISN'T going to lose their shit to this song hahah... Peace! - Cosmo
