Cobra Immortal grew up in Crystal City, Missouri a small town located 30 miles south from St. Louis. His life was rough it wasn't easy growing up, but through his struggle he used it to become the man we know today.
Cobra turned to rap music in the early 80 ' s. Listening to the sounds of LL Cool J , Fat Boys, Run DMC , and The Beastie Boys. Then when N.W.A came out he knew he wanted to become a rap artist and put his stamp on the industry. His influences are Tupac Shakur, Scarface, Ice Cube, Too Short, and Spice One.
His style of music is original and very unique . Cobra believes that he can make a major impact on the hip hop culture.
"In this industry you have to be creative and very different, from your competition . By doing so not only will you gain more fans and supporters but you will also leave your mark in this game".
In 2008-2009 Cobra made the decision to start his own music label. With this bold move he took control of his own product .
"No one else was going to do it for me. You have to be very versatile when you separate owner versus being an artist . The owner builds the label but the artist is the mouthpiece or voice for the label, to catch the attention of the music lovers, fans, and record label executives. It's a tough task to be the owner,CEO , and artist but I feel like I've done a great job at it".
Cobra draws his inspiration from his life experiences from them the music comes easy.
"The different challenges that I've faced over the years, my ups and downs and personal transgressions. Music is about sharing your stories with the world and inspiring others.
His recent project that will be released is his latest EP "Open Fire" is the first of the "Open Fire" series. Cobra released two previous albums "Untold Stories" and "Rise 2 Power"
We asked Cobra how he felt of the state of rap music was and this what he had to say.
"The state of rap music today has changed dramatically. It is totally different I believe that there is a lot of great talent out there to keep the legacy of our craft alive".
Cobra has several songs the he has done that he really loves "Y U Mad At Me"? It's a record that a lot of people can relate to. "When you are doing positive thing in your life, you have haters who will hate. Trust me, haters hate on me everyday but all they're doing is making me famous and powerful at the same time".
When he's not in the studio, he works out, hangs out with his homeboys and just relax and have fun. He takes time out for himself when he can due to his schedule.
I want to thank God, the almighty father. Without his love and support for me, none of this would be possible. My mother, Lillian Manning. My father Ben Manning. My sister, Melody Manning-Williams. My brothers, John&George Manning. My producers, Jr Wagner(JRIZZZ), Parabellum Beats, Tony Heat. Dillon Cash, C.E.O. of COLOSSAL MUSIC GROUP. CHASE MONEY, GREY D. APOLLO NIGHT LA. PILLA THA BRAND, JOSHUA DUNCAN, JASON FOWLER, CORTEZ FRANK, LEORA TALLENT, HARRY D. MANGLER and CARDINAY BEATS. Also, shout out to Shawn Mcdowell and Ground Up Magazine for giving me the opportunity to interview me and giving me a chance to share my story. To all my fans and supporters around the world, thank you for all that you've done for me. I am grateful in your debt. cobraimmortal.net soundcloud.com/cobraimmortaltwitter@cobraimmortal facebook.com/cobraimmortal1
My homie 6 FEET DEEP. We ridin'through this thing. Jarryl and Rhona Burse. Thank you for your support,
We at The Ground Up Magazine would like to thank Cobra Immortal for doing this interview! Keep up the great music.