John Cousin

About John Cousin

I began writing and performing in the mid 80's. After a stint in the (expired link). Navy, I traveled to Jamaica and with the help of a popular (expired link). named Skull Man, I recorded a self released single in 1993. The song created a buzz and got some airplay. However, Internet technology, as far as marketing/promotion didn't exist and I simply sent cassette copies of the song to various labels in the hopes of securing distribution.

After numerous labels either didn't respond or gave excuses such as "We only deal with Gangsta music" (which was dominating the scene at the time), a local New Orleans, Louisiana based label expressed interest in signing me to an exclusive contract in 1994. I was as happy and excited as can be. But, things don't always go as planned.

Mr. Tee Records put me in the studio and I recorded 2 songs that were never released. Musically, I sat idle for a few months and I eventually asked for a release from my contract, which I was granted. The only good thing that came out of it was the label head hooking me up with Carlos Stephens aka C Los, who was already establishing himself as a popular producer and would later find fame as a part of Beats By The Pound and No Limit Records (Master P).

Music wasn't paying the bills and I always had the good sense to keep a job, I didn't record again until 1997, this time, with the intention of operating independently, as technology was making it more affordable to self- release and sell music. I once again linked up with Carlos and recorded an EP at his studio. It was released in 2001 and got a decent response, selling on consignment and hand to hand. Selling in stores was difficult as many distributors were going bankrupt as digital technology was hurting CD sales.

Then, a major blow came: Carlos signed an exclusive contract to No Limit Records as a house producer. This meant that legally, we could no longer work together. But, I understood, it was just business. I eventually hooked up with high school friend James Brown aka Sergio, who, as luck would have it, had just opened a recording studio in his home. We ended up recording tons of songs between 2001 and 2005.

My entire music catalog is available on iTunes and other digital music streaming service platforms. It's been a long journey, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm grateful for all of the support and feedback from everyone.