CINCINNATI – The Queen City’s hip-hop community is reeling after the death of 22-year-old rising rapper and Purple Umbrella founder Uncle Kosa, whose passing began circulating across social media late last month and into early December 2025.
Born and raised in Madisonville, Uncle Kosa (real name not publicly released by family at press time) had been making music since his early teens, heavily influenced by his grandfather, a founding member of the legendary Dayton/Cincinnati funk outfit Midnight Star. Friends say that lineage wasn’t just a footnote; it was the spark that pushed Kosa to treat every bar, every beat, and every collaboration like it had to live up to a legacy.
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In just a few short years, he built a loyal local following with his melodic, introspective style and relentless work ethic.
But those closest to him insist his biggest contribution wasn’t the tracks themselves; it was the Purple Umbrella movement he started in 2023, an artist collective that became a safe space for young creators from Over-the-Rhine to Westwood to record, perform, and dream bigger than their zip codes.
“He wasn’t just rapping about getting out; he was actually building the ladder for everybody else,” said longtime collaborator and Purple Umbrella member Lil Ray. “Any kid with a dream and a phone note full of lyrics could slide to Kosa and leave with studio time, a feature, or at least real talk that made you believe in yourself.”
Since news of his death broke, timelines have been flooded with unreleased verses, studio selfies, and tear-streaked videos of fans blasting his songs from car stereos on Madison Road. A makeshift memorial of purple balloons, candles, and Sharpied posters now covers the fence outside the Madisonville recreation center where Kosa hosted open-mic nights.
Family and friends have not released an official cause of death, asking for privacy as they grieve. A verified GoFundMe organized by Purple Umbrella members to cover funeral costs and continue the collective’s work surpassed $40,000 in less than 48 hours.
“22 is way too young, but look at what he already did,” his older cousin posted early Monday. “He turned a neighborhood into a movement. That don’t die.”
Plans for a celebration of life and tribute concert are underway, with several local venues already offering to host free of charge. Until then, Purple Umbrella has one simple message echoing across every post:
“Keep creating. Keep the umbrella up. That’s what Kosa would want.”