LOS ANGELES– On April 22, 2026 the Loyola Marymount University Music Industry Student Organization (MISO) hosted music producer Kosine in the Hill. Kosine is a Grammy nominated music producer and songwriter with experience producing for artists like Rihanna and Justin Bieber. He is also half of the production duo known as “Da Internz.” During the event, Kosine provided students with insight on how to build a career in the music industry.
He opened the event serenading students with his saxophone. Before diving into his background as a first-generation American growing up in Chicago, Kosine described how growing up in the church allowed him to experiment with music. This background helped him develop as a musician, and landed him a Louis Armstrong Jazz Award and a spot in the music program at Florida A&M University. This initially proved challenging for Kosine who struggled to keep up with the university’s prestigious musical program, but he was instead inspired to work harder. “My first rest of the year and I was at a crossroads. Do I just cry everyday to my mom or do I play for 12 hours and build up these muscles and the fingers and learn the scales?”
During his sophomore year tragedy struck, and Kosine returned home after his mother received a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Shortly after his mother passed away, Kosine continued to pursue his education. “Her last wish on her deathbed was, you have to graduate from college,” he said, remembering his mom. Following the passing of his mother, Kosine continued his college education at Columbia University in Chicago where he received a degree in music business.
After graduating at 23 years old, Kosine was offered a position to teach two classes, Hip Hop Beat Making and Music Production, as a professor at his alma mater. He explained how the experience helped him develop as a musician, saying,So those years of being a professor, with zero hits, but an opportunity to do this at 23 years old and make up my own career, is how I turned into Kosine.”
He talked to students about the importance of finding something you love to work on. “It’s really a sacred thing and so even when you have that love, and you put that love into your craft, it shows in your work,” he said.
Kosine worked with American rapper, Mims, early in his career, which helped him gain credibility in the music industry. Having produced the track “Move (If You Wanna)” opened the door for other production opportunities, such as world famous tracks like “Anaconda” by Nicki Minaj and “Dance” by Big Sean.
Alongside producing now Kosine works as an on-air personality for Apple Music, something he loves doing. “I’ve been at Apple Music in Culver City. You talk about another instance of life where I’m getting paid, but it’s not work. You’re paying me to be a fan of music,” he said.
Kosine also spoke to aspiring producers, giving advice on how to find your own unique sound. “The biggest rule in music is that there ain’t no rules,” he said.
The event left students with more than industry insight. It provided students with valuable life lessons they can apply to all facets of their lives.
