Cozz Shares How Sobriety Sharpened His Performance and Perspective

Cozz, the 31-year-old rapper from South Central Los Angeles and a signee to J. Cole’s Dreamville label, is entering a new era—one rooted in clarity, accountability and growth. In a recent conversation with EBONY at Dreamville Fest, the rapper opened up about his evolving creative process, finding freedom from past constraints, and the personal reckoning that pushed him toward sobriety. 

Now nearly a year sober from alcohol, Cozz says the shift has unlocked a new level of intention in his music and performance. “This is the most clear I’ve been vocally, even with my breath control,” he explained, adding that his freestyles are flowing again, and his stage presence feels renewed.  

The turning point came after the loss of a close friend and a series of fallouts tied to his drinking. He described a moment of deep reflection, a conversation with himself and God, that centered around one question: “What do you need to do to live up to your full potential?” The answer led him to reclaim his focus and begin the difficult—but freeing—journey toward healing. 

Still, the process hasn’t come without its doubts. “I was scared to let it go because I always did music with alcohol by my side. It was my remedy, I was nervous,” he admitted. But through the discomfort came conviction. “I took it like any other challenge. I talked to myself and got over the hump. Now I’m 100% better than I ever was.” 

Part of that journey also meant confronting the weight of childhood trauma, something Cozz says was essential to reaching his 11-month milestone. While sobriety has cost him certain relationships, it’s also deepened the ones that matter most. “I’m a lot more considerate.” he reflected. “My real ones stuck with me.” 

With new music on the way, Cozz promises a sound that balances bounce with truth—an evolution shaped by pain, discipline and ultimately, purpose.