Koby Hustle’s AHA (Gazelle) Moment

"Just be you and let God work.”

Rap artist and lyricist Koby Hustle discovered through the music of Aha Gazelle that you don’t have to be perfect to be you. The more he listened to the honesty in Aha’s music, the more he was inspired to listen to himself. 

“I used to only listen to what others said about my art; so I stepped away from music and writing,” Hustle explained. “ After listening to Aha, I knew I wanted to write again.”

Hustle was introduced to music at age 9 in the choir and band. He began writing his own music at 14 years old. He spent his free time at the CD stores listening to songs of every genre. 

“My mom had no idea how I knew so many songs,” he said. “She knew I was always busy playing sports; but I had an identity crisis in my youth. I tried to fit in where I could.”

The artist didn’t want to stand out, but God told him to give that to Him. Hustle stopped listening to man, started praying, and listening more to God. Hustle’s emo rap song, ‘Doin Me,’ is a reflection of his growth into adulthood. 

Hustle’s natural athletic ability led to a football career that spanned into his 30s. He knew it was a blessing to play ball, but he realized he wasn’t using his platform to bring people to God. After three knee surgeries and a torn ACL, football was no longer a possibility. The rapper said that the day of the final injury was a life-defining moment. 

“I reached out to God; confused on why he would give me a talent only to take it away,” Hustle shared. “I asked God what I was supposed to do now; and the next day, He showed me.”

The lyricist was sitting in his car writing music when a fellow church-goer asked to hear Hustle  rap. The impromptu performance led to a recording studio invitation, where Hustle recorded some material. He then shared the recording with his best friend.

“He surprised me with a computer; he has been my friend for a long time and he told me he believed in me; and that I should believe in myself,” Hustle reflected. “That very summer (2022), I was the opening performer for Miles Minnick in Oregon. God was telling me to use my music.”

That wasn’t the only thing God was telling Hustle. The rapper was reminded of the story of Jacob, who wrestled with God for a blessing. Hustle explained that God touched the hip of Jacob, and Jacob walked away with a limp for the rest of his life. The same thing had happened to Hustle. The rapper said he was wrestling with God.

“I was determined to not let go of God until God blessed me with playing pro ball. But, God gave me a limp for the rest of my life, just like Jacob,” said Hustle.

The artist relies on his faith daily, and references Romans 4:20 as his favorite Bible Scripture:  ‘he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.’

The artist is passionate about creating music for Christ, building a better community, and loving his family. 

Hustle would like to collaborate with Aha Gazelle and Derek Ryan (Vito OT). Hustle gave the reasons behind this goal: Aha Gazelle is his favorite rapper and he grew up watching Derek Ryan perform as the opener at many concerts. 

"I looked up to Vito OT for his voice, style, and his incredible connection with people," Hustle reflected. "Now, we are brothers in Christ on a mission to bring the Word to people everywhere. We get to make great music on this mission; it’s amazing!”

The inspiration to build community came from watching how Nipsey Hussle impacted his community. For motivation, Hustle gives credit to his wife. 

“My wife is the MVP of my life. Even when I had nothing, she helped me go through barber school,” he explained. “She supports my music. She is a business owner, and just an all-out wonderful mother and woman. Mrs. Hustle is the motivation of everyone in our home.”

Hustle’s name inspiration came from a combination of Nipsey Hussle and Kobe Bryant. Hustle chose Koby because it means ‘may Yahweh protect.’

Hustle and his wife, and six children, are a family of entrepreneurs. 

The artist smiled and said, “We are a house full of hustles. May Yahweh protect the Hustles.”