Kosa M. Jones (Uncle Kosa), 22—A Rapper’s Light Extinguished by Homicide

The Cincinnati, Ohio (The Queen City) hip-hop community is reeling from the devastating and tragic loss of one of its most promising talents, Kosa M. Jones, known universally by his stage name, Uncle Kosa. At just 22 years old, Kosa’s life was brutally cut short when he was shot and killed on Saturday, November 29, 2025, in an act of senseless gun violence that is now the focus of a homicide investigation. His passing, which began circulating across social media late last month, has left a gaping void where immense potential once lay.

The Unspoken Potential: Purple Umbrella and The Queen City Sound

Uncle Kosa was far more than just a rapper; he was a creative force and the passionate founder of Purple Umbrella, a collective dedicated to fostering local hip-hop talent. He was a rising star, known not just for his music but for his entrepreneurial spirit and his dedication to his community. Losing Kosa M. Jones at the age of 22 means losing a future filled with music, innovation, and leadership that would have shaped Cincinnati’s culture for decades. His tragic death is a painful, stark reminder of the vulnerability faced by young artists in our cities.

Reeling in Sorrow: A Demand for Justice

The heartbreak over Uncle Kosa’s loss is palpable across social media and throughout the local music scene. His friends, family, and collaborators are not only mourning a life but demanding justice for the homicide that stole him away. As the Cincinnati Police Department works tirelessly on the investigation, the community stands united, focused on honoring Kosa’s memory and supporting his legacy, the Purple Umbrella. May his music and his vision continue to inspire, even as we collectively mourn the silence left by his tragic passing.