Meet Cocoa Sarai, a Rising Star Co-Signed by Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg

For those who don’t know, who is Cocoa Sarai?

I would describe myself as a singer, songwriter, engineer, visionary, atmosphere shifter, and lover girl who has a passion for all things creative and for seeing people reach their own personal goals. I know that was a long answer lol. Anytime that question is asked of me, I answer based on where I’m at in my life at the moment. So thank you for asking the question because (laughing), I needed to hear my own answer to figure it out for myself in this moment.

We know you’ve been working with Dr. Dre. What have you learned from being in the studio with him?

I’ve learned so much! Let me see if I can narrow some things down. He is so free when he’s creating. There’s no ego in the room. There’s no drama or BS happening in the space. He has a deep respect for the creative process, and it has always been so comfortable for me to be there and to grow there.

I’m able to touch so many genres, from R&B to hip-hop to gospel to rock to Afro and Caribbean, and whatever else we come up with in the space. I’ve never been asked to be less of myself. As a matter of fact, he’s always encouraged, “f*** the rules, we do what feels good.” Since I already think that way, it’s always felt like home. You make the art first, and then you make it excellent.

Do you ever get nervous?

Yeah, I absolutely still get nervous. I get nervous before I go on stage, but I feel most fearless when I’m on stage. Sometimes meeting new people makes me nervous, not at shows but at random events lol. Super cool on the outside, but inside I can be a bit awkward at times.

I don’t really like small talk. I don’t know if that’s because I’m from Brooklyn, but I’m also a Pisces, so I like to go deep. It feels better when people are willing to go there too, because we’re human, and human interaction is great when people are actually being themselves. But what do I know?

https://www.instagram.com/p/DDiLYCzzIWW/?img_index=1

How was it working with Snoop Dogg on Missionary?

It was so much fun! Snoop is probably one of my favorite people on the planet. He is exactly who everyone thinks he is, just an amazing and wonderful human being. We worked on the project for a few years, and I love how open he was to the process, and how much love and respect he and Dre have for each other.

It didn’t feel like work. Everyone was aligned and making it the best it could possibly be, with Dre at the helm. I’m featured on it too, but I was part of the writing and vocals behind most of the songs alongside THE ICU, Dre’s production crew, including myself. Working with family is fun, and those guys are family. Brilliant people.

I saw you perform recently and fell in love. Talk about what goes into your live shows and the live band.

Thank you so much! I have a full band, and I grew up in a musical family, so live music has always been a part of my expression. Proper sound when you have a band can be a doozy at times, but we are well-rehearsed, and the synergy among my friends and band members is top-tier.

I’m extremely intentional about the setlist. I curate it for the audience and for the venue I’m in. I want everything to flow in a way that takes people on a ride. The show you saw was at a theater, so I took every opportunity to be my very theatrical self and use the space accordingly.

I don’t believe the stage is just my stage. I believe the entire venue is my stage, and I exercise that right every chance I get, no matter where I am.

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/10ZbFTFxgKDPib8Ye8Ik8u?si=YCIPECAKSRqIKlADQM_wTg&pi=nZsLvRcaRMS7o

Love your new single “Chakra,” what inspired this record? What do you want fans to take away from it?

Thank you! “Chakra” was produced by legendary, award-winning producer (and my brother over at Aftermath), Dem Jointz. He’s literally one of my favorite people to work with. I have fun in every session we do.

He actually had the idea to make a song called “Chakra,” but he didn’t know much about what chakra is. My nerd brain felt like it was a great opportunity to explore what it feels like to be in alignment with someone, not just physically, but spiritually, someone you’re being intimate with.

Almost like, “you’re good for me.” Almost like, “I feel safe in your silence.” I never have to dim myself when you’re around. In fact, you push me to shine even brighter. The song is about feeling safe. And sex is such a vulnerable thing that feeling emotionally safe only makes it better, in my opinion. There’s so much freedom in that.

But I also wanted something people could dance to and vibe to. I love hearing people say they play it on repeat. It makes my heart warm.

What are your beauty go-to’s?

Man, how specific do you want me to get? I love anything that accentuates the eyes. I love a good liner lip combo. I’m a coconut butter in the summer, shea butter in the winter kind of girl. Hydrating facial masks and good moisturizers.

I’m truly a girly girl. I have tons of makeup and skincare and way too many pairs of shoes lol.

How would you describe your fashion sense?

I wake up and decide based on my mood that day. I don’t care to consider what other people are doing when it comes to what I wear.

I’ve worn heels since I was a very young girl because I grew up singing in church. I love gold jewelry, bright colors, coordinated fits, and fly pieces. Between the studio, shows, photoshoots, performances, and even the gym, getting dressed is like a self-love ritual for me. When I look good, I feel good.

What’s one thing fans may not know about you?

I like sci-fi movies, technology, I’m really, really, really into fitness, and I genuinely enjoy watching other people achieve the things they want.

There’s this sparkle in someone’s eyes when they accomplish something they worked hard for, and I wish that feeling on everyone. It creates a beautiful opportunity for a person to teach themselves that they can do hard things. And once you learn that, it empowers you to keep creating the life you want.

I know this for a fact.

Oh, and I’m short lol. I’m 5 feet tall. People are always surprised.