Renowned producer Kosine returns to Chicago to inspire, mentor young minds

CHICAGO – Multi-Grammy-nominated platinum producer Kosine is at the center of some of the biggest R&B and hip-hop hits in the last two decades.

He’s moved to the West Coast to chase more success, but over St. Patrick’s Day weekend Kosine made the trip back home to Chicago to do what he does best – making a difference in young lives.

“I grew up in Broadview and Maywood playing games at James Memorial on 6th and Madison in Maywood,” Marcos Palacios, known in the music industry as “Kosine,” said. “St. Joseph High School and then I went to FAM U, then graduated from Columbia College Chicago.”

The multi-talented artist, skilled at producing, writing, recording, performing and acting, has worked with some of music’s biggest stars, such as Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and Justin Bieber.

While Kosine loves what he does, he said connecting with the next generation is one of his greatest joys.

“The first thing that they want to say to somebody that is doing well from the hometown is, ‘You don’t come back. You don’t give back,’ and so we beat them to the punch every year, every time,” he said.

During his trip home, Kosine shared his saxophone skills, life story and musical journey with students in south suburban South Holland and Harvey.

“That’s my therapy, educating, articulating, you know, my cheat codes in the studio to the kids and opening up their eyes to the art of songwriting and music production,” Kosine said.

He hopes pouring out some of what he’s learned over the years empowers young minds, showing them that if he can do it, they can, too.

“I’m always looking for that one,” Kosine said. “You know, who is the next Kosine. Who is the next artist that I can help develop?”

As Kosine molds young talent, he’s equally excited to keep making music with established artists.

“I got to just tell you about BJ The Chicago Kid. I have a song releasing with him this Friday called ‘Will You Pray,’ so just look out for it,” he said.