2024 Bob Cato Prize winner: lojii
Lojii is a rapper and multimedia artist based in Philadelphia, known for his unique blend of jazz, 90s hip-hop, R&B, and soul. His music, characterized by clever lyrics about everyday life and working-class struggles, has been featured in OkayPlayer, The LA Record, The Fader, Spin, The Wire, and Pitchfork. Influenced by his father's eclectic musical taste, lojii honed his craft at Purchase College and built connections that fueled his artistic journey.
Lojii's career gained momentum in Los Angeles, where deepened bonds with likeminded artists led to the creation of the acclaimed albums Due Rent and lo&behold, works that reflect his personal experiences and resilience. Beyond music, lojii is committed to social causes, donating proceeds from his merchandise to organizations like Street Child which works to provide safety and education to children in low resource environments, and to initiatives supporting families facing eviction. Lojii’s most recent project, $TARTER_PACK, released in 2023, continues to showcase his evolving artistry.
The 2024 Bob Cato Prize provides lojii with support for recording expenses, helping him to bring his creative vision to life through the production of new works.
The Bob Cato Prize
Bob Cato was a prominent American graphic designer and photographer whose work had a significant impact on the development of album cover art.
In the 1960s, Cato joined CBS/Columbia Records, where he transformed album cover design into a celebrated art form, creating iconic covers for artists such as Bob Dylan, Miles Davis, and Thelonious Monk, winning two Grammy Awards for his efforts. Beyond his contributions to the music industry, Cato taught at institutions like the School of Visual Arts and the Rochester Institute of Technology, and his later years saw him focus on fine art, photography, and book production until his passing in 1999.
Inspired Harmony awards The Bob Cato Prize annually to a recipient who exemplifies a blend of artistic innovation, dedication to craft, and a commitment to cultural and social impact.
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