Coke Bumaye releases new album, ‘Tearz Turn To Reign’

For South Jackson native Corey Stokes, pain has never been the final chapter of the story.

Known to many as artist and barber Coke Bumaye, Stokes has built a reputation through his music and commitment to uplifting his community. Alongside business partner Kansas Gray, Stokes uses his platforms to create positive change beyond entertainment. They provide free haircuts for children, and organize back to school supplies drives and peace rallies.

Now, Stokes is bringing another piece of his journey to the forefront with his latest project. “TEARZ TURN TO REIGN” is an introspective body of work centered on transformation, resilience, and growth.

The title itself represents a shift in perspective, turning hardships into motivation rather than allowing them to become limitations.

“I think it’s just full life experience,” Stokes said when describing the inspiration behind the album. “The ups and downs that we all go through. I thought it was important to know that our perspective is valuable and the way we see things determines the way we survive or thrive. I always used my circumstances as fuel.”

For Stokes, the album is not simply a reflection of difficult moments. It represents the lessons gained from those experiences and the mindset required to continue moving forward.

Throughout his career, Stokes has remained transparent about his journey and “TEARZ TURN TO REIGN” continues that tradition. The project has been described as one of his most personal releases, highlighting the emotional depth behind his music.

While vulnerability can be challenging for artists, Stokes believes authenticity is necessary.

“All my work is personal to me,” he said. “I think the hardest part is standing in front of those experiences after the art is in the world. But it is necessary.”

Although his music draws from real life experiences, Stokes explained that he remains intentional about how he tells those stories.

“No songs were too personal cause I still protect people through craftsmanship,” he said.

That attention to detail is a major part of his growth as an artist. Over the years, Stokes, as Coke Bumaye, has released projects including “Nobody Owes Me Nothing” and “Separation”, documenting different chapters of his life. However, he believes his biggest evolution has happened away from the microphone.

“I think my greatest evolution at this time was being able to put down things that didn’t serve me,” he said. “That allowed me to pick up things that do. That evolution is shown in the music by the attention to detail.”

Growing up in South Jackson has played a major role in shaping both his sound and his perspective. For Stokes, the city’s influence goes beyond geography; it is rooted in shared experiences and storytelling.

“I think the city as a whole has shaped the sound and through the music we all connect our experiences,” he said. “Also through the music we swap game. We from the same things just maybe a different way of explaining it.”

That connection to Jackson is also reflected in his commitment to community work. Through barbering, music, and outreach efforts, Stokes continues to create spaces encouraging growth and opportunity for young people.

For listeners experiencing their own struggles, Stokes hopes “TEARZ TURN TO REIGN” serves as a reminder to keep pushing forward.

“DON’T STOP; KEEP GOING,” he said when asked what message he wants people to take away from the project.

The album also challenges the traditional idea of what it means to “reign.” While success is often associated with power and recognition, Stokes now views it through a different lens.

“Years ago I thought reigning was about power,” he said. “Now I understand that reigning is about responsibility. So it’s just a responsibility that I have to myself first and foremost and then others.”

That responsibility is evident in every part of his journey. From creating music reflecting his truth to investing in the community that helped shape him.

With “TEARZ TURN TO REIGN”, and an upcoming documentary centered around the project, Stokes is continuing to tell a story rooted in perseverance, purpose, and transformation.

For an artist who has always represented South Jackson, this chapter is not just about where he has been. It is about what he continues to build.

Fans can learn more about Stokes, and his musical work under the name of Coke Bumaye, by visiting his website at CokeBumaye.com.