David Garcia, better known as Cookin Soul, is a Grammy Award-winning music producer and DJ from Spain. At the age of four, his family relocated to Valencia, a culturally rich city located on Spain’s southeastern coast where the Turia River meets the Mediterranean Sea. His musical journey began early, inspired by his mother's weekend sessions of James Brown and other classic tunes played on cassette tapes.

Early Influences and Development

Cookin Soul's love for hip-hop was fueled by his older brother, DJ Impe whose collection of '90s hip-hop and funky breaks inspired Cookin Soul to start experimenting with mixtapes using DJ equipment and vinyl at just nine years old. By the age of 14, he was creating beats with basic PC programs like Fast Tracker and the PlayStation video game Music Generator.

Rise to Prominence

In 2002, Cookin Soul bought his first music setup, embarking on a journey of relentless music creation. His big break came in the early days of the internet, his official website and platforms like MySpace allowed him to connect with artists, DJs, and A&Rs across the globe. His innovative approach to production and remixing, blending classic sounds with modern beats, began to attract attention. Cookin Soul's persistence paid off, leading to collaborations with major artists and his rise in the music industry.

In 2004 Cookin Soul released his first mixtape. Remixes vol. 1 and started getting traction online. His breakthrough came in 2005 with Spanish rapper Nach's critically acclaimed double album "Ars Magna / Miradas." Cookin Soul produced four tracks for the album, including the lead single "Una Vida Por Delante" and the classic "Mi Propio Cielo,".

Shortly after, Cookin Soul reached a significant milestone when he collaborated with one of the world's top rappers at the time, The Game. The track "Baggage Claim," produced by Cookin Soul, was featured on one of The Game's mixtapes. This collaboration was a groundbreaking achievement for a producer from Spain.

Collaborations and Legacy

Cookin Soul has worked with a diverse array of artists, from hip-hop legends like Freddie Gibbs, Wiz Khalifa, Mac Miller, Nipsey Hussle, Larry June, Nicki Minaj, The Game, Joey Bada$$, Max B, YG, Curren$y, NORE, AZ, Conway the Machine, Jim Jones, Kool G Rap, etc to underground hip-hop figures like Lord Apex, Tha God Fahim, Raz Fresco, The Musalini, Estee Nack and many more.

He has also formed notable collaborations within the Spanish music scene, including the legendary Los Papasitos duo with Yung Beef and the classic Spanish hip-hop album "Cookin Bananas" with Mucho Muchacho.

In 2013, he won a Latin Grammy for his production work on Mala Rodriguez’s album "Bruja." 

He continued to work and produced for some of the most recognizable artist in the spanish scene, Yung Beef, Rels B, Dellafuente, Violadores del Verso, SFDK, Nach, Kaydy Cain, Khaled, Tote King, AGZ and many more.

Cookin Soul is currently working on fully produced projects with Latin hip-hop stars Aleman from Mexico and Pablo Chill-E from Chile.

Artistic Style and Contributions

Known for his unique ability to blend different genres, Cookin Soul’s sound is a fusion of classic soul, funk, jazz, and boom bap, all influenced by the golden era of hip-hop. His remixes and productions are celebrated for their soulful and eclectic style, resonating with audiences worldwide. Cookin Soul's dedication to his craft is evident through his extensive collection of vintage drum machines and an expansive vinyl collection, which he frequently showcases on social media and his YouTube channel. 

Solo Discography and Streaming Success

Cookin Soul's prolific career spans a vast solo discography, showcasing his versatility and innovation in music production. He has released over 25 LPs on vinyl, more than 20 remix tapes, and over 20 instrumental beat tapes. Additionally, he has collaborated on over 20 official fully produced EPs and albums with various artists, demonstrating his dynamic approach to music creation.

In 2022, Cookin Soul achieved a remarkable milestone with his solo projects, amassing an impressive 38,5 million streams on Spotify alone. This milestone not only underscores his enduring popularity but also highlights his ability to resonate with a global audience through his distinctive blend of soulful beats and hip-hop influences.

Impact and Recognition

Cookin Soul's impact extends beyond his production credits and collaborations. His drum kit and sound pack series, available on popular platforms like The Drum Broker, are highly sought after by fellow producers seeking to emulate his distinctive style. Moreover, his beatmaking sessions on YouTube have garnered the attention of major music brands such as Akai, Serato, and Roland, further solidifying his impact and influence in the music production community.

Global Touring and DJ Sets

Since 2009, Cookin Soul has been performing DJ sets and touring extensively. He has graced the stages of some of the most significant festivals and cities across Europe, including Barcelona, Madrid, Ibiza, Paris, Munich, Lisbon, Cologne, Amsterdam, Brussels and more. His international reach extends to Asia, where he has embarked on multiple tours, captivating audiences in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Shanghai, Bangkok, Seoul, and Taipei. Cookin Soul's energetic performances have also resonated in Latin America, with shows in Quito, Santiago de Chile and Mexico City, spanning from vibrant nightclubs to major festival stages.

Current Endeavors and Personal Life

Currently based in Amsterdam with his wife, Dutch rapper MC Melodee, and their three children.

David remains at the forefront of innovation, collaborating with artists ranging from the mainstream to the underground scene.

His YouTube channel, with over 540,000 subscribers, is a treasure trove of music videos, beat tapes, beat-making sessions, and tutorials, showcasing his dedication to inspiring others.