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Knocturnal music: West Coast style
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Story
Fresh out of alcohol rehab and backed by some of the most
prominent artists on the west coast, Knocturnal is poised and ready
to become the west coast’s next rap star. His recently
released debut album, The Way I Am, includes appearances by Snoop
Dogg, Nate Dogg, Lil’ Mo, Xzibit, Warren G and more. He
boasts a strong production team made up of the infamous Dr. Dre, DJ
Quick, Timbaland, and others.
By putting so many heavy hitters on the album, Knoc makes a strong
statement of wanting to make this album another west coast classic.
But will it happen? With the exception of the beat in “Click
Click” (the gun cocking should have been left to 50 Cent) the
beats throughout the album are bangin’ and exactly what
people have come to demand of west coast rappers.
The CD is reminiscent of a Snoop Dog record, with referrals to
ho’s, bitches, sex, thuggin’, and a free-for-all
attitude. In fact, that pretty much describes every song on the CD.
Knoc himself looks like a pre-pimp clone of Snoop’s long-lost
half brother with his lanky body, braids, and serious persona.
Track seven, a personal favorite titled “Peepin Tom”
makes multiple references to classic rap anthems and strings them
together in a creative and catchy mix:
“It’s the formula/ Murder was the case that they gave
me/ Dear God, I wonder can you save me/ Dear mama, Brenda had a
baby/ Hard times got a nigga goin’ crazy.”
Knoc’s voice has a life of its own. The man could call me and
read the menu at IHOP and it would sound like platinum. The album
is full of witty wordplays and melodic hooks, evident on “The
Way I Am” and “Love L.A.”
The man makes it obvious that he truly loves his state. The beats
will keep your head nodding all the way through, but if
you’re listening for content, you may hit a speed bump. On
track 13 after Knoc promotes, glorifies, and makes commentary on
the gangsta, mack-a-ho, thug way of life; he claims that he wishes
the world wasn’t the way it is and wants a better day for the
children. A little confusing, but its just music not a political
statement right? Not exactly.
The album also includes references to putting the Statue of Liberty
in a body bag and mailing it back to France (“Broken in
Half”). Well, whatever.
Overall, the album is good. I rate it a 7 out of 10 and encourage
you to pick it up for riding in your car or partying with friends.
The enhanced CD can also be put into a PC for access to news,
appearances, photos, and contests. For more information on Knoc and
his music, visit
“http://www.knockturnalmusic.com”>www.knockturnalmusic.com.
THE VERDICT
Overall, the album is good. I rate it a 7 out of 10 and
encourage you to pick it up for riding in your car or partying with
friends.
Danaka Oliver
A&E Writer