Straight out of South Kilburn is Knucks, the high-flying, lyrical genius that has given us tracks for all settings. His debut mixtape was released in 2014, showcasing his tranquil and matter-of-fact approach to rap. On this same project, we were treated to nostalgic beats with some jazz inspiration. This character arc has followed Knucks since then, giving us track after track with cultural phenomena references.
Today we experience a Knucks who releases tracks for different moods. Sometimes, Knucks has us going with tracks that could blow the sub out of our car, while other times, he slows it down, whittling us down to the finest lovers of melody. And other times, he finds us smack dab in the middle.
TOP-DOWN, TUNES BANGING
When you’re driving downtown with the windows rolled down, the sunroof open, and your mates in the whip, you’re going to want these tracks.
Home is the perfect song to get you bobbing your head as you speed through city lights. The beat is seemingly taken off the score of an 80s mafia movie and paired with classic drill aspects. The lyrics themselves also tell a bit of a tale if you’re in the mood to deep what Knucks spits.
Summer is Blue puts Knucks on a track with A2 and Sainte, whose sound is primarily heard on this track. However, Sainte is a member of late-night drive royalty as well. As a trio, they produce a more upbeat sound than we’ve heard from Knucks prior.
Breakfast At Tiffany’s has a super hard beat which makes you feel like you’re in an arcade game. You’ll find yourself subconsciously speeding when you listen to this one. Try not to go crazy with your homies when this comes on.
GET OFF YOUR FEET
If I told you the intro and outro of this track sampled one of the hardest scenes in Breaking Bad, would you believe me? Los Pollos Hermanos opens with the introduction to Gustavo Fring, the cold-blooded dealer who proves throughout the show that he puts up with nothing. This track doing the same thing.
Wicked is a switch-up to what we’ve heard from Knucks. The bubblegum summer vibe makes you want to get off your feet and jam out with your friends in the kitchen. For you rap lovers, this one isn’t quite for you. But if you’re getting into Knucks and want to taste all of the flavours, check it out.
Finally, we have Gwen Stefani, which could work perfectly as a filler track for your next party. It’s not offensive, nor is it too mellow. It sits right in the middle, putting you in a good mood to enjoy a fun night with friends.
KICK BACK AND RELAX
Nice & Good tends to be everyone’s entrance to Knucks. It’s a super mellow track that has a soothing, Spanish Riviera tone throughout. It’ll make you want to sit back, relax and partake in whatever helps you zone out.
Wedding Rings gives off a 90s American type of vibe with a head-swaying beat and a flow that is reminiscent of Jay-Z in Empire State of Mind. This is another one of those tracks that you can set and forget in your playlist. Actually, no. Think of it like an old faithful.
His Daily Duppy for GRM Daily is another terrific showcase of his ability to put a jazz spin on rhyme. The beat is smooth and will shake you into your core. However, the accompanying lyrics are paired perfectly. It’ll make you think, but not too hard.
FASHION INFLUENCE
Knucks seemingly hasn’t let fame and fortune dictate his fashion choices. His predominantly streetwear-styled closet is headlined by an assortment of matching two-piece sets and snug-fitting jackets.
When seen around London, he’s often sporting an array of American baseball caps. He’s seen colour-coordinating them with jackets that coincide with the rest of the fit.
More on CULTED:
See DISCOGRAPHY AUTOPSY: CHANNEL YOUR MAIN CHARACTER ENERGY WITH LITTLE SIMZ
See MEET AYRTN: THE MUSICAL HEAVYWEIGHT SET FOR A KNOCKOUT YEAR
