urbansteez.com

Unsigned Hype E-Knoc

The New Face of the West- If you're looking for a traditional khakis and chucks "cliche" west coast rapper you have come to the wrong place. But if it’s a fresh style with potent lyrics and Hollywood ready appearance you're seeking then E-Knoc is just the artist for you. Born and raised in Los Angeles/Long Beach/Compton/Gardena California the young MC has led a life u can write a book on but opts to write verses instead. And what started off as a pass time grew into a passion which in turn grew into borderline obsession as E-Knoc is in constant pursuit of perfection at his craft. His 2007 street debut "The Promise Land" garnered critical acclaim for its polish and versatility. And now E-Knoc challenges any who will listen to tell him that he doesn't have what it takes to be a viable commodity in the music industry.

E-Knoc

Location: LA County

Contact: myspace.com/eknocisthatrapper

Urbansteez.com Interview with West Coast artist E-Knoc

Unsigned artist E-Knoc Urbansteez: Tell us your name, and what area do you represent?

E-Knoc: I go by the name E-Knoc. I was born in Long Beach raised in the Gardena/ Compton area but been in the city, L.A. the last 6 or 7 years so I like to say I represent all of L.A. County.

Urbansteez: How long have you been pursuing a career in the music industry?

E-Knoc: Like 3 ½ years.

Urbansteez: What were you into before music?

E-Knoc: I played Football my whole life which kept me out of trouble until I ended up homeless late in my teens. Then I turned to hustling before I realized music was what I really wanted to do. Sounds typical, but it’s the truth.

Urbansteez: As an artist how would you describe your style and why?

E-Knoc: One of a kind. People tell me, ‘You don’t sound like nobody but yourself’. And I dig that. Plus I’m extremely versatile. My flow isn’t cliché West Coast. I’m more universal.

Urbansteez: If you had your pick which label to be signed to, which label would it be and why?

E-Knoc: In this day and age any label that would actually pay me, promote me, and put my album out would do me just fine.

Urbansteez: Who in your future would you want to collaborate with and why?

E-Knoc: Damien “Jr Gong” Marley. He’s one of my favorite artists in music today. He’s like an updated extension of his father but he’s an MC. It would be an honor to work with that cat.

Urbansteez: What are you working on now, and when can we expect to hear more of you?

E-Knoc: I just completed an EP entitled “Trouble Music” which folks will be able get for free download on dubcnn.com early march. But I’m working on a new street LP that I want to have out by the summer. Stay ready!

Urbansteez: Who are your influences?

E-Knoc: Pretty much all of the Hip Hop made in the mid 90’s. Everything from like 92 to 97, but 95 especially. That’s when as a kid I first started really listening and paying attention to what rappers were saying. Before that I just heard whoever my older brother was listening too. But 95 is when I started picking my own favorites. Cats like Pac and B.I.G., and groups like Goodie Mob, all the Death Row shit. That’s what I grew up on. My generation was inspired by rap at it’s peek skills wise, while kids growing up now don’t have too much to listen to on a mainstream level. I was 10 years old listening to Wu-Tang because they were on BET everyday. Nas dropped “If I Ruled the World” as a single. That’s what we heard everyday.

Urbansteez: What do you think of the hip hop / music world right now?

E-Knoc: I just think its time for a new perspective. We need new cats in the game that can actually make good music and hold it down for the new school. L.A., New York, Alaska, it don’t matter. But most new artists they put out now can barley even rap, let alone make some Unsigned artist E-Knoc classic shit. The majors need to go back to signing talent. Now a days an A&R will get a hold of some dope shit and not budge because he doesn’t know who the artist is. They don’t even trust their own ear. Like “I think he’s hot but I don’t know who he is.” Its like, “Well now you do!” Then they’ll go after some clown who got the number one song in Willacoochie, Georgia because he has radio spins. (Urbansteez LMAO “Willacoochie”) That makes no sense and they’re slowly starting to realize that, cause all of them are getting fired! And why does stuff have to be so regional? That doesn’t represent the culture. Like how are we on the West Coast irrelevant? Like it aint a million cats out here going through real shit everyday. We don’t deserve a chance to be heard? Or do you think you’ve heard all we have to offer? None of it makes sense to me. The media makes it seem like rap is falling off when in reality it’s the people up top, usually old heads, that got it all fucked up. Hip Hop ain’t dead and the music ain’t going anywhere. These labels are dying. Record sales are dying only because they insist on putting out bullshit and you can’t fool everybody forever. Its like they want to kill Hip Hop on purpose but that’s impossible. Like KRS-One said “We will be here forever!” But I’m liking the digital era in music. It’s a whole lot easier to do it independent than even when I first started at this a few years ago. So I hate it and love at the same time.

Urbansteez: I feel you on that! So much talent is being overlooked these days…What will you do with your first royalty check?

E-Knoc: Clear my credit report so help me God!

Urbansteez: Lol, You and me both! When you make it big, what car will you first purchase?

E-Knoc: I’m a Cadillac type a cat.

Urbansteez: What's in your sound system right now?

E-Knoc: Bob Marley all the time, American Gangster still, a Marvin Gaye mix, Me Against The World, and Devin The Dude’s new shit.

Urbansteez: which female in the game would you pursue first and why?

E-Knoc: Lauren London right now. She’s the hottest in the young and black Hollywood to me.

Urbansteez: I just saw her last night on that Sean John fashion, body was lookin RIGHT!! So, how can fans contact you in the future (myspace, email, PO box, etc.)??

E-Knoc: Hit me on the space. myspace/eknocisthatrapper

Urbansteez: ANY SHOT OUTS???

E-Knoc: My Momma!