Rap star Knucks opens up about the formative experience of being torn from his London upbringing and transplanted to a boarding school in Nigeria at just 12 years old. The decision, made by his parents in an effort to curb his misbehavior, left him feeling like an outsider both in Britain and Africa.
Despite facing challenges at his new school, including bullies and difficulties adjusting to the stark contrast between his former life and the unfamiliar surroundings, Knucks found solace in a close friendship with the school cook. She became a mother figure to him, offering comfort and companionship during times of loneliness or homesickness.
These formative experiences have shaped Knucks's new album A Fine African Man, which explores themes of identity, belonging, and cultural heritage. On songs like 'Cut Knuckles,' he reflects on the contrast between his current life and memories of doing laundry by hand in Nigeria. The tracks also touch upon feelings of shame about dropping his Nigerian name after adapting to British culture.
However, it was a pivotal figure in Knucks's life who had influenced this narrative growth – Nathan "NRG" Rodney, an elder mentor with whom he connected over his passion for music and guidance that helped correct ego-driven tendencies. Tragically, NRG died from a car accident just as his artistic talents began to flourish.
In recording the bus conductors during a visit back to Nigeria in 2023, Knucks was creating a new sonic pathway – incorporating West African rhythms with soul samples. The track 'Masquerade' showcases an ogene cowbell instrument and ojà flute used in traditional Nigerian masquerades to add local authenticity, inviting listeners from his homeland to connect on a deeper level.
Knucks's journey highlights how pivotal the role of family, mentors, and friends can be in shaping one's artistic expression. With A Fine African Man on October 31st release date, Knucks invites listeners to explore themes of self-discovery and belonging – weaving narratives deeply rooted in his personal history, a rich tapestry reflecting his unique blend of experiences as he forges his musical identity.
Despite facing challenges at his new school, including bullies and difficulties adjusting to the stark contrast between his former life and the unfamiliar surroundings, Knucks found solace in a close friendship with the school cook. She became a mother figure to him, offering comfort and companionship during times of loneliness or homesickness.
These formative experiences have shaped Knucks's new album A Fine African Man, which explores themes of identity, belonging, and cultural heritage. On songs like 'Cut Knuckles,' he reflects on the contrast between his current life and memories of doing laundry by hand in Nigeria. The tracks also touch upon feelings of shame about dropping his Nigerian name after adapting to British culture.
However, it was a pivotal figure in Knucks's life who had influenced this narrative growth – Nathan "NRG" Rodney, an elder mentor with whom he connected over his passion for music and guidance that helped correct ego-driven tendencies. Tragically, NRG died from a car accident just as his artistic talents began to flourish.
In recording the bus conductors during a visit back to Nigeria in 2023, Knucks was creating a new sonic pathway – incorporating West African rhythms with soul samples. The track 'Masquerade' showcases an ogene cowbell instrument and ojà flute used in traditional Nigerian masquerades to add local authenticity, inviting listeners from his homeland to connect on a deeper level.
Knucks's journey highlights how pivotal the role of family, mentors, and friends can be in shaping one's artistic expression. With A Fine African Man on October 31st release date, Knucks invites listeners to explore themes of self-discovery and belonging – weaving narratives deeply rooted in his personal history, a rich tapestry reflecting his unique blend of experiences as he forges his musical identity.
. Knucks's story, in particular, hits me hard because he's not just talking about some abstract feeling of 'belonging' - he's sharing his actual, real-life experiences as a 12-year-old immigrant kid who was literally torn from his roots 
. And its dope that he's using those experiences to create music that's both personal and authentic 
. I also love how he's incorporating traditional Nigerian sounds into his album - it's not just about being 'African' or 'exotic', but about blending cultures in a way that feels true to himself 
. It's crazy how those formative years can shape you into the person you become later in life. I love how music has helped him process everything and find a way to connect with his roots again. The fact that he's working with traditional Nigerian instruments like ojà flute is really cool – it shows he's not just rapping about his experiences, but also trying to share them with others through music 
. It's like he took all the pain and struggles and turned them into a powerful message that resonates with people on a deeper level 
. His album sounds so unique, blending African rhythms with soul samples... I'm defo gonna check it out 
!
Like, what's up with sending your kid to boarding school at 12? It's like, 'Hey, son, we're gonna take you away from everything that makes you, you, and just expect you to adapt or else' 
. I mean, I can see why they'd want to curb his misbehavior, but all that has to come out in a new album? Not exactly the most subtle way of expressing emotional baggage... Still, gotta give Knucks props for making music about it - at least he's owning it 
! Can you imagine being a 12-yr-old kid torn from your fam in London and dropped into Nigeria? Like, no wonder he had identity issues 
. But the way it all came together with his school cook mum figure and mentor NRG (RIP) is just inspiring 
! And now Knucks is all about exploring his cultural heritage with West African vibes, I'm here for that 
! The bus conductors track on Nigeria 2023 sounds fire 
! Release date is Oct 31st? Better believe I'll be streaming it the night before 
. Can't he just own the experience instead of making it sound like some kind of tragic origin story? And what's with all the references to his old life and laundry days in Nigeria? Does he really think that's gonna resonate with people who aren't from London or Nigeria? I'm excited for the music, but I need more than just a feel-good, identity crisis album 
.
I mean, can you imagine being torn from your family and friends at 12 to go to boarding school in Nigeria? That's like, a whole different world, right? 
And the fact that he found solace in his friendship with the cook is so beautiful. It shows how even in tough situations, there's always someone who cares.
. I love how his new album is exploring themes of identity, belonging, and cultural heritage - it's like he's speaking straight to my soul! 