Harlem’s own Knocka has been holding it down for years rapping along some of the best in the music industry. He’s worked with Nicki Minaj, Max B and Fred The Godson just to name a few. With that said Knocka has granted AnthonyMizell.com an exclusive interview. Talking over the phone I felt like I was talking to a true legend in the making. Knocka spoke so freely and honest which I really appreciated. So make sure you check it out.
I noticed that you reply to a lot of your fans on Twitter, how important are your fans to you?
My fans are my everything. My fans definitely show support, so I feel like I gotta repay them by giving my all. I don’t understand how fans go to shows, buy albums and then you have some artist that act like they are too big to respond to the people that made them. So when I see the love that they show me as an unsigned artist I think it’s dope. No matter how big I get my fans will remain my number one priority.
How did you develop such a strong work ethic?
I’m an extremest. Which means what ever I wanna do, I take it to the extreme. Music is my passion. I always wanted to accumulate a huge fan base. I don’t do this to be cocky and showing off. Music is truly my passion to the core. I love to write. I love to speak about what is really going on in the streets. So going hard is something I knew I had to do.
Who are some artist you currently listen to in your free time?
HOV, HOV is somebody that never gets old to me. I don’t care how much I listen to HOV. Also Kendrick Lamar is someone I respect, he’s definitely a real lyricist. Drake is my number 1 artist right now besides HOV. I can’t forget Tupac I respect everything he stood for.
Do you have an artist that would be your dream collaboration?
HOV hands down. But I still would like to work with Kendrick Lamar, I think we could do something dope together.
Over the years your sound has changed, what inspired that?
Reality had hit me. I seen a lot in life. I was blessed enough to experience a lot in my lifetime. I realized that what I was out here doing a lot of kid’s couldn’t do financially. So what makes me better because I have money? No what makes me better is that I stop flashing it and try to motivate people to get this money. A lot of people out here have dreams, some are motivated and some are not. I just wanted to switch over and give them that real motivation.
What was your inspiration for creating the Young Nation Taking Over movement?
I believe in the youth. I believe that young people are taking over. No disrespect to the old heads. Young Nation Taking Over is about us. Look at any aspect of entertainment and sports, these people are all young. Everybody is 22, 23, 24 or younger. We’re keeping the generation alive. I don’t think any older person should see it as disrespect, because you all inspired us to do it. It’s just now were doing it our way.
In your song Blackballed you discussed feeling blackballed by the industry, do you still feel this way?
Let me tell you something. Blackballed is one of the most powerful songs to me. A lot of the things that I talk about, other artist are too scared to speak on. Everything is so secretive in this industry. Look I put up over 2 million views on YouTube alone. Why am I not being played on the radio? No disrespect to all DJ’s, because there have been a lot of DJ’s that have showed support but now days a lot of these DJ’s act like they are the artist. They be cocky, acting like they have platinum records. Listen this is not only a problem for me this is problem everybody has faced, anyone that has went up to a DJ for a spin. There’s a lot of basketball players that are better then Michael Jordan that never made it to the NBA because they were never given a chance. Then there’s the labels. They want you to build your whole brand and then sign over everything.
At this point in your career what is your ideal label situation?
I want a label to look at me as a business partner. Don’t just look at me as another source of income. Even if I get signed today I’m gonna go hard like I’m still unsigned. I know what it takes to be in this game and remain relevant. Whatever label that signs me will never regret it.
Still Black Flaggin is your latest mix-tape what would you say is your favorite song?
Misunderstood is something everybody need to hear. I see a lot of people that blog and write comments. People write comments based on assumption. There is a reason for everything. But I also have to say Realized Everyone Aint Loyal. I snapped on that record. It’s so much I speak about. I felt like I got a lot off my chest. I was re-leaved by that record. I’m a person that make heart felt records. I didn’t write that for attention. I speak from my heart and what’s on my mind.
So whats next for Knocka?
I’m shooting a video for You Ready. I’m working with my own artist, the clothing line and promoting this mix-tape for the next 3-4 four months. I want people to understand this mix-tape is truly a classic. I’m gonna shoot a couple more videos then I’m moving on to the next mix-tape which may be called Triple Black Flaggin and it will have all original music.
Check out one of my favorite videos by Knocka Realest Verse Ever
