Rapper and producer Knucks has unveiled his debut EP NRG 105, out now on Island Records.
Styled like a radio transmission, with a smooth American radio host introducing the music, humourous call-ins and spoof ads interspersed throughout, NRG 105 is a highly polished production – something that complements Knucks’ mature sound.
The record also features contributions from some of the UK scene’s most exciting artists. Knucks and grime mainstay Wretch 32 trade verses over a killer trap beat on ‘Diddy’, Algeria-born singer Miraa May lends her delicate vocals to the chorus of ‘Showface’, while Mike Skinner-mentored rapper Oscar #Worldpeace shows his promise on the Afrobeats-inspired ‘Blessings’. Meanwhile quirky hip-hop anthem ‘Rice & Stew’ and the jazz-inflicted ‘Wedding Rings’ have both already been released as singles.
Bursting onto the scene with mixtape ‘Killmatic’ in 2014, Kilburn resident Knucks generated a considerable buzz on account of his UK Rap flow fused with stateside R&B influences. He has since amassed over 1 million Spotify streams on hit ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’, before showcasing his keen ear for sampling by utilising obscure Usher track ‘The Many Ways’ on 2018’s ‘24’.
NRG 105 is evidence of Knucks realising his potential and channeling that into a slick, expertly-produced hip-hop record with an unmistakably British feel.
