Know One

With so much talk about modern popular hip hop being in a state of emergency, we're always happy here at CD Baby to be privy to the underground artists that are still fighting the good fight. Here's a great example, a New Orleans MC whose love for old school hip hop sets the stage for the 23 tracks he rips through on his debut. Far from being simply an homage to the days of old, this record is filled with complicated rhyme schemes, melodic word play, and some well produced, deeply layered beats that compliment his style perfectly. There's no lyrics wasted here, as his quick wit and narrative approach showcases the work of a man who is clearly devoted to his craft. Focusing on a love for music and his community, the songs are sincere and well written, with grinding grooves and infectious hooks that tie the verses together. On "Patchin' Broken Dreams," he gives a first person account of the Katrina tragedy that is compelling and noteworthy, a somber account of those dark days. With a bevy of guest spots, this record never lags, delivering some real hip hop to those who are in need.
-Brad @ CD Baby

- CD Baby

It's almost de rigeur for post-Katrina local artists to talk about What Happened—to them, to their people, and to the city in general, naturally delivered with a healthy dose of What It All Means. That's certainly the case for members of the hip-hop community, and even moreso for one of indie label Media Darling's biggest stars. Social conscience and intelligence are expected. "By day, he spends his time rebuilding the city," proclaims the CD's booklet, as if Know-One was some sort of superhero. But it's really hip-hop he wants to save. The 23 concise tracks on this, his first disc since the tragedy, are divided into past, present, and future ruminations, and it's no coincidence that he spends almost twice as much time talking about the classic days of the genre. Being underground and old school is still his main, not-so-secret identity.

As such, there's a strong R&B flavor running through Know One's Home, as if he and virtual knob-twirler Quickie Mart realized that familiarity equals calm. The sound is just angular and jazzy enough to qualify as collegiate, but breaking new sonic ground isn't as important here as quiet reflection, as if this was a musical version of a Road Home hearing. Yet to this MC, the souls of his fellow DJs seem more in danger of decay than the Crescent City, so when Stanton Moore pops up on "Savali… It's Complicated" and all of Galactic joins in on "Too Much," it's less a gambit for musical community than a realization that popping up inadvertently in the musical mainstream carries its own special responsibilities. By day, he rebuilds the city… by night, he becomes Know One, groove vigilante. Few rappers of any scene can pull that one off.

- Off Beat Magazine

From beginning to end, Know One’s Home is an incredible storytelling CD full of artistic expression, referring to the days before, during, and after Hurricane Katrina, along with some amazing beats and rhythms that become mesmerizing to the listener. One of my personal favorites is “Levee Or Not, Movin Forward,” featuring Impulss. The listener experiences marching beats to the movement of the people through the rebuilding efforts of our city. MC Know One gets New Orleans band Galactic in on the movement in “Too Much,” which is a stylish taste of what Galactic is cooking up on their next CD. Drummer Stanton Moore is recruited to highlight the street beats in “Savali…It’s Complicated.” MC Know One carries fresh scat-like rap lyrics that are recognizable, very quotable, and meaningful to the listener, while at the same time, he’s creating these great grooves, dancing beats and a funk sound that only an artist that understands this city can create. MC Know One is complimented by some incredible local artists including DJ Quickie Mart and Lady Fingaz, making this CD as a whole “Bad-Ass,” and a must own for your CD collection of New Orleans artists. –Sheri McKee


- Where y'at Magazine