March 18, 2004 @ 12:35 pm
Knoc-Turn'al - The Way I Am (L.A. Confidential/Elektra)
In an era when artists obscure rapХs regional lines, Knoc-Turn-al's oft-delayed debut LP, The Way I Am, is decidedly pro-West Coast.
In an era when artists obscure rapХs regional lines, Knoc-Turn-al's oft-delayed debut LP, The Way I Am, is decidedly pro-West Coast. Riding tracks from Left Side producers like Dr. Dre and DJ Quik, Knoc uses vocal inflections to effect an offkilter flow with a lazy drawl and fun-lovin' hooks. Rising violins and a thick bass line serve as the foundation for the title track, where Knoc raps alongside Snoop Dogg: "Who do you know that rides for the Coast with a new breed and style of rap like me? / ...Dr. Dre made two Chronics and this is Chronic 3." The anthemic "Love L.A." harks back to old coastal rivalries ("You pop lock / We pop Glocks"), while the posse cut "What We Do" finds Xzibit, Warren G, and Nate Dogg proclaiming Cali love. And on "Peepin' Tom," Knoc delivers a moving allegorical ode to West Coast hip hop over Scott Storch's guitar licks. Though no track is quite as catchy as Knoc's 2001 smash "Bad Intentions," the onetime Dre ghostwriter brings a natural understanding of song structure that makes the dull moments bearable. And you don't have to be a West Side rider to appreciate that.
Article tags: Knoc-Turn'al, Way, Am, L.A, Confidential/Elektra
Page printed from:
http://www.vibe.com/music/revolutions/2004/03/knocturnal_way_am_la_confidentialelektra/
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