We’re 11 weeks deep into our Knoc-Turn’al interview series where staff writer Justin “Lunatic” Melo chops game with Knoc about what he’s been up to. It’s not too late to get into this! Check it out.
ANSWERS…FROM THE BOOK OF KNOC
Every Monday, right here on ChronicVacation.com and Raptalk.net, Knoc-Turn’Al will be picking out and answering five questions submitted by fans and Chronic Vacation readers to Lunatic [SUBMIT YOUR QUESTIONS HERE.] We present the 10th installment right now and urge fans to continue submitting questions as it is never too late and this series will be long-running! Let’s get started!
Knoc-Turn’Al: Let’s do it!
ChronicVacation.com: Last week, we got some complaints about it being too short so we’re doing ten answers, a 2 in 1 edition!
Knoc-Turn’Al: That’s fine y’all, here we go!
ChronicVacation.com: The first question comes from G-Bee. “How hard is it to maintain your integrity and personal values when you’re trying to make it in the music industry?”
Knoc-Turn’Al: Oh, that’s a good damn question. It’s very hard because you know, a lot of people say a lot of things and they promise a lot of things. You just have to keep at it, stay at it and stay on them. Nobody is gonna’ chase you down and give you what you want. You gotta’ want it and go chase it down yourself. Really, you gotta’ know to take your time and do it with your own power and you’ll capture the fans. All you gotta’ do is keep pushing and hold your head strong, and it’ll be alright.
ChronicVacation.com: Wise words spoken from a true veteran y’all. The next question comes by way of Laconic, “How does Knoc feel about live instrumentation as opposed to drum kits and sampling? Which does Knoc prefer?”
Knoc-Turn’Al: I feel like everybody has their own style of music. For me, I came out with a great camp that didn’t really use too many samples so I feel live instrumentation is more efficient.
ChronicVacation.com: “What was or is your relationship to Treacherous Records?” This question comes from Episcop Swerving.
Knoc-Turn’Al: I signed a one album deal with Treacherous [Records] for “The Book of Knoc.”
ChronicVacation.com: To follow that up, Jaydc555 wants to know, “Are you looking for a distribution deal or are you happy being independent?”
Knoc-Turn’Al: Both. I’d like to do it independent but I’ll take it from there once I rebuild with this album. I’ll get more money for distribution if I just take my time, you know what I mean? I’ve been gone from the game for about 3-4 years, so I have to rebuild. I started L.A. Confidential so it’s a building process. I just have to rebuild myself before I try and go ask a major label for a substantial amount of money.
ChronicVacation.com: I thought this was a good question. “Do you think Dr. Dre is good to his west coast artists on Aftermath? Do you have any personal complaints?” That comes from Krzieg.
Knoc-Turn’Al: I don’t have any personal complaints with Dr. Dre. He treats everyone when he first meets them, if he likes your talent, he treats you the same. Everyone starts off at 100% with Dr. Dre. Depending on your work ethic and what you do, that’s when he starts deleting points or building points. It depends on the artist and what the artist does. If you start getting sloppy with your talent, then he’s going to back away, because he’s a perfectionist.
ChronicVacation.com: Absolutely. Daniel wants to know, “Do you sing a hook or a total song on The Book of Knoc?”
Knoc-Turn’Al: Yeah, of course. I sing most of my hooks, that’s what I do. That’s what I’ve been doing, you know what I mean? There’s a lot of creative stuff on the album, I had to re-create myself. There are a lot of good hooks on there from Knoc-Turn’Al.
ChronicVacation.com: Ok. “How was it like working with Nate Dogg on the “Pentagon” track that you said would appear on “The Book of Knoc?” That comes from Mista Rosa.
Knoc-Turn’Al: It actually felt really good because for a minute I was worried about him. He’s doing a lot better now. I just appreciate the fact that God keep continues blessing him with the gift of life. It was definitely a good experience for me.
ChronicVacation.com: And the fans are definitely looking forward to that record because it’s likely one of the last guest appearances Nate Dogg completed before the strokes.
Knoc-Turn’Al: Exactly.
ChronicVacation.com: Absolutely. David Gutterman claims, “I’m a Knoc fan but what you said about Hyphy Metal scares me a bit. Is it a band helping you create the Hyphy Metal sound? Basically, I want more info on Hyphy Metal.”
Knoc-Turn’Al: It’s a band. It’s to experiment. It’s kind of like, if these people can do techno music and call it Hip-Hop, then I can rock it out and still do rap, here and there on a song or two. It helps me re-create myself and make sure I could still call it Hip-Hop because if there doing techno music and calling it Hip-Hop, then obviously Hip-Hop has lost its elements.
ChronicVacation.com: No doubt. “What happened to your Rock the Party Song? It was released as a snippet, but never in full length. Do you still have the full version in your vaults?”
Knoc-Turn’Al: Yes I do.
ChronicVacation.com: Basically I think the guy wants to know if you’ll ever release it.
Knoc-Turn’Al: It’s kind of outdated now; I’ve done a whole bunch of other songs. I could probably release it on a mixtape or leak it to the fans. That’s fine if that’s what he wants.
ChronicVacation.com: I’m sure that’s what he wants. “What do you know about the UK rap scene and have you worked with, or are you open to work with any artists from there?”
Knoc-Turn’Al: I don’t know too much about the scene. I know there’s a lot of good England artists though. I do work with people in Australia, Egypt, Chile, UK and France. I’m open to anything. Knoc-Turn’Al is as well an international artist.
