Knoc-turn'al Interview (Ghostwriting, Dr. Dre, Hittman, & More)

[Lunatic]

http://drankanddank.blogspot.com/2011/04/knocturnal-q.html - Cool to check out the interview link because they posted some audio, video, downloads, etc

Knocturnal’s first taste of the rap game was on Dr. Dre’s multi-platinum album the Chronic 2001 where he was featured on four songs. He then wrote three songs for the Wash movie soundtrack, the Training Day soundtrack, and has since released several projects, while being featured on countless tracks. He's coming back with 2 solo albums this year, including Knoc's Ville on May 10th. We broke bread about that, Dre, the West, and much more



What's one thing a good ghostwriter should know?

The most important thing a ghostwriter needs to know is how to put yourself in somebody else's shoes. You can't write for Dr. Dre the way you'd write for yourself. I used to write for Dre all the time, and his career and accomplishments were far from mine at the time. How am I gonna' write about selling 100 million records like Dr. Dre has? How am I gonna' write about Death Row & Interscope, NWA, etc. when I never experienced that? You have to put yourself in there position. Not to toot my own horn, but I know that's something I've always been good at. That's why Dre trusted me to write so many verses for him.

You've mentioned that you weren't focused on the business side before, now that you are what's one thing you'd tell a artist before they sign that first piece of paper?

Get a good damn entertainment lawyer! (laughs). These labels are out to fuck you man, straight up. They don't care about you, they care about the money you can bring in; that's why they're signing you in the first place. Not because they personally like you, hell they might hate you as a person (laughs). It's all about the almighty dollar. But from what I've seen, major labels are slowly becoming extinct. Can I count on two hands how many artists are still signed to a major? That's why I'm planning on building an independent empire with major distribution and promotion.


People don't realize how big you are globally, tell us about some of your international ties and experiences.

I've been all over the globe. My first ever tour was "The Up In Smoke Tour" so I've been blessed. I've been to Egypt, France, Chile, South Africa -- you name it. And in most cases, I've been there multiple times. It was a blessing the first time I got a BMI statement for record sales in Egypt. I've been blessed to have my music touch so many people in every continent. That's something we're looking to continue.

Will you be working with Hittman again?

It's funny you ask that. Me and Hittman still have a good relationship. My manager is actually close with him as well. Me and Hittman spoke recently and we're flirting with the idea of doing a whole album together; or maybe recruiting a few of these other dope west coast rappers like Sly Boogy and doing a big group album. I'm hoping we can make that happen. I'm in the middle of working my album right now and I know Hittman is working on a few new projects; once we're both done, if the timing is right, will get to work on a duo album.

Who was in the studio when you recorded your verse for "Some L.A. Niggaz"and what was their reaction after hearing it?

That was a classic session. It seems like we were all in there. Timebomb, Slip Capone, Xzibit, MC Ren, Hittman, Kokane, Defari, Kurupt, King Tee, Dr. Dre of course and so many more. I did the hook on "Some L.A. Niggaz." Me and Kokane did that hook together actually. The beautiful thing about all of the "2001" sessions was the friendly competitiveness. We all got along so well. It really was like a fairytale; the chemistry wasn't something you could manufacture and that's why I think the product came out so classic. Niggas might be writing or recording a verse and the shit was hot, you come out the booth and we all give each other dap like "shit I gotta' re-write my shit now!" (laughs). It was all love

What's the biggest regret of your career?

Probably not working "The Way I Am" album a little better. To me, that's a classic album. That's just my opinion. Can't nobody tell me otherwise. I had a hit record with Snoop Dogg that was playing all over the world. That was getting radio and video play all over the globe. Of course the WEA merger happened and fucked up the promotion the WEEK the album came out. Everything, I mean everything seized (manufacturing, promotion, etc) the week the album dropped. That's why I never had a 2nd single. How many times did you see an album come out with a hit single and never a follow up single? Sadly, "The Way I Am" may be the only album that ever happened too (laughs). I wish I started working it myself and shot a few more videos outta' my own pocket, but what can you do? I'm not bitter about it. I picked up and moved on right away. I was still getting it in a major way. I just wish we had shot a few more videos since "The Way I Am" single was so successful.

Tell us about "Knocs Ville"

Knoc's Ville is dropping May 10th digitally on iTunes, Amazon and every other major digital retailer. I got Crooked I, Jayo Felony, Yukmouth, Sly Boogy, One-2, Blaqthoven, Big Hollis and many more on there. We have a lot of good promo set up for it. In the coming weeks, look for new leaks by myself and Scott Storch, CyHi Da Prynce and many more. The link to purchase the album will be everywhere. We have a few video shoots going on this week as well. After we go hard on this digital project, we move on to my next album, "The Book of Knoc" and for that we have major physical distribution.

What's your take on the West Coast right now?

I think the west coast is in a good state, but there could be a little more unity. A lot of new artists complain about a lack of support, but I think it's all about how you carry yourself. Dr. Dre was the man who gave me a career. Veterans like Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, DJ Quik, Xzibit, Warren G and more supported me then and they still support me now. But I was a new artist with no proven background and yet all those guys supported me. So I don't have a problem with the west coast; I support it fully. If you want to catch those guys attention now like I did then, you just have to make incredible music and carry yourself professionally and in a humble manner. You'll notice on every album I ever dropped, I'm always introducing new west coast artists to the game. I've always 100% supported my coast.

Who is Mathmadix?

MathMadix is a group and crew of artists and producers I've been working with for a few years now. MathMadix consists of myself, J-Beam (rapper/producer), Knawledg and Ripacut. Deztined (producer) is a close affiliate of ours as well. We're a bunch of talented emcees and producers man. We have 5 different projects ready -- group album, J-Beam solo album, Ripacut solo album, Knawledg solo album and my solo album. It's about time we start unleashing them out in the world. In the meantime, you can catch J-Beam, Knawledg & Deztined on my digital album "Knoc's Ville."

What else can we expect from you in 2011?

Just a lot more music and videos than you've got from me in a few years. We're doing a lot of shows right now as well. I also got my artist Jamin who is working on his solo album. I'm looking to make a return in a major way. The game didn't walk away from me, I walked away for a few years but I'm back now.

Where can we find you online?

 www.twitter.com/knocturnal_lbc is the best way to get at me. Also follow my artist Jamin on twitter at www.twitter.com/ogjamin.

[KURUPTION-81]

Good read,nice one.

[Quadruple OG]

When is he leaking the full version of "Rock Tha Party"?

[Lunatic]

When is he leaking the full version of "Rock Tha Party"?

2-3 weeks

[GangstaBoogy]

This dude doesn't go a day without mentioning writing for dre. I wonder how much (or little) he really wrote for him.

Other than "bad intentions", and his verses on "your wife" and "doin the most" what did he write?

[Okka]

This dude doesn't go a day without mentioning writing for dre. I wonder how much (or little) he really wrote for him.

Other than "bad intentions", and his verses on "your wife" and "doin the most" what did he write?

He wrote "Put It On Me" and "The Wash" and probably wrote Dre's verse on "Bang Bang".

When is he leaking the full version of "Rock Tha Party"?

2-3 weeks

Damn, been waitin' on that forever. I'm glad it's finally comin' out.

[Lunatic]

This dude doesn't go a day without mentioning writing for dre. I wonder how much (or little) he really wrote for him.

Other than "bad intentions", and his verses on "your wife" and "doin the most" what did he write?

Put It On Me
Symphony in X Major
Bang Bang

I can go on and on. More than you'd think 

[GangstaBoogy]

^ keep listing them if you know them. I'm interested.

[Okka]

^ keep listing them if you know them. I'm interested.

Yeah, me too. "Some L.A. Niggaz" and "Bang Bang" are the only tracks Knoc's credited on "2001".

[k1000]

props for the interview. i've always loved Knoc. dude is a beast when rapping with those heavy beatmakers. I'm just playing "all about the doe" right now.

[Lunatic]

^ keep listing them if you know them. I'm interested.

Yeah, me too. "Some L.A. Niggaz" and "Bang Bang" are the only tracks Knoc's credited on "2001".

That's 'cause you're not credited when you're a true ghostwriter

He wrote half of The Wash soundtrack as well.

[Dre-Day]

^ keep listing them if you know them. I'm interested.

Yeah, me too. "Some L.A. Niggaz" and "Bang Bang" are the only tracks Knoc's credited on "2001".

That's 'cause you're not credited when you're a true ghostwriter

He wrote half of The Wash soundtrack as well.

yeah, im sure there are more surprises when it comes to writing for dre

[Detox Iz Not Active]

an Hittman/knoc album? that shit won't come out in their lifetimes

[Lunatic]

^ keep listing them if you know them. I'm interested.

Yeah, me too. "Some L.A. Niggaz" and "Bang Bang" are the only tracks Knoc's credited on "2001".

That's 'cause you're not credited when you're a true ghostwriter

He wrote half of The Wash soundtrack as well.

yeah, im sure there are more surprises when it comes to writing for dre

Exactly

[Cross Em Out]

Eminem wrote Dre's verse in Bang Bang. His name (M. Mathers) is in the credits plus he has a short line in Dre's verse