Knoc-Turn'al's "The Way I Am" = severely underrated West Coast album

[Larrabee]

I gotta say, I picked this album up when it dropped and I never get tired of it. Lyrically, it's no masterpiece and there's nothing too groundbreaking about it, but still, in my opinion, it's pure West Coast dopeness. Production and feature-wise, many overlook how stacked the lineup is for that record: Beats from Dr. Dre, Warren G, DJ Quik, Scott Storch, Timbaland, Mel Man, Fredwreck, Damizza and a few other up and coming producers. Not to mention guest spots from Snoop, Warren, Nate Dogg, Xzibit, Hittman & Slip Capone. Despite the fact that tracks on the album have a recording range from 2001 to 2003, it's still remarkable that a CD released in 2004 can have so much West Coast influence. It contains maybe a few average tracks, but there were some bangers no doubt. "The Way I Am" was hella nice in all aspects, "Love Slave" has classic Quik production, "What We Do" has got to be one of the illest posse cuts from the West in a while...even "I Like", though dated, has a unique sounding Dre beat and Knoc flows like a motherfucker on that one. It may not be for everyone in terms of musical tastes, but I consider Knoc's first full length LP a classic 

[Eddie G.]

I agree entirely

[mauzip]

I can't say I agree with you. It couldn't keep my attention.

[SGV]

Easliy one of the wackest albums that came out last year. EASILY! Shit was horrible.

[UKnowWhatItIs: welcome to my traps....game over]

Ok,I never had anything against this album & I actually think its dope,but can you actually compare it to other so called "classics" like The Chronic,Dogg Food,Ice Cube's AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted & so on???Why does every "dope" westcoast CD have to become a classic???

[SpawntaneusC]

this shit was weak poor representation of the westcoast and South Central I think he has way more potential and needs to find that hunger

[Larrabee]

Honestly, I'd never really compare it to certified classics like The Chronic, Doggystyle, 2001, etc...I just think of it as a classic in its own right, not standing next to other classics from the past, because next to those, it's doesn't measure up really. But as far as being a West Coast release in a time period where commercialism reigns supreme, Knoc's CD was very respectable, imo. He held his own, did his thing and came through with proper production & guests.  

[Danté Williams]

I don't really like Knoc and I kept bumping that album for a while. And "Love slave" and "What we do" are in constant rotation in my mp3player.

[westkoastanostra]

"the way i am" had some weak cuts ....a classic album doesnt have weak cuts....this aint a classic....

[SGV]

The Team - Negro League

Now THATS an Underrated/Slept On West Coast gem! Something tells me, if they were from L.A., as opposed to The Bay, they'd get TONS more attention.

[Tha Crip]

Agreed.....i bought it....one of my favorite albums....but "Knocs Landin" was better....dat album had a wicked westcoast sound

[D1G1T4L]

i dont get how people hate on this album, its a very good album from every aspect

other underrated albums Turf Talk - Street Novelist, The Frontline - Who R You, Federation

i didnt like the team album that much

[blockstar]

I thought it was garbage, I only liked two or three tracks

[The King]

Knoc has made some of the best west music in the last few years. Bad Intentions was tight, Knocs landin had heat, his feats on 2001 were tight, so was his album. Good to see him back in the game.

[soopadoopaflykid]

It was a dope album