The horizon looks bright for Dr. Dre’s fledgling hip-hop artist Knoc-Turn’al. The Southern California native from Long Beach began a troubled life after his parents separated when he was 12, but he eventually turned his life around to become the recognized recording artist that he is.
With a love for music that was instilled in him partly by his musically inclined father, Knoc began his foray into music at an early age. He says one of his earliest memories that fueled his dream of pursuing a music career was at a Rick James concert with his father at the age of nine. By his teenage years, Knoc (as he is endearingly known by his fans) began rhyming in the fashion of his heroes Eric B, Rakim, DeBarge and Cameo.
But instead of a direct road to stardom, Knoc was sentenced to four years in prison for what he calls “”robbing and stupid shit like that.”” His dreary years in prison, however, did not pass without their own lessons. Acquiring a newfound respect for life during his dehumanizing experience behind bars, Knoc continued to learn and perfect his musical skills.
It was in prison that Knoc, then known as Royal, met another inmate named Crybaby who supported him in his endeavors to rhyme and write. Crybaby also bestowed upon Royal his new name, “”Knoc-Turn’al,”” for his work shifts and devoted hours of rhyming that occurred late into the nights.
After being released from prison and resolved to turn his life around, Knoc met record magnate Big D of L.A. Confidential, who introduced Knoc to the legendary Dr. Dre. Knoc then proceeded to impress Dre with an impromptu performance of three bars. This momentous meeting led to a recording session, a friendship and partnership, the results of which are the amazingly popular collaborative songs “”Bad Intentions”” from “”The Wash”” soundtrack and “”Put it On Me”” from the “”Training Day”” soundtrack.
In addition to these two hits, Dr. Dre also featured Knoc on four tracks of his platinum album, “”Chronic 2001.”” Knoc-Turn’al’s debut album, “”Knoc’s Landin’,”” was released by Elektra Records in April. With songs that feature other prominent artists such as Missy Elliot and Dr. Dre in the already-popular “”The Knoc,”” Too Short in “”Cash Sniffin’ Noses”” and Warren G in “”The Reverend Knoc,”” the album has proved to be one of the most anticipated of the year.
With his unique form of West Coast rap, the artist destined for stardom still has a simple message: Have fun, be smart and thank your lucky stars for being able to live in the best state in the union.