Blake Knights latest album is now out on Uprok Records. Check out the interview we did with him recently.

Blake, first I gotta give mad respect for putting this album out and I’m hoping that people are not going to sleep on this one. First of all the quality is really good and the beats are just crazy. When did you start producing and what would you say are influences for you as far as production goes?

I starting programming music at age 16, and I slowly grew into being a producer. I would say my influences production-wise would be Jay-dee, Premier and many others.

I hear quite a number of samples on the heavier tracks which in many cases I can’t point my finger on. I mean on What’s Real, that’s a pretty dope sample you got on there. Are you a beat digger too?

I basically find most of my stuff on vinyl. I like breakbeats and junk, but I like mostly just original breaks. Even from old rock records where no one may look.

I’m totally impressed with Theme Music featuring Mars Ill. I’m playing that at the club and people are just going crazy. I mean they are just so good lyrically! They flow so lovely on the beat. What was it like working with Mars Ill?

They are good friends so of course it was a blast. We actually recorded the vocals for that song at a festival And I think it come out pretty clean. That song will also be on the vinyl which comes out soon.

You like your instruments right? What instruments can you play?

I have a vintage 73 Rhodes keyboard that I play. I also play bass.

I can see that there is a lot of direction and focus in terms of your production. How do you approach the whole process of making beats?

I basically find a sample or write a key part that I’m digging and build The drum track and then the accent points like percussion or whatever.

Are there artists you’d like to work with?

Yes, I would love to work with Sting and Sade. Also, a little more realistic right now would be Future Shock, Grits, Knowdaverbs, and Deepspace 5. Maybe they will be on the next volume, if I do one.

What are your feelings on South Africa and have you ever heard hip hop from this continent?

The only thing I have heard from south africa is a rock band in our Market called the Benjamin Gate. We have toured with them and are good friends. They have told me all about Port Elizabeth and hopefully someday I can make the journey over there.

How is the album doing?

Sales haven’t been real strong, but that’s due to lack of promotion I think. The artists are all really strong, so I think people may not know what it is.

I hear that you touring pretty soon, does this mean international touring as well?

I think we are playing in Sweden in August and maybe Holland.

Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk to us down here in South Africa. Any last words of wisdom or shout outs?

Look out for Ill Harmonics and Play-Dough’s solo record.

For more info on Blake Knight check out Uprok Records.

Submitted by: admin