Nerdcore Hip-Hop
Posted November 06, 2017
By MicahGarnett_NRT, Staff Reviewer
Ben Knight describes himself as a "Christian Nerdcore hip-hop artist." As the genre title suggests, Knight blends humor and a plethora of pop culture references to rap about all things nerdy (think "Mountain Dew" by KJ-52). Knight's most recent album Lyrical Masterpieces is a fun and optimistic jaunt through a fictional storybook of nerdy adventures.
The album kicks off with the aptly-titled "Shawty Likes My Seuss Collection," which weaves an intricate tale of love in the children's section of Barnes & Noble. Knight's sense of humor is immediately evident on this track. I genuinely laughed out loud at lines like "Read 'em every day / Yeah, she will / He's the doctor / Cures all her ills" and "Her love for the Grinch isn't something you should test." "My New Delorean" contains plenty of clever references to Marty McFly and Back To The Future. It was the first (and likely last) time I've ever heard flux dispersion mentioned in a song.
However, Knight still finds ways to tackle deeper topics. "To Boldly Go To A Galaxy Far Far Away" is a metaphor for unity in a time where the world desperately needs some. Set to the backdrop of the unending nerd conflict of Star Trek vs. Star Wars, Knight and guest artist Mega Ran each take time to plead their case about which one is better. It's a hilarious thing to witness, and the track is packed to the brim with deep lore references and quick-witted digs at the opposing fanbase.
The allegory doesn't end there. "Never Ending In Neverland" plays out as the confessional of Peter Pan, who has finally realized that Neverland is not all it's cracked up to be, while "Warren Worthington Is No Angel" is a tongue-in-cheek take on the redemption of the X-Men Angel. You don't need to be a fan of the subject matter to appreciate the content of these tracks, which is a testament to how funny and welcoming Knight's music is.
The Bottom Line: Ben Knight's Lyrical Masterpieces is a unique breath of fresh air that will make you smile. The layered references reward multiple listens, meaning there's always something new to discover.
For Fans Of: KJ-52
Song To Download Now:
"To Boldy Go To A Galaxy Far Far Away" (Get it on bandcamp here.)
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