IIWII, the second album from Pro Era member Kirk Knight is a dark affair. His debut, Late Knight Special, experimented with hazy production and thoughtful bars, but Knight fleshes it out in his newest effort. “Leverage” and “Downtime” are standout tracks that have great verses and sticky hooks. Knight’s lyrics are often self-reflective. He raps about struggling with his rising career on “Not For Nothing,” and reminisces about old flames on “Never Again.” It’s a lyrically-focused album that does require some patience, but Knight succeeds at telling a gripping, gritty story.
Trial Track: Leverage
Star Bar: “I’m a star now, shit I gotta keep my distance from shitty propositions / Same eyes, lookin’ at me different / Oh, now you hungry, you need a taste of my living, huh?” -Kirk Knight on Not For Nothing
8/10
