Southern California native Thunderous Knight combines a nostalgic hip-hop sound with modern introspective lyricism on new EP, No Call No Show. The eight track project is equal parts boastful and vulnerable. With a west coast sound consisting of funky rhythmic beats and a fast-paced lyrical stamina, the rap newcomer delivers a project that stands out from the crowd but also provides a comforting familiarity.
Knight’s story begins with “Ed Edd & Eddy,” a short intro that begins with aggressive knocks on a door and a disgruntled male voice answering. The beat seamlessly blends into the next track, “No Call No Show” with an instrumental beat that’s chaotic with conflicting synths, snares, and drums. The rapper tames the beat with a structured chorus and articulate bars. It’s easy to see why the track is the project’s namesake.
“Flashy” begins with a cartoonish noise that feels like a trance. The beat drops and Knight begins to rap, “Bitch I’m fine and paid/ Why you actin’ sour like it’s lemonade.” His verses spew from his mouth without a single breath, one right after the next. The trippy beat feels as if it could be the backdrop to a gangster tea party with the Mad Hatter. The rapper’s flow is reminiscent of Too Short, rhythmic and enunciated, disorienting and exhilarating at the same time.
The project switches gears on “92394,” giving an alternative vibe with slower vocals and a subtle guitar melody. Despite the change of pace, the track almost cleanses the palate in preparation for “Benjamins.” The rapper is braggadocious, divulging his inner dialogue regarding the opposite sex. The track is an eloquent depiction of rap’s stereotypical motto, “Fuck bitches, get money.” The booming bass and upbeat hook makes it impossible not to bop along to the beat.
“Crash Course” dives back into the reflective mind of Knight. He spits, “Went from actin’ reckless to facin’ reality/ I coulda turned to a feen/ I coulda lost my dream, but I had to get up and fight for it.” The slowing and speeding of the beat is reminiscent of a Wu-Tang Clan record. His verses hover over the instrumental with a perfectly timed inflection. “Highs and Lows” showcases the rapper’s style one last time before the outro. His animated ad libs are similar to an ASAP Ferg track. His lyrics are a guidebook to his glow up rapping, “Aye, I can’t fuck with y’all/ left my old self in the past/ mama told me stay safe from the snakes in the grass.”
Hiding discreetly in the shadows of mainstream hip-hop, Thunderous Knight is patiently waiting to become one of the most influential rappers of the generation. No Call No Show is the perfect introduction for a rookie on his way to stardom. At the intersection of gangster rap, funk, jazz, and trap house anthems, one will find Thunderous Knight.
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