Until the release of “Late Night Special,” essentially, Kirk Knight played the same role as A$AP Mob’s, A$AP Nast. They both play a significant role in reputable underground rap collectives, but remain in the shadows. Neither have dropped any projects, but both have built up a solid reputation in the east coast rap scene. Nast lays features left and right on fellow mob members’ A$AP Rocky, Ferg, and Twelvyy’s tracks. In Pro Era, Knight’s work can be heard on just about every Pro’s material. Knight was originally known for his production, providing beats for just about every Pro, but mainly Joey Bada$$. After several features, Knight put together his own song with Dyemond Lewis, “Extortion.” This is perhaps his most known song, like Nast’s “Trillmatic.” Now Joey’s sidekick has finally put together his own project.

Pro Era’s contribution to the “Beast Coast” rap movement is their 90’s rap influence. Joey Bada$$ drew a lot more attention to the jazzy rap style with his critically acclaimed “1999” mixtape with Knight assisting on the album. Through the years, the Era’s discography has slightly become more modern production wise, incorporating trap or electronic elements to the mix. Luckily, they still stick to their 90’s style.

On “LKS,” Knight keeps the style going. Knight produced the whole project, which should intrigue fans approaching the album. The album opens with “Start Running,” an inspirational track featuring the classic Kirk Knight production factor: dramatic sampling.

There is also an underlying element of religious inspiration. On the album’s closing song, “All For Nothing,” Knight says “I’m feeling blessed, the sky is not the limit / My talent is calling / God told me go ahead and do the best you can / You can’t buy attention, you got to earn it.” Here you get a real taste of how much passion Knight has for the rap game and how much he needs to tell his story.

As the album moves forward, you learn this is a story about a struggle to rise to the top. Knight describes his battles and how he is able to keep his head up. Knight proves on this effort that he is not a lyrical genius, but can tell a pretty good story. The impressive part of “LKS” continues to be his production and how he is able to collaborate so well with his fellow pros and Beast Coast affiliates. This debut LP was interesting. Don’t expect to see it place in the top ten rap albums of 2015, but you can surely rely on it if you are in the need of some inspiration. This debut lands a not so surprised 6/10.

ALBUM POSTERBOYS: “Brokeland,” “5 Minutes,” “Start Running,” “One Knight,” “I Know”

Nick Morton can be contacted at [email protected].