K.O. Da Beast
Meet Derrill Knighten II, aka K.O. Da Beast of H.M.O.B who is on his way to building his own million-dollar empire. Defined by the catchphrase 'what's hood', Da Beast spent most of his life gaining street money and doing whatever it took to survive.
Armed with a hustlers mentality and hard work ethic, Da Beast is determined to do what it takes to make it to the top. From experiencing almost being homeless to leaving everything behind to pursue his dreams, K.O shows he is not afraid of enduring any challenge.
"I know what it's like being homeless, not having any money, or barely food or anything. We had a studio tho but all tracks were recorded in the bathroom. Around that time I just wanted to give up and go home but I was so stuck on this phrase "go hard or go home". Me personally, I know I go hard and didn't give up"
Gettin it how I live
More about K.O. Da Beast
K.O. has a unique sound all of his own which reflects his gritty street persona mixed with real-life truths and go-getter flows. His rawness in his lyrics mirrors a 2020 version of 80's hip hop when the streets first had a voice. Unafraid to tell it like it is, Da Beast takes the listener on a journey without holding anything back.
"When it came to the music I just combined everything in one. I'll give them real s**t which is a must but for the most part, I love wordplay, punchlines, and metaphors- that's when I really show out- so I give people something they can relate to and give people something that would take their minds on a ride. Biggie, Marshall Mathers, Juelz Santana, Jeezy, and Gucci Mane. They were some of the artists who made it cool to keep it real and be creative at the same time, give us that reality, not afraid of who got offended or pissed off and delivering punchlines. I believe I'm all that mixed in one."
Within this street journey, Da Beast stumbled upon a chance encounter with Christopher Starr of CSP Music Group whose company has collectively sold more than 10 million records worldwide; after a performance at the Apache Cafe in Atlanta Georgia.
"I performed one night at this club called Apache Cafe and I literally rocked it that night. Might have said some things in my song that was out of line but that's how I am. Didn't win anything but didn't give a fuck, I still walked out with my head up high. So, in the end, people were passing out CSP cards I got one and everything since then its been on."
His strong determination, pride, and 'I don't give a f**c*' attitude creates the perfect storm of the traits needed to succeed in the hip hop world.
"I have an abundance mindset so if they follow me they would know to do the same researching my songs and discovering the work ethic and realizing that I want this more than anything. Maybe put faith in the people if they see I can do it they can do it too, NO MORE excuses."
Inspired to rap by his realization that his words can inspire people to change, K.O reflects upon the one moment that made him decide rap was what he wanted to do with his life.
"When I went to Chicago to visit some family I ran into a cousin who had a drinking problem, so I wrote a verse to try and get him to stop drinking. Next thing I know, months later, my mom told me he quit and right then and there I knew I can move a lot of people with those particular types of subjects."
Within his steel outer edge from life on the streets and hustler mentality, you'll also find a hidden heart of compassion dedicated to helping people change for the better.
"All I want is for my fans to believe and know that nothing impossible until you 've tried. Let me motivate and inspire not just niggas in the hood, but people all over. And not only becoming entertainers but whatever your mind guides you to be. I want to relay that doesn't let negativity discourage you from being successful, but to break that and make you mentally stronger."
Da Beast has 3 singles currently released entitled "Gas Station" "Crown the Throne" & "Belly of the Beast", "Wow/You Lost", produced by Fluid Perception, Tone Jonez, and Sam Peezy, Surcebeats and Serious on the Beat. The music is an adventure into the street life which leaves you asking for more. Unapologetically honest, he holds nothing back and paints a picture you can visualize through his expressive lyrics.
K.O. Da Beast is a fresh new face to the hip hop world who refuses to go unnoticed. His bold persona is magnetic; forcing the listener to tune in and hear what he has to say. A hustler from the age of 8, K.O has a lifetime of experiences on the street which shapes who he is today. Born to win, K.O Da Beast is determined to make that happen no matter how hard the journey.