Milwaukee native Kevin Knoble began rhyming at the age of 10. That passion developed over the years & was first showcased in his debut mixtape INK back in June 2010. It was followed up with Elevated Mind State a few months later and The Revival in 2012. 

Fastforwarding to February 2020, Kevin drops his debut album 8 Winters with the namesake being the time it’s been since his long-awaited return to music. Each track either begins or ends with an audio clip of conversations anticipating this very release.

Kevin reintroduces himself with the Jill Scott-sampling “Marlon’s Intro” with verses detailing his ambition and optimism, “This ain’t no whim just because the odds are slim/ when you shine like this, they just want to see you dim/Through the midst of the mess I still find a way to grin”.

Listeners begin to gain more insight into Kevin’s personal life in “Little Fish”. His vivid storytelling skills with the added touch of witty wordplay effortlessly embellish the mellow beat. 

Relatable struggles, such as anxiety, depression, dealing with the loss of loved ones and fatherhood are also deconstructed throughout the duration of 8 Winters. However, those are all also counterbalanced with verses of hope, encouragement, and positive manifestations for the future.
 
In “Blackheart” he pays his respects to his departed loved ones but also keeps on a high note by rhyming,
“I could’ve chose to wallow but instead I opted to shine/Upped on the grind instead of stuck in my mind”. 
The transparency that the music industry lacks today can easily be replenished, twice over, as it pours straight from Kevin’s soul through “Blackheart’s” verses. He also fills listeners in with a short anecdote summarizing his life these past 8 years. All of these songs also lead up to the announcement of a planned move from his hometown to Los Angeles, where the rapper intends to fully pursue his musical passion and show his son how it’s possible work for yourself, follow your dreams, and provide them both a comfortable life while doing so.

LEAP., Kevin’s newly released sophomore album, leads listeners on that anticipated trip to L.A. through lyrics of smoking good and striving toward success. Reflections of the past are juxtaposed with ideal visions of the future over a broader range of sound. The 808’s of “Blue Dream” are blended with the sultry singing of live saxophone. “Mortified” incorporates some Houston-bred Chopped and Screwed elements. The MC with an MC no more, leveling up has been a common theme in Kevin’s evolution thus far. This is only the beginning. 

Father. HypeSoul Founder. Milwaukee. Engineer? Rap Artist. Unknown.

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