Kieran Webber
Director and Founder of CLUNK Magazine, CLUNK Events, and other CLUNK affiliate businesses. You’ll probably find me tucked away somewhere sending emails, listening to music, and creating content.
Florida based rapper TaReef KnockOut talks his new single ‘ISO’, how life shapes up in Florida, and more
TaReef KnockOut, the rapper from Tallahassee, Florida has been making waves for the past decade, releasing a litany of EP’s, singles, and the 2019 album ‘Local Rapper’. Now he returns with his latest cut ‘ISO’, a laid back, smooth as butter, number that boasts his non chanont flow and introspective songwriting. With the song taking our ears, mind, and heart over we wanted to chat with the Florida based rapper to get to know more about the artist.
We chat all things influences, life in the States, and much more!
Kieran: Hey TaReef, great to chat with you today! How have you been?
TaReef: What’s good, man! The pleasure is all mine. I’m doing great. I need to get over to London as soon as possible. Big ups to Clunk and thank you for this opportunity.
Kieran: How’s 2024 treating you so far? Any highlights?
TaReef: It’s the halfway mark sorta say, and I’m feeling very opportunistic about how the rest of the year will play out. Consistency is really the key. The biggest blessing has been seeing my music reach and connect with more people this year. I just gotta keep going, and I feel we’ll be able to make it when it’s all said and done.
Kieran: What’s life like in the USA right now? What’s the real news from the ground!
TaReef: It’s so much going on in the States. It’s hot as shit right now. Living in Florida pretty much my whole life and I’m still not used to it. But it’s a great time for the creatives, for the go getters. I try to keep my head down, keep working, and stay focused on my goals. The grind ain’t easy, but I’m thankful to be in the race.
Kieran: So, when did you start making music and when did you know you were ready to start releasing your stuff into the wild?
TaReef: Some of my earliest releases on Datpiff go back to 2009-2010. I didn’t really become consistent with it until 2016. It’s definitely some nerves and anxiety that come with releasing music into the wild for people to critique. I’m sharing my deepest thoughts and personal stories with complete strangers in hopes that they’ll be able to comprehend and connect. That takes courage being so vulnerable. For my music to reach so many different parts of the world like London, for this example, being from Tallahassee, Florida is very dope. I feel like things are coming together. It’s all about having the right mindset and trusting the process in this industry.
Kieran: What artists influence you and your sound?
TaReef: My sound has matured so much over the years and I have many influences to thank for that. Jay-Z, Nipsey Hussle, J. Cole, Lupe Fiasco and Kanye West to name a few. When I first started rapping Wiz Khalifa and Drake were some of my first influences outside of that. Wiz was definitely my favorite rapper during the “blog era”. I feel like now I have been able to listen to so much music and different genres it helps create my authentic sound more and more.
Kieran: You recently dropped your latest single ‘ISO’ can you talk us through this release and what it means to you?
TaReef: ‘ISO’ is one of them true hip hop records from me. I’m telling a story about my own experiences, but in the eyes of Allen Iverson. AI was my favorite NBA player growing up. I wore number 3 from childhood through my college days because of him. So it was dope to tap into that, pay homage and see the reaction once I released it to the world.
Listen to ‘ISO’ here:
Kieran: Can you talk us through your writing and recording process?
TaReef: It varies from time to time but I’m pretty consistent with writing on my iPhone. Pen to paper never really felt comfortable for me. My beat selection has improved since I started rapping too. When I record, I like to be very focused and prepared. Studio time can get pricey so I like to come in ready to record. Most of my music as of late is done in one take.
Kieran: What’s one thing you want the world to know or feel when you release your music?
TaReef: That I’m here to leave a global impact. I want them to feel the authenticity of my music as well. I’m sharing my own experiences the best way I can, and I feel I can keep getting better.
Kieran: Lastly, what else can we expect from you in 2024?
TaReef: More content, more music, more blessings. I’m looking forward to seeing the growth that comes with that. It’s all about timing. I’m just staying focused and putting myself in position.