The Knocks – “New York City” (Feat. Cam’ron) (Stereogum Premiere)
Ben “B-Roc” Ruttner and James “JPatt” Patterson comprise the Knocks, a production duo who make fun, fluid music at the intersection of hip-hop and disco. For instance, “New York City,” from their forthcoming album 55, is a victorious meditation built around piano chords that could just as easily be the foundation for a house track or a Kanye West ballad. It’s topped off by lyrics from NYC royalty Cam’ron reflecting on his city through the lens of crime, grudges, and 9/11. It’s a low-key jam, sweeping and surging into something huge without resorting to boilerplate electronic music tropes. Here’s what the Knocks had to say about it:
New York hip hop has been a quintessential point of inspiration for us throughout our career. Our early aspirations included working with the likes of Cam’ron, so for us, this collaboration is the definition of a dream come true. We feel very blessed to be able to finally share this with the world, and we hope everyone gets as much enjoyment out of listening to it as we do.
Listen below.
The Knocks are heading out on their Route 55 tour early next year; tickets are available here. Check out the dates below, and get a taste of their live show in this video recap of the duo’s recent Webster Hall appearance.
01/13 Brooklyn, NY @ Baby’s All Right++
01/15 Philadelphia, PA @ The Foundry @ The Fillmore++
01/16 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club++
01/19 Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair++
01/21 Montreal, QC @ Le Belmont**
01/22 Toronto, ON @ Mod Club **
01/23 Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall **
01/26 Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry **
01/28 Ames, IA @ The Maintenance Shop**
01/29 Lincoln, NE @ Vega**
01/31 Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge **
02/03 Vancouver, BC @ Imperial Vancouver **
02/04 Seattle, WA @ Neumos **
02/05 Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge **
02/06 Eugene, OR @ HiFi Music Hall**
02/08 Orangevale, CA @ The Boardwalk++
02/09 San Francisco, CA @ The Independent++
02/12 San Diego, CA @ Casbah++
02/13 Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre++
**Supported by Cardiknox
++Supported by Cardiknox + SOFI TUKKER
55 is out next year on Big Beat/Neon Gold.