Knxwledge 1988 (Vinyl LP) * * *

Knxwledge (pronounced "knowledge"), aka Glen Boothe, is a producer raised in Philadelphia and New Jersey and now based in Los Angeles, where he is a pivotal figure in the city's new generation of beat makers. Stones Throw issues his new album 1988. While NxWorries mate Anderson .Paak's silken vocals feature twice on the album, 1988 is a definitive solo work. The influence of gospel music and his background in the church is felt more explicitly than ever. The album is quintessential Knxwledge; with its soulful vocals and expertly crafted beats that work samples into something far greater than the sum of their parts, it perfectly demonstrates why Knxwledge is so revered by his fellow musicians – .Paak describes NxWorries as "my best work," while it was "Suede" that drew Dr. Dre's attention and ultimately led to his mentorship of the then-rising R&B artist.