You may have heard of Dope KNife from one of his many local performances over the years. Or perhaps you came across his name via one of his collaborations with Athens’ Linqua Franqa. For years, the Liberian-American rapper and producer called Savannah home, but he recently set up shop in the Classic City and is already starting to make his presence felt. His latest project, entitled Breakbeats n’ Vandalism, arrived on 4.20. The seven-song EP is a collection of boom-bap B-sides that features guest verses from Dana Coppafeel and Eze Jackson, as well as Stic from Dead Prez. For Dope KNife, the record is an opportunity to show a different side of his artistry.

“My last album had a personal lean to it, so I didn’t have features like that,” he says. “Breakbeats n’ Vandalism is a way for me to round up some of the dope collabs I’ve been a part of as well as include some other joints I’ve did and liked but feel more at home on a short, to the point project like this.”

Produced by Paul Abdul, “Life in Bottles” is a laid-back joint with a chill funk and jazz vibe. Throughout the track, Dope KNife alternates between steely intensity and laying bare his insecurities. This duality is most apparent in the way he interrupts his verses to criticize his rhymes or offer commentary. It’s an interesting angle to take given the lethal precision of his flow. Instead of your typical string of sharp-witted wisecracks and stone-cold threats, Dope KNife presents us with something more complex and emotionally ambiguous

The accompanying video, which we’re excited to premiere today, was shot and directed by Dope KNife while on lockdown in Athens. It’s a simple clip, but the soft focus and hazy clouds of blunt smoke help accentuate the song’s low-key ambiance.

Watch/listen above.

Breakbeats n’ Vandalism is out now on all streaming platforms. If you’re wondering what the future holds, word is Dope KNife and Linqua Franqa are teaming up on a new EP called Waiting on Reparations. Look for that record to hit sometime this summer.

More Info
Bandcamp: dopeknife.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @knifeisdope
Instagram: @dope_knife
Twitter: @DopeKnife