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Rapper QP Knockout Espouses Resilience

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Hopping out a minivan, toting a box full of sea moss, Naeem Khaliq, musically known as QP Knockout, rattles off bars highlighting the health benefits of the mineral-filled superfood in the music video for his track “Randy Seamoss.” “Put it in my auntie’s drink, it get her real strong!” he raps before the video cuts to him giving a concocted sea moss drink to his aunties. Cut back to Khaliq. “Really who y’all n*ggas think, I sell sea moss!” he raps.

QP Knockout (QPKO for short) is carving a new lane in D.C.’s rap scene, which has recently been associated with violence. Many of the city’s prominent young rappers make Drill music, a subgenre of hip-hop with lyrical content centered around conflict. They speak about ongoing beefs in the city and taunt rivals who have been hurt or killed during their feuds.

At its best, the music illustrates the D.C. street lifestyle in a raw, authentic way. It’s a vehicle for young people, who often hail from some of the remaining predominantly Black neighborhoods in the city, to express their unfiltered life experiences. But at its worst, Drill can be fuel for an unending cycle of violence. People seek retribution for being dissed, and artists feel obligated to uphold the bloodthirsty image they’ve created for themselves. A recent report from D.C.’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council cites rap music videos as a significant factor escalating feuds between crews and contributing to the scourge of gun violence in the city. 

QPKO provides an alternative to this self-destructive loop. His music spreads knowledge and his lyrics stress the importance of holding oneself to a code of honor. He’ll often rap over Michigan-inspired production with thumping 808s and complex melodies, and talk about supporting friends and family. His positive lyricism is rooted in D.C.’s reality.

Tracks like “Small Town” and “Cars and Clothes” are packed with area-specific lingo and references only understood by those familiar with D.C.’s culture. He cites alternative rap artists such as Dom Kennedy, Kendrick Lamar, and Ab-soul as influences. 



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