CunninLynguists
CunninLynguists | |
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Background information | |
Origin | Lexington, Kentucky, U.S. |
Genres |
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Years active | 2000–present |
Labels |
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Members |
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Past members | |
Website | www |
CunninLynguists is an American hip hop group from Lexington, Kentucky.[1] The group currently consists of Deacon the Villain, Kno, and Natti.[2]
Early beginnings
In 1999,
Musical career
2001–2005: Will Rap for Food, SouthernUnderground and Sloppy Seconds
The group's debut studio album,
In April 2003, Mr. SOS joined the group on the album SouthernUnderground, which was independently released on Freshchest Records. The album featured guests including Masta Ace, Supastition and others, alongside production from Domingo and RJD2, but again mostly Kno.[7] M.F. DiBella of AllMusic commented on "a lyrical deftness and genuine feel for the music rarely seen in the bling-conscious rap of the latter-day era".[9]
The group landed a distribution contract with
Throughout 2003–2005, the group toured throughout the U.S. and Canada, appearing onstage alongside notable acts such as
The group also released the mixtapes Sloppy Seconds Volume One in 2003 and Sloppy Seconds Vol. 2 in 2005.[10]
2006–2008: Mr. SOS leaves, Natti joins, A Piece of Strange and Dirty Acres
Following SouthernUnderground, Mr. SOS left the group on peaceful terms.[7] Soon after, the two remaining members met Natti, a fellow Kentucky emcee. Deacon and Kno describe his joining as a casual process, with Natti already being featured on Sloppy Seconds Vol. 2 and being involved in Deacon's side group Kynfolk.[11] Natti would be the final member to join the group and end its formation.[12][13]
CunninLynguists released the third studio album,
The release of A Piece of Strange also saw their profile rise and cultivating a bigger and dedicated fanbase, as they toured abroad multiple times[18] in support of the release, appearing live alongside notable acts such as Kanye West,[19] Pharrell Williams,[18] and The Strokes.[18]
CunninLynguists released their fourth studio album,
2009–2013: Oneirology and Strange Journey Volumes One and Two
The group released two mixtapes in 2009, Strange Journey Volume One and Strange Journey Volume Two.[25] On March 22, 2011, the group released the fifth studio album, Oneirology. HipHopDX said about the album: "This project combines creative sounds with inventive rhymes and stands as an example of how a great group can come together to craft a well-made album worthy of praise."[26] Its concept revolves around Oneirology, the scientific study of dreams.[27]
2014–present: Strange Journey Volume Three
In 2014, CunninLynguists released a mixtape, Strange Journey Volume Three. It was curated entirely by the group's fans who gave feedback on and suggested ideas for song concepts, features, packaging, and artwork. It features guest appearances from Aesop Rock, Del the Funky Homosapien, and Murs.[28]
The same year, CunninLynguists' lexicon was also found to be one of the richest among rappers who perform in English.[29]
In 2017, the group released the sixth studio album, Rose Azura Njano.[30][31] It features guest appearances from Jason Coffey, Trizz, and Farah Elle.[32]
Name
The name CunninLynguists is a
Style
At the group's beginning, members Kno and Deacon focused on energetic wordplay and outlandish rhymes, only at times delving into deeper and more introspective material, such as "Mic Like a Memory" or "Family Ties" from
Members
Discography
Studio albums
- Will Rap for Food (2001)
- SouthernUnderground (2003)
- A Piece of Strange (2006)
- Dirty Acres (2007)
- Oneirology (2011)
- Rose Azura Njano(2017)
Mixtapes
- Sloppy Seconds Volume One (2003)
- Sloppy Seconds Vol. 2 (2005)
- Strange Journey Volume One (2009)
- Strange Journey Volume Two (2009)
- Strange Journey Volume Three (2014)
EPs
- The WinterFire EP (2014) (with The Grouch and Eligh)
- The Rose EP (2017)
- The Azura EP (2017)
Singles
- "So Live!" (2001)
- "Seasons" (2002)
- "Dirtay" (2004)
- "Yellow Lines" (2007)
- "Mexico" b/w "Wonderful" (2007)
- "Never Come Down (The Brownie Song)" (2009)
- "Don't Leave (When Winter Comes)" (2009)
- "Stars Shine Brightest (in the Darkest of Nights)" (2012)
- "Oh Honey" (2017)
References
- ISBN 978-0-313-34323-0.
- )
- ^ "Artist Interview: The CunninLynguists". WERS. March 27, 2006. Archived from the original on October 16, 2007.
- ^ "RapReview Feature for December 13, 2005 – CunninLynguists Interview". RapReviews.com. December 13, 2005. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
- ^ a b "Interview: Deacon the Villain of CunninLynguists". Sound of Boston. September 24, 2014. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
- ^ "Cunninlynguists interview (hiphopsite) – Rap Basement Message Board". Rap Basement. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
- ^ a b c d Jeffries, David. "CunninLynguists Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved April 12, 2010.
- ^ Kallman (May 18, 2003). "CunninLynguists: Southernunderground". Pitchfork. Retrieved April 12, 2010.
- ^ DiBella, M.F. "Southernunderground Review". AllMusic. Retrieved April 12, 2010.
- ^ "CunninLynguists :: Sloppy Seconds Vol. 2 :: The LA Underground/QN5". RapReviews.com. Retrieved February 12, 2017.
- ^ a b "CunninLynguists Look Back on 'A Piece of Strange' Album 10 Years Later". XXL. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
- ^ "Q&A: Kno (of CunninLynguists) Reflects On Group's Beginnings & Future". BallerStatus. March 3, 2015. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
- CMJ New Music Monthly. Retrieved April 12, 2010.
- ^ Walker, Verbal (June 3, 2005). "Cunninlynguists new projects". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved April 12, 2010.
- ^ "CunninLynguists A Piece of Strange". Hype. 2006.[page needed]
- URB.[page needed]
- ^ Rabin, Nathan (October 26, 2005). "A Piece Of Strange / Chain Letters". The A.V. Club. Retrieved April 12, 2010.
- ^ QN5 Music. Archived from the originalon February 11, 2017. Retrieved November 1, 2006.
- QN5 Music. Archived from the originalon February 11, 2017. Retrieved November 1, 2006.
- ^ "Bad Taste Records". Bad Taste Records. Retrieved November 1, 2007.
- ^ "CunninLynguists – Dirty Acres". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021.
- CMJ New Music Monthly. Retrieved April 12, 2010.
- ^ Kabran, Michael (April 15, 2009). "CunninLynguists, Alliteration, and a Strange Journey". PopMatters. Retrieved April 12, 2010.
- QN5 Music. Archived from the originalon November 20, 2008. Retrieved November 1, 2008.
- ^ "CunninLynguists – Strange Journey Vol. 2 – CD – tracklisting". UGHH. Retrieved February 12, 2017.
- ^ "Cunninlynguists – Oneirology". HipHopDX. March 22, 2011. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
- ^ "CunninLynguists :: Oneirology :: A Piece of Strange/QN5 Music". RapReviews.com. Retrieved February 11, 2011.
- ^ Simmons, Jon (September 24, 2014). "Interview: Deacon Villain of CunninLynguists". Sound of Boston. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
- ^ Daniels, Matt (2014). "The Largest Vocabulary in Hip Hop".
- ^ Weinstein, Max (September 7, 2017). "Cunninlynguists Are Dropping Their First New Album in Six Years". XXL. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
- ^ India, Lindsey (October 6, 2017). "Cunninlynguists Drop 'Roze Azura Njano' Album". XXL. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
- ^ Ivey, Justin (October 5, 2017). "CunninLynguists Return With "Rose Azura Njano" Album". HipHopDX. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
- ^ Simmons, Jon (September 24, 2014). "Interview: Deacon Villain of CunninLynguists". Sound of Boston. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
- ^ "CunninLynguists :: Will Rap For Food :: Urban Acres/Freshchest". RapReviews.com. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
- ^ "Review: CunninLynguists – Oneirology". Sputnikmusic. Retrieved February 11, 2017.
- ^ "CunninLynguists' Natti Details "Still Motion" Solo LP". HipHopDX. September 27, 2013. Retrieved February 18, 2017.
External links
- Official website
- CunninLynguists discography at Discogs