Knine is an artist who has been grinding for the Lord for quite some time now. His first album was Regardless but it was his second album Born Again which put him on the map. His third Underdogg was released a few years after that and now we have, in my opinion, his best work yet in It Was Written Vol. 1. Let me give this disclaimer about this album in that it does not the stick to typical “Intro-verse-hook….” style of song writing. Rather Knine allows for pretty lengthy songs and great orchestration to help shape each story. So I am not just talking beats, I’m talking about actual music that changes and flows with the lyrics. With that said, let’s break each song down:

Knine is an artist who has been grinding for the Lord for quite some time now. His first album was Regardless but it was his second album Born Again which put him on the map. His third Underdogg was released a few years after that and now we have, in my opinion, his best work yet in It Was Written Vol. 1. Let me give this disclaimer about this album in that it does not the stick to typical “Intro-verse-hook….” style of song writing. Rather Knine allows for pretty lengthy songs and great orchestration to help shape each story. So I am not just talking beats, I’m talking about actual music that changes and flows with the lyrics. With that said, let’s break each song down:

1. The Fiery Furnace: This is a very well done Hip Hop retelling of the story of the three Hebrew boys. It starts off with a nice intro effect that leads to a crazy driving drumline and melody. Knine starts this one off right where King Nebuchadnezzar announces his decree of nationwide worship of his statue. Knine leaves no details left out and it is all done with a modern hip hop vernacular. The characters are well done and the musical transitions bring a lot of life to the song. This is actually the shortest song on the album and a great kickoff song.

2. Cain And Abel: Though the story of Cain and Abel clocks in at only sixteen verses in Genesis 4, Knine manages to stretch the story to a full six minutes! He does add not take away from this story whatsoever. What he actually does is give this story a proper exegesis which actually gives further understanding to the story. In other words, Knine provides an excellent exegesis of this story through song.

3. David & Goliath: This song is dramatic at best and would be dope if it had a cartoon adaptation to it! It also contains some very well done character acting by Knine. There are even some comedic moments in this but the story ultimately provides some encouragement to the listener. The message is that of hope in trusting in God even in the most unfathomable situations.

4. Sodom and Gomorrah: Out of the first three songs Knine comes with some great wordplay on this song. This is seen especially when Abraham asks God about sparing the cities if a righteous man/woman could be found. Once again, Knine takes his time to accurately illustrate the story and leaves out no details that are pertinent to the story. This story is a heavy one due to reality of the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah but Knine utilizes proper wordplay that is not offensive or inappropriate. The music also builds as the story climaxes with great success.

5. Word Started To Spread: This is a song detailing the miracles, signs, and wonders of Christ that caused His fame to grow in spread throughout Galilee, Rome, and beyond. Great storytelling and witty punch lines along with careful annunciation of words bring this to life. This is also the first song to actual contain a chorus that does not take away from the song at all.

6. Daniel and The Lion’s Den: Let me start off by saying this, this song contains the drum pattern from Mali Music’s “I Hate You”. It threw me off at first but provides a good drive for the song. The build up of this song is similar to “The Fiery Furnace” but it still stands on its own. Same story as the songs, the music helps to build up the song as it changes as the story flows onward. The beat leaves more to be desired though I have to admit but not terrible. The song is encouraging as enforces once again that we as believers trust in God despite hardship.

7. David & Bathsheba: Next to “Cain & Abel” and “For You”, this is a standout song on “It Is Written.” This is the longest song on the album but it does not bore by any means. The beat creeps in like a story book opening to a rainy night in David’s home and then him gazing upon Bathsheba. Similar to “Sodom and Gomorrah”, Knine handles the very serious subject matter with witty wordplay and selective words like “relations.” Knine really takes his time to tell the story and does not rush by trying to please the listener due to the time of the track. Worth multiple listens indeed!

8. Jonah & The Whale: Nothing to really complain about this song except for one thing, the “sing” rapping style in the first eight bars takes some getting used to. Other than that, Knine does an excellent job of retelling the story of minor prophet Jonah from beginning to end. The west coast beat is funky and makes bump your head as the clavi, Rhodes piano, and bass bang along with the story. This is a song encouraging us to be obedient to God and understand that God is sovereign in all his ways.

9. Ruth: Knine once again does a good job of portraying every character in this story and not leaving out any important details. The beat flows well and transitions with the story as well. Ruth is portrayed as a strong compassionate woman in this story and Boaz is portrayed very well. Overall, a good story of redemption and of relationship that fits well on this collection.

10. The Golden Calf: The instrumentation on this song fits very well and causes you to imagine Moses and the Israelites in the desert. I feel that this song though done right, rushes on some of the details. Nonetheless, a great portrayal of how we, like the Israelites, complain even when God provides for us. Moses is shown well as a man who lives for the Lord but is frustrated by the Israelites constant complaining just as the Bible does. Great character acting once again and some of the best instrumentation featured on the album.

11. Samson: The story flows well and contains great characterization of Samson, Delilah, and the Philistines. It is like hearing an audio bible reading of the story of Samson but In Hip Hop form, very accurate and enjoyable. Not much more to say about this track.

12. For You: Finally, we have the final song on the album and actually a throwback track from “Underdogg” in 2007. When I first heard this song and saw the accompanying video on YouTube, I was impressed by Knine knack for storytelling. You can even say that it was this song that inspired this whole album. The song begins with Knine breaking down how nobody will die for you even if they had the opportunity but that he knows someone (Christ) who has done something for you. This leads us to Christ in the garden of Gethsemane and ends at with Christ on the cross. This is a great song to end the album with and I am not even mad at Knine for putting this song on another album.

Final Thoughts: The album concept sounds corny at first but when you hear the name “Knine” behind it, you anticipate that this will be a banger. This album was just that and grabbed my attention from the opening drum pattern and melody. This album is sample free and contains “natural” sounding instruments for the majority of the music backdrop. I am proud to say that this is Knine's BEST work yet! It is also a major feat for Christian Hip Hop as no other artist in the third generation of CHH has attempted this with such success. Lampmode’s shai linne did have Stories and Stephen the Levite goes in on "John The Baptist” on The Forerunner EP but Knine is up there with them in storytelling! The “Dog” is back and you should bark up the tree of the album known as It Was Written Vol. 1.