The flute sample used by Elemnt, provides the perfect canvas for Knowledge the Pirate to vent. “ More Than Money” is easily my favorite track on this and is a good summary not just of the album, but the career led by cats like Knowledge, Roc Marciano, Griselda and others. Frequent collaborator and partner in crime Elemnt helms the production in its entirety on this side (and the majority of the production on The Pirate’s sophomore album Black Cesar which dropped shortly after “Flintlock”) and it fits Knowledge like a glove. Now speaking on this album in terms of the vinyl record, Side B has to be the MVP of the entire album. Coming in a little over 50 minutes, we’re given vivid and exact stories from a journeyman who has traveled the world. Knowledge doesn’t take “The Pirate” part of his name lightly at all, including interludes that add personality to the album and his character. Right off the bat, Knowledge the Pirate is straight grimy, rough, underground hip-hop, no high tempo party bangers, the sound lies in samples, the sound lies in deep bass lines that will snap your neck in half. At the time there was none, however in August of last year (2018), Knowledge gave us Flintlock and I truthfully believe it’s one of 2018’s more underrated gems. Knowledge shows up twice on Roc’s classic “ Rosebudd’s Revenge 2” and after that I had to see if he had any solo material out. Knowledge the Pirate is not new to hip-hop despite “Flintlock” being his debut album, if you’ve been paying attention, the New York artist has done numerous guest features with Roc Marciano and has always had a hand in production.