Knucks

Knucks (real name Ashley Afamefuna Nwachukwu) is an English rapper and producer from Kilburn, North West London, born on November 12, 1994. Inspired by the likes of Nas, J. Cole, and MF Doom, he began writing his own rhymes at the age of 12 and made his debut on the 2014 mixtape Killmatic, an obvious nod to the Queens rapper's first album. His musical evolution continued on the 2016 singles "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "21 Candles," both of which helped establish the up-and-coming MC and beatmaker as one of the most powerful and inventive voices in the UK rap scene. His first EP NRG 105, a reimagining of '90s boom-bap music, arrived in 2019 and was followed by London Class in 2020, which featured the likes of Sam Wise, KXYZ, and Loyle Carner. Soon enough, the success of his early releases quickly garnered support from more established artists in the British Black music scene such as Stormzy and Wretch 32. In 2021, his single "Los Pollos Hermanos" was a breakthrough, certified platinum by the BPI. In 2022, his single "Leon the Professional" climbed to number 98 on the Official UK Singles Chart and he kept the momentum going with the release of his debut album Alpha Place that year; a fresh, 13-track project chronicling his formative years in London across a patchwork of crisp beats and honest rhymes. His second studio album released in October 2025, A Fine African Man, featured African singers and rappers Tiwa Savage, Blaqbonez, Phyno, Kcee, and Fimiguerrero.