His debut album The Sagas Of..., includes the singles "Murda", "Zero", "All I Got" and "Black Rose'". His latest album, Lionheart: Tussle with the Beast, was released on 26 February 2007.
Klasnekoff is one of the most recognizable artists in the U.K. hip-hop or Grime scene. He was nominated for the 2007 BET award for best U.K. Hip-Hop artist, alongside Kano(winner), JME, Lethal B, Wiley, and Dizzee Rascal.
Klashnekoff claims inspiration from a variety of rap artists from both the UK and the US, as well major reggae and dancehall artists from the Carribean.
On his official myspace page he gives a list of people who were his inspirations. He lists Wu Tang Clan, Rass Kass, Xzibit (in the "eary dayz"), Killer Priest, Buck Shot, 2Pac, Canibal Ox, Saigon, Onyx, Snoop, Biggie, MF Doom, Ice Cube, Dead Prez, Big Pun, Anti Pop, Outkast, Kool G Rap, Sonz of man, Kurupt, Ice T, Busta Rhymes, Public Enemy, the D.O.C., Ludacris, Mos def, Talib Kweli, Kanye West, Uncle Murda, Silver Bullet, Da Force, Bid Daddy Kane, Faze 1, Super Cat, Ninja Man, Pinchers, Big Youth, Burning Spear, Pappa San, Cutty Ranks, Nitty Gritty, Damien Marley (and "of cors his dad"), I Wayne, Capelton, Merceless, Vibes Kartel, Spragga Benz, Radio Head, Super Grass, Sound Garden, David Bowie, Jimmy Hendrix, Tthe Prodigy, Stevie Wonder!!, Marvin Gaye, Music Soul Child, Jill Scott, Loose Ends, Al Green ("bad man"), Jamie Fox, Guy ("u dont kno") Soul 2 Soul, Don E ("vet"), Omar ("vet")
Klashnekoff goes on to say that he: “cant 4 get the UK, cah nuff of u give me insiration 4 diffrent reasons”
Silver Bullet, Demon Boyz, Rebel MC, Cookie Crew, Catch22, MC DET, Skriblah ("yeh I kno hes my little bro..so wat"), Wiley, JME, Skepta, Trim, Ears, Devling, Gehtto, Dizzee Rascal ("older stuff"), Durtty Goods, Jehst, Kano, Tony D, Lewis Parker ("top producer"), Joe Buhda ("top producer"), Fusion ("top producer")
Black Rose
Klashnekoff Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Backlot Casanovas and Black Russian defectors
Are here to take your picture away
I know you don't have space left on your windowsill
Black rose - long thorn
White rose - still born
Standing on the corner just baying at the moon
Dreamstreet romance is not the same as burning love
You can light a thousand candles, you can wear your satin glove
And you can dance, dance, dance from here to Sunday
You can dance, dance, dance from here to Sunday
Black rose - long thorn
White rose - still born
Standing on the corner howling at the moon
Just another Little Miss Too-much-far-too-soon
In Klashnekoff's song "Black Rose," the lyrics portray the idea that even with a world in chaos, some people remain unaffected by the heat. The "Backlot Casanovas and Black Russian defectors" are out to take the picture of those who are still standing strong despite the turmoil around them. The metaphor of a black rose with long thorns and a white rose being stillborn is used to describe the dichotomy of life’s journeys. The song also touches on the theme of being a little too much and burning out too soon which is a manifestation of the dream street romance. This kind of burning passion cannot be compared to the lasting love that has been nurtured and developed.
The lyrics suggest that despite life’s challenges, the strong will continue to stand tall while the weak will fade away, much like a black rose with long thorn that survives and transcends the macroeconomic and political turbulence that engulfed it. The metaphor of the black rose and the white rose also implies diversity in the world that should be embraced rather than avoided in a bid to tap into the power of unity. Klashnekoff's lyrics suggest that dance is a form of escape and liberation that can be used to express oneself fully and wholeheartedly. Therefore, regardless of one’s journey in life, everyone has the right to enjoy whatever little time they have on this earth by dancing.
Line by Line Meaning
Everybody melting but the heat just won't affect ya
Although everyone around you is melting in the deadly heat, you are immune to it.
Backlot Casanovas and Black Russian defectors
Sly and charming men who can woo women with ease, and Russian immigrants who are looking for a better life.
Are here to take your picture away
These men want to take advantage of you and exploit you in some way.
I know you don't have space left on your windowsill
You have already been lied to and taken advantage of many times before, and there is no more room for any more deceit.
Black rose - long thorn
The black rose symbolizes strength, resilience, and solidarity, which comes with the cost of pain and suffering due to the thorns.
White rose - still born
The white rose represents innocence, purity, and new beginnings, but sometimes something beautiful may never come to fruition and be born at all.
Standing on the corner just baying at the moon
You are lost and hopeless, shouting at the heavens for a sign of guidance or purpose.
Just another little Miss Too-much-far-too-soon
You are someone who repeatedly rushes into situations without thinking ahead, resulting in negative consequences and not enjoying the present moment.
Dreamstreet romance is not the same as burning love
Fleeting and idealistic romance is not the same as passionate, all-consuming love.
You can light a thousand candles, you can wear your satin glove
You can try to set the perfect romantic scene, but without true love and connection, it is superficial and empty.
And you can dance, dance, dance from here to Sunday
You can lose yourself in the moment, but it won't fix anything in the end.
Standing on the corner howling at the moon
You are still lost, alone, and desperate for guidance and a sense of belonging.
Just another Little Miss Too-much-far-too-soon
You are still making the same mistakes, rushing into things and not thinking before you act.
Contributed by Camden L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.