In the early 2000s, Knucks lived in inner-city London and became interested in grime music, and would perform 8-bar relays with friends during and after school. As a teen he realised he wanted to be a musician. In Year 8, Knucks went to a Nigerian boarding school, where his love of music developed further. When he returned to London at age 14, KnuckS discovered Nas and Curren$y and transitioned from grime to rap. He performed in front of an audience for the first time at age 16 or 17, at an open mic night hosted by Regent Studios in South Kilburn.
Throughout these years starting from 2012, Knucks has rose to 'the British rap elite'. During this time, he formed his own label/brand, No Days Off. In 2014, he released his debut mixtape Killmatic, the title being a play on his hometown Kilburn and the Nas album Illmatic. The next year, he released the song 21 Candles on Soundcloud, which propelled him even further into having a career.
After a series of singles from 2015 to 2018, Knucks would sign a deal with Young Entrepreneurs Records and Island Records, releasing his debut EP NRG 105 in May 2019. A year later, Knucks would go back to being independent, releasing his second EP London Class in September 2020.
Knucks received even more recognition with the release of the Breaking Bad-inspired single “Los Pollos Hermanos” in 2021. His debut album ALPHA PLACE was finally released in May 2022, featuring guest appearances from Stormzy, SL, Sainté, Youngs Teflon and Ragz Originale.
Decisions
KnuckS Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ayy, huh
I know that your do's and don'ts how you pride yourself, mmm
But put your way of life on the line
You just might surprise yourself (uh)
I know what you're like as well
Thin line with wrong and right as well (uh)
Well, they on their high horses, I can tell (well)
But if they way of life on the line
They might just surprise they self (ayy)
Handle it by yourself
Ain't no gang when you're by yourself
Been doubted so many times in my life some times I surprise my-
Ayy
What have you done to be judgin' decisions?
A couple predicaments mans been in
Could've got me easily locked in prison
But I know what I did when I did 'em
The story of Knuckles is chillin'
The fear of dyin' a hero
Live long enough and becomin' the villain
But they'll wheel it as long as I'm willin'
Still tryna make a killin'
The thing is pagans tryna do the same thing
Ain't just prayin' on my downfall
They prayin' I'm out more, patiently waitin'
If you never lived like this
How can you wear the mistakes that I'm makin'?
Or say that you ain't do the same thing
Took the shortcut way to the station
I know that your do's and don'ts how you pride yourself, mmm
But put your way of life on the line
You just might surprise yourself (uh)
I know what you're like as well
Thin line with wrong and right as well (uh)
Been doubted so many times in my life some times I surprise myself (ayy)
Well, they on their high horses, I can tell
But if they way of life on the line
They might just surprise they self (ayy)
Handle it by yourself
Ain't no gang when you're by yourself
Been doubted so many times in my life some times I surprise my-
No matter how tall you think you are
We're livin' in a small world (small world)
No matter how tall you think you are
We're livin' in a small world (small world)
No matter how tall you think you are
We're livin' in a small world (small world)
No matter how big you think you are
We're livin' in a small, small world
Lagga
Yo, where's your credentials?
What have you done that's influential?
Bought me a skeng, don, that's confidential
You had a name back then, you had so much potential
I ain't even bein' disrespectful
But your hatin' is coincidental
Boy stop lyin' on them instrumentals
Boy, it's dreadful (dickhead)
Gang said, "He said that?"
I said "Definitely"
They mentioned them I don't know why you broke them up
Man, I don't see the relevancy
If I do, you won't ever expect it was me
When it's go time, don't wanna see no hesitancy
Us and them don't agree, evidently
We're gonna beef them one day inevitably (woah)
So fuck it, let's start it intentionally (lagga)
I know that your do's and don'ts how you pride yourself, mmm
But put your way of life on the line
You just might surprise yourself (uh)
I know what you're like as well
Thin line with wrong and right as well (uh)
Been doubted so many times in my life some times I surprise myself (ayy)
Well, they on their high horses, I can tell
But if they way of life on the line
They might just surprise they self (ayy)
Handle it by yourself
Ain't no gang when you're by yourself
Been doubted so many times in my life some times I surprise my-
No matter how tall you think you are
We're livin' in a small world (small world)
No matter how tall you think you are
We're livin' in a small world (small world)
No matter how tall you think you are
We're livin' in a small world (small world)
No matter how big you think you are
We're livin' in a small, small world
(No days off, no days off, no days off)
Ayy where's this guy, man
Why's he so long, bruv?
I don't know, he said he's gonna be here by eight?
Eight?
You know the man there
Yo, did no one ever tell you about that yute name Leon?
No, who's Leon?
You ain't heard about that Leon yute, no?
No
Yo, boom, like yo, so this yute's from back in the day
The song "Decisions" by Knucks M1llionz & Shaé Universe is a powerful message for listeners to embrace their true selves, regardless of societal expectations. The lyrics speak of the pressure to conform to norms and to make decisions based on what others think is right, but the artists encourage listeners to break free from this and make their own choices. They also speak of the consequences of making mistakes and being judged for them, yet still trying to rise above it all.
The opening lines of the song set the tone for the rest of the lyrics, with the artists acknowledging that people have specific values and beliefs that they pride themselves on. However, they encourage listeners to take risks and step outside their comfort zones, as there is the potential for self-discovery and growth in doing so. The artists then reflect on their own experiences of being doubted and facing adversity, yet still finding a way to surprise themselves and overcome obstacles.
Later in the song, the artists highlight the importance of individuality and not blindly following others, including those who may be trying to bring them down. They also touch on themes of loyalty and betrayal within their own communities, again emphasizing the need to make independent decisions and stand up for oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
No, no
The singer is denying or disagreeing with something.
Ayy, huh
An exclamation of agreement or acknowledgement.
I know that your do's and don'ts how you pride yourself, mmm
The singer is aware of the listener's values and beliefs.
But put your way of life on the line
The artist is challenging the listener to risk their beliefs for a greater reward.
You just might surprise yourself (uh)
The artist believes that the listener will find success if they take the risk.
I know what you're like as well
The singer understands the listener's character and behavior.
Thin line with wrong and right as well (uh)
The listener faces a moral dilemma or confusion.
Been doubted so many times in my life some times I surprise myself (ayy)
Despite past criticisms, the artist has succeeded and surprised themselves.
Well, they on their high horses, I can tell (well)
The artist believes that others feel superior or arrogant.
But if they way of life on the line
The artist challenges others to test their beliefs for a greater reward.
They might just surprise they self (ayy)
The singer believes others will succeed if they take the risk.
Handle it by yourself
The artist advises self-reliance and independence.
Ain't no gang when you're by yourself
The singer acknowledges the loneliness and vulnerability of working alone.
What have you done to be judgin' decisions?
The singer questions the qualifications of those who judge their actions.
A couple predicaments mans been in
The singer has faced several difficult situations in life.
Could've got me easily locked in prison
The artist narrowly avoided a prison sentence.
But I know what I did when I did 'em
The artist takes responsibility for their actions.
The story of Knuckles is chillin'
The singer refers to themselves in the third person, describing their life.
The fear of dyin' a hero
The singer is afraid of being remembered as a good person who died prematurely.
Live long enough and becomin' the villain
The artist fears becoming a bad person if they live too long.
But they'll wheel it as long as I'm willin'
The artist plans to continue their lifestyle as long as they can.
Still tryna make a killin'
The artist aims to make money and achieve success.
The thing is pagans tryna do the same thing
Enemies are attempting to achieve the same goals as the singer.
Ain't just prayin' on my downfall
The artist believes others wish for their failure.
They prayin' I'm out more, patiently waitin'
Enemies want the singer to lose more often and are waiting for an opportunity.
If you never lived like this
The singer challenges those who have not experienced their lifestyle to not judge them.
How can you wear the mistakes that I'm makin'?
The singer questions how others can be affected by their mistakes.
Or say that you ain't do the same thing
The artist believes that others have made similar mistakes.
Took the shortcut way to the station
The artist took a risky or illegal way to reach their destination.
No matter how tall you think you are
The singer advises others to remain humble, no matter how successful they are.
We're livin' in a small world (small world)
The singer believes that the world is interconnected.
Lagga
An ad-lib or exclamation of enthusiasm.
Yo, where's your credentials?
The artist questions the qualifications of someone.
What have you done that's influential?
The artist challenges someone to prove their worth or impact.
Bought me a skeng, don, that's confidential
The singer bought a weapon that is meant to be kept secret.
You had a name back then, you had so much potential
The artist believes that someone had a promising future that they did not capitalize on.
I ain't even bein' disrespectful
The singer insists that they are not trying to insult someone.
But your hatin' is coincidental
The singer believes that someone's negative comments are merely a coincidence.
Boy stop lyin' on them instrumentals
The singer accuses someone of lying in their music.
Boy, it's dreadful (dickhead)
The artist believes that someone's actions are shameful or disappointing.
They mentioned them I don't know why you broke them up
The artist is confused about why another group or individual was brought into the conversation.
Man, I don't see the relevancy
The singer believes that the topic is not important or relevant to them.
If I do, you won't ever expect it was me
The singer will surprise someone if they do become involved in an issue.
When it's go time, don't wanna see no hesitancy
The artist urges others to act decisively when it is time to take action.
Us and them don't agree, evidently
The artist acknowledges that they have a disagreement with another group or individual.
We're gonna beef them one day inevitably (woah)
The artist predicts that conflict is inevitable with the other group or individual.
So fuck it, let's start it intentionally (lagga)
The singer decides to initiate conflict with the other group or individual.
(No days off, no days off, no days off)
An ad-lib or chant implying that the artist is always working or hustling.
Ayy where's this guy, man
The singer wonders where someone is located.
Why's he so long, bruv?
The singer is questioning the reason for someone's tardiness.
I don't know, he said he's gonna be here by eight?
The singer is unsure of someone's arrival time.
Eight?
An exclamation of surprise or bewilderment.
You know the man there
The artist is referring to someone who is well-known.
Yo, did no one ever tell you about that yute name Leon?
The singer is surprised that someone has never heard of someone named Leon.
No, who's Leon?
The listener is questioning the identity of Leon.
Yo, boom, like yo, so this yute's from back in the day
The artist is introducing a story or anecdote about a person named Leon.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Ashley Nwachukwu
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ancry
Aye
Huh, I know that your dos and your don'ts how you pride yourself, mmm
But put your way of life on the line, you just might surprise yourself, uh
I know what you're like as well
Thin line with wrong and right as well, uh
Been doubted so many times in my life, sometimes I surprise myself, hey
Well, they on their high horses, I can tell
But if their way of life on the line, they just might surprise theyself, ayy
Handle it by yourself
Ain't no gang when you by yourself
Been doubted so many times in my life, sometimes I surprise my-
Aye, what have you done to be judging decisions?
A couple predicaments man's been in
Could've got me easily locked in prison
But I know what I did when I did 'em
The story of Knuckles is chilling
The fear of dying the hero or living long enough and becoming the villain
But they'll wheel it aslong as I'm willing
Still tryna make a killing, the thing is the paigons tryna do the same thing
Ain't just praying on my downfall, they're praying that I'm out more, patiently waiting
If you've never lived like this, how can you weigh the mistakes that I'm making?
Or say that you ain't do the same thing
Take the shortcut way to the station
Huh, I know that your dos and your don'ts how you pride yourself, mmm
But put your way of life on the line, you just might surprise yourself, uh
I know what you're like as well
Thin line with wrong and right as well, uh
Been doubted so many times in my life, sometimes I surprise myself, hey
Well, they on their high horses, I can tell
But if their way of life on the line, they just might surprise theyself, ayy
Handle it by yourself
Ain't no gang when you by yourself
Been doubted so many times in my life, sometimes I surprise my-
No matter how tall you think you are, we're living in a small world
No matter how tall you think you are, we're living in a small world
No matter how tall you think you are, we're living in a small world
No matter how big you think you are, we're living in a small, small world
Lagga
Yo, where's your credentials? (CV)
What have you done that's influential?
What me and Skeng done, that's confidential
You had a name back then, you had so much potential
I ain't even being disrespectful
But you're hating, it's coincidental
Boy, stop lying on them instrumentals
Bro, it's dreadful
Gang said "Is it that?" I said "Definitely"
They mention them, I don't know why you brought them up
Man, I don't see the relevancy
If I do it, you won't ever suspect it was me
When it's go time, don't wanna see no hesitancy
Us and them don't agree, evidently
We're gonna beef them one day inevitably
So fuck it! Let's start it intentionally (Lagga)
I know that your dos and your don'ts how you pride yourself, mmm
But put your way of life on the line, you just might surprise yourself, uh
I know what you're like as well
Thin line with wrong and right as well, uh
Been doubted so many times in my life, sometimes I surprise myself, hey
Well, they on their high horses, I can tell
But if their way of life on the line, they just might surprise theyself, ayy
Handle it by yourself
Ain't no gang when you by yourself
Been doubted so many times in my life, sometimes I surprise my-
No matter how tall you think you are, we're living in a small world
No matter how tall you think you are, we're living in a small world
No matter how tall you think you are, we're living in a small world
No matter how big you think you are, we're living in a small, small world
(No days off)
Marty Usmans Hairline
Knucks is truly ahead of the game, no one comes close to him.
ND
Bull
Marty Usmans Hairline
@NDKnucks running the Uk rn biggest artist since Dave.
ND
@Marty Usmans Hairline I'll need to listen more I dont hear it
Marty Usmans Hairline
@ND give him a listen man is sick one of the best in the Uk he’s Dave skepta nines level
Mikey B
He is very hard but wouldn’t say nobody comes close. There’s a lot of people way better
Ruthless09
I think it's clear that style is something Knucks has in abundance
John Davies
Don’t know how many times I’ve replayed this already?! You my man are making big moves, keep it up bro 👌
Casperolando
Let be friends
akachi.
um dos melhores do cenário, sem dúvida!