There has never been an anomaly in hip-hop quite like the southern trio CunninLynguists. Sampling genres from psych-rock to blues, New Romantic to polka, they have been musically compared to UGK and Atmosphere in the same breath. They have toured and shared stages with Kanye West and Aesop Rock to equal success. They have produced for Lil' Scrappy as well as KRS-One. They have crafted songs with international soul superstar Cee-Lo Green and politically charged indie-favorite Immortal Technique...on the same album. CunninLynguists have eschewed categories, boxes and labels for 6 years, 3 albums and 2 official mixtapes, all while having what XXL Magazine described as the "Most Hated Name In Rap". The result? If you want labels...Southern boom-bap. Too white for BET, too black for MTV2. A preacher's son, a caucasian guy from rural Georgia and a convicted felon. But mainly...a self-made career, one of the most consistent catalogs of any current hip-hop act and one of the most loyal, worldwide fanbases in all of indie rap music. Backed with gritty beats, quality rhymes and 808 thump, the 'Lynguists intend on recapturing the soul in southern hip-hop. With what Spin Magazine calls "Outkast's tragicomic poignancy", Deacon The Villain, Kno and Natti follow in the footsteps of artists like Goodie Mob, Ya'll So Stupid, Geto Boys and the aforementioned 'Kast in painting a picture meant to remind the world that politics, death, racism, relationships, religion and struggle are just as relevant to life below the Mason-Dixon as anywhere else. Their critically acclaimed debut LP, Will Rap For Food, was released in October 2001. CunninLynguists were joined by Floridian emcee Mr. SOS for their 2nd LP, Southernunderground, which was independently released April 1, 2003 on Freshchest Records and QN5 Music and re-released in 2004. Guests included Masta Ace, Tonedeff and RJD2. Their most recent LP, A Piece of Strange, was released in January of 2006 via LAU Records and is their most successful album to date. The group has toured worldwide, appearing onstage alongside acts like Nappy Roots, Cee-Lo Green, Bun B, Kanye West, Raekwon of Wu-Tang Clan, Brand Nubian and more. Kno, hailing from Georgia and currently residing in Lexington, Kentucky, has been described as "one of the top loop-miners east of the Mississippi" by URB. He produced the majority of Will Rap For Food and Southernunderground, all of A Piece of Strange, and has also recieved critical acclaim in The NY Times, Rolling Stone and other magazines for his remix of Jay-Z's Black Album, entitled Kno vs. Hov : The White Al-bu-lum in 2004. Born in Versailles, Kentucky, Deacon has also established himself as a producer. His beats have been rocked by the likes of KRS-One, King Tee as well as local Kentucky artists such as Rob Jackson and Bonafide Circle. The son of a reverend, his ear for melody and church trained voice have also landed him hook work for Ruff Ryders, Sean Price and more. The duo has already begun work as a production duo under the name A Piece Of Strange, currently producing for Lil' Scrappy, Devin The Dude, D-12, Immortal Technique, Warner Brothers' rock and roll outfit Melee and others. They are managed by Lee "Skill" Resnick, whose only other clients are platinum producers Denaun Porter, Naughty By Nature's Kay Gee and Mr. Lee from Houston. The group now officially counts emcee Natti as the third and final piece of the CunninLynguists' puzzle. After turning to music as a positive release after a 2 year prison stint in the early 2000's, Lexington, Kentucky native Natti's gravely drawl and streetwise lyrics give the group a decidedly interesting 3rd angle on the group's already broad range of subject matter. WEBSITE: http://www.myspace.com/cunninlynguists CunninLynguists - "K.K.K.Y."

Last updated by Editor's Pick Aug 5, 2008.

Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more

Subscribe to E-Blast

WIN TICKETS

Nas
Wednesday, Nov 5 @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, SF

Raekown & Mobb Deep
Saturday, Nov 15 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley

How the Grouch Stole Christmas
Friday, Dec 5 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley

Atmosphere
Friday, Feb 13 @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Connect

Members

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Latest Activity

Tampa Mystic posted blog posts
12 hours ago
Editor's Pick posted discussions
14 hours ago
realmuzik posted a discussion

From NYC to MIA

Steven Hall, the creative force behind Remix Kingz, is stepping into a bold new chapter with his groundbreaking community-focused movement, Traffik N Sex. Known for shaping dynamic sounds and elevating rising talent, Steven continues to make waves through impactful music and innovative outreach. With the movement gaining momentum, he is pushing a message forward through…See More
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
yesterday
2 videos by Editor's Pick were featured
yesterday
Editor's Pick posted videos
Wednesday
Tampa Mystic posted blog posts
Wednesday
realmuzik posted a discussion

Misha Releases Captivating New Single “Burning Fire” ft. BeMyFiasco

Acclaimed R&B artist and producer Misha and Grammy nominated R&B songstress BeMyFiasco just released their highly anticipated single titled “Burning Fire”. “Burning Fire” channels pure late-night energy that is sensual, hazy, and drenched in slow-motion desire. The track unfolds like an intimate confession, with its mantra-driven hook and hypnotic groove,…See More
Wednesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Tuesday
Editor's Pick posted discussions
Saturday
Editor's Pick posted videos
Nov 28
Editor's Pick updated an event
Thumbnail

THROWBACK featuring Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist at Hello Stranger Bar, Oakland

December 10, 2025 at 9pm to July 8, 2026 at 1:45am
WEDNESDAY DEC 10 THROWBACK (2nd & 4th Wednesdays) All Throwbacks: Hip Hop, Soul/Funk, Reggae +more!Featuring Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist (True Skool)at Hello Stranger Bar, 1724 Broadway, Oakland. Doors 8pm. DJ Set starts at 9pm. No cover!>> RSVP HERE…See More
Nov 28

© 2025   Created by Ren the Vinyl Archaeologist.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service