kNERO LAPAÉ, born Daniel Boimah Kenney Knero Lapaé Edwards II, is a Liberian rapper, originally born in Monrovia, who grew up in Brooklyn, New York. His father, a Gola man, had become manager of an American corporation, which caused his family to move to America. kNERO’s first passion was to be a cartoonist, but as he grew up, he built a love for the sound that is Hip Hop, and decided to enter the music industry. In ‘95, kNERO discovered barbering, which kept him away from the rapidly growing entity that was gang violence and criminal activities. kNERO began traveling from state to state to cut hair, which allowed him to spread the word about his music as well. Barbering eventually led him to become Raekwon’s barber. The two even collaborated on their song “Wolf Land”. kNERO has been a barber for other celebrities, activists, and stylists. kNERO’s music grew, allowing him to work with Norwegian artist Adele Erichsen, former Roc-A-Fella artist Amil, and many others. While coming up, kNERO was signed under CCAP records, but later left them and signed on with Universal Music Group, who he released his 2014 single “King” with. Through his music, kNERO LAPAÉ talks about the rough reality of Black Americans while mixing in African culture. Take “King” for example. LAPAÉ used visuals of police brutality and African people to convey a strong message that our roots make us the royalty that we are, even though we’re still slammed against a wall by the forces set out to destroy us. Though he’s received accolades and has had opportunities to be on the same stages as Erykah Badu and MC Lyte, kNERO LAPAÉ has been through many trials and tribulations, including homelessness, hotel hopping, and living paycheck to paycheck. These very experiences were the fuel for his memoir, “Homeless with a Record Deal: The Moments of Luxury”. Nevertheless, he prevailed. Staying true to his Liberian background and the history of his bloodline, kNERO founded the clothing line, Njola. The company creates a wide range of pieces that are all made with authentic, African cloth imported directly from Liberia. He’s just got connections like that. Even the name of the company represents a piece of kNERO’s Liberian identity. kNERO LAPAÉ is the great-grandson of King Anjola, whom the company name is derived from. His grandmother is the daughter of one of King Anjola’s three sons. What Beyoncé say? “This that bloodline”? Right! If you wanna give any conscious, Liberian artist your time and attention, try kNERO LAPAÉ.
