KnowKnow

Following his role in propelling Chinese hip-hop onto the global stage as a member of the Chengdu quartet Higher Brothers, rapper KnowKnow—also identified as DZKnow or simply DZ—shifted focus to independent work near the end of 2019. That December he unveiled his first solo album, Mr. Enjoy Da Money, whose blend of Sichuanese dialects, Mandarin, and English preserved the energetic approach he had honed with the group while his outsized persona and unexpected vocal agility generated vivid tracks suited for international audiences.

Having already issued two albums and one mixtape with Higher Brothers, the Chengdu-born Chinese rapper KnowKnow (Dīng Zhèn) had secured a prominent place in the domestic rap landscape by the close of the 2010s through incisive verses, memorable hooks, and a singular lyricism. After the group’s globally embraced second album Five Stars, he began developing a solo project slated for release later that year. Expanding his roster of aliases beyond the fan-favored “Chinese Biggie,” he adopted “Mr. Enjoy Da Money” and “Mafia Cashier,” channeling his flamboyant character into boastful declarations atop lively, eclectic beats. Released in mid-December, Mr Enjoy Da Money showcased this range across the rapid trap of “Face Power,” the updated boom-bap of “Role Playing Game,” and the guitar-led introspection of “I Love You 3000 III.”