Certified vets Pettidee and KnowdaVerbs to release We Are Village KNG group project

A new song has just been released. It’s incredibly powerful and filled with meaning. You notice right away the lyrics and the way they are spoken. The beats are a nice accompaniment, but it’s the lyrical flow that really stands out. This song is unique in sound and style. You can’t listen to it just once. The first time you hear the news, it comes across as an unlikely tag team.

Who would think to pair the crunchy, CeeLo-ate-a-Transformer vocals of Pettidee with the boom-bap lyricism of unlocked action figure Knowdaverbs?

The idea actually originated with both emcees. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find the two men have a healthy history thanks to the connective tissue of GRITS’ Teron “Bonafide” Carter and the Factors of the Seven fellowships.

Petti and Verbs have also partnered on music projects in the past (check out their collaborative carol from the Soldier Sound Christmas album), but now it’s time to introduce music fans to their group identity as Village KNG (pronounced “king”).

“About a year ago, Verbs and I linked up to discuss some voice over work. During the process we reminisced about the rich community that comes from being in the studio with other hip hop heads who follow Jesus,” Pettitte said. “We ended up pulling up some beats and just messing around with some tracks. One thing led to another and we ended up with a handful of songs we felt were worth sharing.”

Part of their spark came from seeing rappers of their era (think NaS, Black Thought, Jay-Z, etc.) continue to release and perform music at a high level.

“It just shows we shouldn’t place self- or externally-imposed age limits on the use of our gifts and talents,” Verbs said.

The team decided upon the name Village KNG. It represents their desire to make an impact on a local level and to remind others they serve the “King of Kings.”

The first release from the group will be We Are Village KNG (side A). It contains the songs “Afro Frontier,” “Forward Motion,” “Harriet Tubman,” and “King.” Beatmaker Tone Jonez infuses the project with futuristic sounds and frequent nods to the artists’ distinct cultural roots as African-Americans with lived hip hop experience.

“We wanted a challenge,” Verbs said. “What sounds can we use to clearly communicate what’s in our heart? You’ll hear it on We Are Village KNG.”

About the Song

“This song was an accidental freedom song. It’s not a biographical account of the life of Harriet Tubman. It’s about the essence of how she led. Specifically, the time frame of her stepping into the role of conductor of the Underground Railroad. The song points to her resolve and resilience. In order for Harriet’s passengers to arrive at a destination of freedom, it required a mindset pivot for them to realize there was freedom that awaits them, if they were willing to brave the journey. As lyricists communicating topics we’re passionate about, there is a similar sense of urgency to see the listener experience a new level of available freedom. On the Harriet Tubman track, the intensity of the mid-pace melodic beat and sounds reminded us of a trek through a forest during the night, but as it progresses it opens up to a morning break type moment. This song calls us to assess our current realities of life, even if what we find is darker than what we would hope. This tune is for all for all willing to walk out of a cage of captivity to flourish into a new level of freedom without looking back.” – Knowdaverbs

“I freed a 1000 slaves I could have freed more” It’s a stand out quote from Harriet Tubman” for us because so many people don’t realize that they can be free from the mental Bondage. Once you see the similarities of slavery and oppression in today’s society especially in entertainment it’s hard to look away and allow it to be without taking action, just like Harriet. We chose Rocket (a strong female MC) to speak to her generation in a way that only a woman could & to anchor the song to bring the last verse to Freedom.”

“Although we are physically free, there are millions of people in Mental slavery. Bound by every negative thought that holds them down & keeps them in mental boxes & emotional chains. Like Harriet Tubman we’ve vowed to use the vehicle of Music to set those sick of mental oppression FREE.”

Author Liv Hernandez