PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA | CEE KNOWLEDGE

INTERVIEW KIM “GOODLOOK” SEABROOK PHOTOGRAPH: DEREK BRAD

“I’ve always tried to payback what I was given in this industry... my entire career I made it a point to try and help like minded individuals get closer to their dreams by either financing or consulting people I believed in.”

VALIDATED: What was your first memory of Hip Hop and how did it impact you in that moment?

CEE KNOWLEDGE: my first memory of hip hop is when I was a youngin in the streets of Philadelphia. It was at a block party in the West Oak Lane section of the city where I witnessed Dj Cosmic Kev and Mc Parry P for the first time. They mesmerized me with their dj/emcee routines, break beat selections and crowd control!

VALIDATED: Your mother was your musical influence with the soul and RnB music and your father was a Black Panther. Tell me how was it growing up in your household? Did you have siblings as well or are you an only child?

CEE KNOWLEDGE: my mother was a major influence in my life being my biggest supporter as well as the source of all my musical and social influences. My parents were separated most of my life so I never knew what it was like to have a father in the house. I saw my father a few times growing up and yes he was a former panther in the 60’s and member of the All Afrikan People’s Revolutionary Party (AAPRP) in the 80’s, who taught me about pan-africanism and the sounds of Fela at an early age. I have a younger sister named Antonette.

VALIDATED: Prior to Digable Planets you were a DJ. What made you transition to becoming an artist?

CEE KNOWLEDGE: I started my hip hop life as a deejay but when I got to Howard University in the mid 80’s I met up with another cat who was also from Philly named Dj Trouble Trev. He was an amazing deejay who had started a crew while at HU called the O.S.A.G.E crew and me recognizing his superior deejay skills decided to join him as one of his emcees on stage. This is when I began to take rap seriously and started writing routines and songs for the O.S.A.G.E crew and never looked back since then.

VALIDATED: I know that Digable Planets broke up and got back together after having an opportunity to tour overseas in 2005 and it looked as if y’all broke up again in 2010 and back touring again (prior to Covid-19). Am I correct? What do you think is the most difficult part in being in a group and how can you give other groups advice on how to avoid those issues?

CEE KNOWLEDGE: yes, the original 3 members have been touring together on and off since 2005 and in fact were touring as recently as this past February (2020) before the global pandemic put a halt to that.

It’s always hard to keep a group dynamic together when we as individuals grow at different paces. After a while certain things become a priority for some that isn’t for others and if the group members aren’t willing or mature enough to adapt to ever changing circumstances within that situation it will certainly cause problems and then when you add money and fame to the equation it gets even murkier.

I don’t have any great words of advice on how to remedy this problem because it depends on the individual’s in that group but just make sure you always surround ya self with smart, trustworthy people who can help counsel you during troubled times. I think if everyone involved has good intentions they’ll be able to work it out.

VALIDATED: How do you rate the experience of performing overseas in comparison to performing in the states?

CEE KNOWLEDGE: the fans overseas are very loyal and appreciative of the artists from the states who come to perform because they don’t get to see them often and when they do come the fans show up and show out! The fans in the states are just as excited in certain towns but I think because of the fact you’re traveling to some far off exotic land, meeting new people and spreading your music to an all new audience makes the experience that much better!

VALIDATED: Can you tell us how it was doing music back in the 90’s compared to today?

CEE KNOWLEDGE: well one of the first big differences is that back in those days analog tape was the standard recording practice although the digital age was slowly coming into existence but not yet fully embraced by the industry. The editing process for two inch tape was long and grueling compared to today’s recording and mixing practices. I love the warmth of the two inch tape though but I prefer the ease of today’s technology. Also back then it was more prevalent for artists to seek out record deals with major labels as opposed to the underground indie route that the digital age provides.

VALIDATED: I heard you are into Sci-Fi and that you are really a comic book geek. How did that influence you creating Cosmic Funk music? And talk about the band you have as well “The Cosmic Funk Orchestra”.

CEE KNOWLEDGE: yeah, I’m definitely a fan of Sci-Fi and comic books and their influence is felt throughout my music. My first rap name was Cosmic Cee and I named my first band the “Cosmic Funk orchestra”. We recorded an all live album in 2014 called “to Life, Love and Loot” which featured myself, Kai Chi, Sabri Majid, Eddie Kane and Alexa Gold on vocals. It also had Gary Dann on drums, Mitch Beer on bass and moog, and Adam Charlton on guitars.

VALIDATED: With all your knowledge in the music, the business and life itself are you doing anything to help any upcoming artists?

CEE KNOWLEDGE: I’ve always tried to payback what I was given in this industry... my entire career I made it a point to try and help like minded individuals get closer to their dreams by either financing or consulting people I believed in. Currently I’m helping my oldest son Taj who calls himself KRWN to get his music career kick started.

VALIDATED: What inspires you today to still keep pushing and spreading great music?

CEE KNOWLEDGE: my kids constantly inspire me to do better and never give up! Also, if I didn’t love this music I would’ve been quit a long time ago especially considering all the roadblocks and naysayers that I’ve had to face throughout my career!

VALIDATED: Any advice for people who want to enter the music business?

CEE KNOWLEDGE: if anyone out there reading this is considering a career in music I say go for it but ask ya self do I really love this music thing enough that I will put my all into it and not be swayed by the haters and there will be an abundance of those who will try to hold you down. if you can say yes to that then go for yours!

VALIDATED: When its all said and done what do you want your legacy to be?

CEE KNOWLEDGE: I want my legacy to be that of a brother who stayed true to his convictions and family on his way to making his mark in this crazy world without selling his soul and the ability to leave something behind for my kids to be proud of and potentially use to give them the head start in life I never had.

VALIDATED: How can they hear your music, follow you and anything else you have going.

CEE KNOWLEDGE: if anyone is interested you can follow me on social media via Instagram @officialsoodlebug, Twitter @ceeknowledge or Facebook fan page - Cee Knowledge. I’m also in all streaming services under the name Cee Knowledge or Cee Knowledge and the Cosmic Funk Orchestra. My official website where you can purchase all my music and Merchandise is ceeknowledgepresents.bandcamp.com

I also have a clothing brand of tees and hoodies available at:

https://www.illpipedesign.com/product/cee-knowledge-calidelphian-unisex-tee-2/

My new album entitled “the Calidelphian” is coming soon.

METAMORPHOSED: CEE KNOWLEDGE