“Sunnyside Drive” by TaReef KnockOut is one of those songs you have to play while rolling up and chilling with your friends in the backseat of a car. KnockOut’s calming rap flow is reminiscent of North Carolina’s finest—rapper superstar J Cole—but even with their similar rapping styles, KnockOut still manages to give “Sunnyside Drive” its own chill, alternative hip hop sound. He reflects on how difficult it is to juggle his burgeoning rap career, trying to reach a level of success in his music, and seeing how that can drastically affect his current relationships. Even though the content within his lyrics can be interpreted as remorseful, you are never left with that melancholic feeling after the song finishes. Instead, you are left yearning for more of his relaxed repartee, and find yourself instinctively hitting that replay button.
Written by Gabrielle LaRochelle
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