I was thinking about how this week marks the 5th anniversary of the untimely death of James “Dilla” Yancey, a huge influence on me and my work as a producer, and I’ve decided to write a small post directly to our closest fans regarding myself, my health & the impact it might have on our music.
The internet reaction to my offhanded comments about samples a week or so ago helped me realize a few things—one of those is that I need to do a better job of concentrating on the important things in life and the other being that people seem to really, truly care about whether I continue making music or not.
Those of you who follow me on Twitter may remember an incident a while back where I passed out at the movies watching “Wolverine” and spent the night in the hospital, receiving several staples in my head after bouncing it off the cement. I joked that I passed out because the movie sucked, but I never really shared anything more about the situation.
I’ve had severe migraines since I was a teenager, but have always managed to get by with OTC meds and alot of naps. A few years ago I started to notice some coinciding symptoms with my migraines and decided to see a neurologist. I underwent hours of testing including electromyography—it fucking hurts, look it up LOL—and other things around the time of recording Dirty Acres, but the results were inconclusive.
After I moved back to Atlanta, I underwent a series of added tests including MRI’s etc. as my migraines and other symptoms hadn’t eased. After the incident in the theatre a cranial MRI revealed calcium deposits on my brain, which the doctors felt could simply be caused by my lifelong migraines or possibly something bigger.
After hours upon hours of neuropsychological testing about a year or so ago my neuropsychologist, though telling me “not to worry”, referred me to Shepard’s Clinic here in Atlanta to undergo additional screening for multiple sclerosis. Shepard’s is one of the foremost hospitals in the world for this type of thing, and the waiting list is long, so I haven’t been able to get in yet but am looking forward to doing so soon.
I originally wanted to wait until I could run the gauntlet at Shepard’s and find out the results of any MS testing I would undergo, but with the full slate of releases, promotion and shows this year I felt like it wouldn’t be fair to wait to at least mention it.
I still plan on being at every show, every event and releasing every record I’m working on—but my health has to come first. I’m attempting to schedule any upcoming testing etc. around our show schedule, but with the exclusivity of some of the facilities I need to go to I may have to miss a show here or there to accomodate that—hopefully not, though.
I’ve wrestled with it for a while, but I only decided to make this post because Jay Dee’s passing was one of the main things that spurred me to take my health seriously. I remember seeing pictures of him performing overseas in a wheelchair and being so shocked, not knowing what was going on—as if I somehow had a right to know, as a fan. I’m no Dilla, but I know the music we make often resonates with people in a specific, personal way—and I promised myself I’d learn from that situation. I never want to allow my creative passion to get in the way of attending to my health and I want to let those that care about me, even through music, know what is going on with me.
Wow. Thanks for keeping us in the loop, Kno. This news is very saddening, there’s a huge community here that hopes you can make music forever, but at the same time we understand that health always takes precedence.
We all miss Dilla, but if Kno were somehow unable to keep making music it would be equally missed by us fans. I’d been listening to Dilla unknowingly for years but the first time I heard CL, I needed to find out who made the beats.
MS can be chronic and is definitely a struggle and a burden, I hope that that the cause of your migraines is something much less serious. Truly sorry to hear about the migraines and my prayers are with you man.
Damn, that is very unfortunate to hear. I wish you only the best with your health, as that is definitely the most important thing for you to prioritize. Thank you for keeping us informed, instead of making us guess why you might not be at a particular show. The way you guys keep us fans in the loop, and updated even with personal information, is a main reason us fans are extremely loyal. It shows us that you guys are human like us after all, as sometimes we forget that as fans.
“We all miss Dilla, but if Kno were somehow unable to keep making music it would be equally missed by us fans. I’d been listening to Dilla unknowingly for years but the first time I heard CL, I needed to find out who made the beats.”
“We all miss Dilla, but if Kno were somehow unable to keep making music it would be equally missed by us fans. I’d been listening to Dilla unknowingly for years but the first time I heard CL, I needed to find out who made the beats.”
I second allllllllllll of this.
Word. A music world without Kno would be soul crushing. Hopefully everything turns out alright and you’ll be in all our thoughts.
Much respect, it takes a brave man to be so honest about themselves to others, especially to non-relatives/friends. You take care of yourself Kno, I hope that first screening goes well, you’ll be in our thoughts.
Word. RIP Dilla, one of the best sample flippers in history. Take care of yourself man, we all of course care that you keep making music and whatnot as Kno, but I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling that you’ve given us enough background story and insight through the music for me to care about the well being of Ryan Wisler. Do what you gotta do, we’ll always be behind you.
thanks for sharing, even though you didn’t have to, Kno. Hope everything turns out well for you. We all love your music and all that you’ve done, and will continue to do so.
You and CL have both been big influences in my life and music. Be sure to take care of yourself.
I’m sure a lot of us who remember you mentioning that incident haven’t forgotten, and have been wondering if your well-being was being addressed since then. I’m glad to hear that you’re being proactive about this, and letting us know, and obviously, the baby blue armada is here for you if you need anything.
As much as I love all the music you’ve made and continue to make, health has always got to come first. Hope everything turns out okay. Thank you for sharing and keeping us fans in the loop, respect.
damn. i have friends with MS and i know it can be tough. health and family always comes first in my book so please take care of yourself man. good luck with everything and your fans will be supporting you 100 percent of the way. you’re not alone.
As everyone else has stated already, take care of yourself, sir. You are the fuel that feeds the engines of very many people’s love of hip-hop and music, and I certainly wish you the best however the situation turns out.
I appreciate the transparency you show through the artist facade a lot of us get wrapped up with. This speaks volumes to fans like us. Best blessings to you, Kno. Stay ballin’.
Appreciate the honesty Kno. I wish you the best and hope your migraines aren’t rooted with MS. I couldn’t imagine music without your production anymore, but I’d much rather you be alive and well.
I’m so sorry to hear That’s really a terrible thing. I hope you’ll be alright!
I also feel you’re very brave speaking openly about your condition. I could imagine it would be a scarey thing to live with. I sincerely hope that they find what’s been causing these migraines and they can help you in some way.
You have our support, and you always will. Take care of yourself and I hope for you a prosperous, exciting and healthy year.
Kno make sure you take care of yourself cuz we need you . how you feel about dilla is how I feel about you. ‘11 is gonna be a great year I can already feel it. Thanks for being “You” Always honest and keeps it real….
artistKno said on Feb 08, 2011:
The Trashman said on Feb 08, 2011:
jinx8402 said on Feb 08, 2011:
enthusiasm said on Feb 08, 2011:
halfamazing said on Feb 08, 2011:
Bosoxfanpw7 said on Feb 08, 2011:
2 by four said on Feb 08, 2011:
harrym said on Feb 08, 2011:
DjMc1200 said on Feb 08, 2011:
gunnelcr said on Feb 08, 2011:
Dr_Gonzo said on Feb 08, 2011:
KaRaKaKaShK said on Feb 08, 2011:
JLee said on Feb 08, 2011:
TexasUnderground1 said on Feb 08, 2011:
dwilli said on Feb 08, 2011:
houstonz said on Feb 08, 2011:
inexlight said on Feb 08, 2011:
Incaspic said on Feb 08, 2011:
5 Ft. Deep said on Feb 08, 2011:
DuhraL said on Feb 08, 2011:
del preston said on Feb 08, 2011:
priestlightning said on Feb 08, 2011:
gametheory91 said on Feb 08, 2011:
artistKno said on Feb 08, 2011:
TimmWith2Ms said on Feb 08, 2011:
Nitroxide said on Feb 08, 2011:
JTX said on Feb 08, 2011:
Osiris said on Feb 08, 2011:
amplifya said on Feb 08, 2011:
thugged0utcubscout said on Feb 09, 2011:
dougone79 said on Feb 09, 2011: