Knero Lapaé facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Knero Lapaé
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Knero performing during the Liberian Independence Celebration in August 2012.
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Daniel Boimah Kenney Lapaé Edwards II |
| Born | May 19, 1985 |
| Origin | Monrovia, Liberia |
| Genres | Hip hop, Afrobeats |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Years active | 2006–present |
| Labels |
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| Associated acts | Jamal Woolard, Amil, Raekwon |
Daniel Boimah Kenney Lapaé Edwards II (born May 19, 1985) is a Liberian musician better known by his stage name, Knero Lapaé. He is a rapper, singer, and songwriter who creates music that blends American Hip hop with African Afrobeats. Besides music, he is also a record producer, author, and professional barber.
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Early Life and Family
Knero Lapaé was born in Monrovia, the capital city of Liberia, a country in West Africa. He later grew up in Brooklyn, New York. His father is from the Gola tribe, and his mother is from the Kpelle tribe of Liberia.
His family has a background in politics and public service. He is the nephew of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who was the 24th president of Liberia. His father, Rev. D. Boimah Lapaé Edwards, was a manager for an American company in Liberia and now leads a non-profit group called The Bomi County Association. Other relatives have served as judges and government officials.
When the Liberian Civil War began, Knero's family was able to leave the country because of his father's work. However, they still lost family and friends during the conflict.
Music Career
Knero Lapaé began his music career in 2006. His music is known for mixing different styles and telling stories.
Performances and Collaborations
Knero has performed at many important events. To celebrate Liberian Independence Day, he performed his song "A.F.R.I.C.A" at the Liberian Embassy in Washington, D.C. He also performed at the Newark Symphony Hall alongside famous artists like MC Lyte, Kool and the Gang, and Slick Rick.
Between 2006 and 2007, he performed at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. He has worked with other musicians, including Jamal "Gravy" Woolard and Amil, a former artist from Roc-A-Fella records. In 2014, he signed a deal with Universal Music Group to release his single "King."
Musical Influences
Growing up, Knero was inspired by a wide range of artists. His influences include hip hop legends like Jay Z, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Rakim. He also listened to musicians from other genres, such as Phil Collins, Sade Adu, Fela Kuti, Tracy Chapman, and Bob Marley.
Other Talents and Projects
Barber Career
In 1995, Knero discovered a passion for being a barber. He saw it as a way to stay out of trouble and master a skill. He traveled and built connections in the hair industry, which also helped his music career.
He has been a personal barber for many famous people. His clients include Raekwon from the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, comedian Kyle Grooms, and professional athletes like linebacker Nakobe Dean and boxer Peter Quillin.
Modeling and Acting
Knero has also worked as a model and actor. In 2012, he modeled for The Toure Designs fashion collection. He walked the runway at the Brooklyn Museum and during the 2015 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
As an actor, Knero appeared in the 2013 movie Living With No Regrets. In 2014, he had a role in a TV series called Red Dot, where he played a character named Fritzoy.
Author
In 2016, Knero Lapaé published a book about his life experiences.
- Homeless With A Record Deal: The Moments Of Luxury (January 2016)
Discography
Singles
| Year | Song | Chart positions | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NO | U.S. Pop | U.S. Rap | |||
| 2011 | "Not ... Rnuff" (featuring Adele Erichsen)
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— | — | — | N/A |
| 2012 | "My Thang" (featuring Gravy, Amil ) | — | — | — | N/A |
| 2013 | "The Vent" (featuring Emmaline) | — | — | — | N/A |
| 2013 | "A Story To Tell Pt 2" | — | — | — | N/A |
| 2013 | "Aint Like Me" | — | — | — | N/A |
| 2013 | "The Wire" | — | — | — | N/A |
| 2013 | "Awaken" (featuring Keynotez) | — | — | — | N/A |
| 2014 | "King" (featuring Rikroot)
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— | — | — | N/A |
| 2015 | "On Ur Mind" (featuring Chaseforever) | — | — | — | N/A |
| 2018 | "That Werk"
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— | — | — | N/A |
| 2019 | "Don't Count"
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— | — | — | N/A |
| 2019 | "Run It"
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— | — | — | N/A |
| 2020 | "SMM" (featuring Dopezulu, JoeyNicz)
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— | — | — | N/A |
| 2020 | "Wolf Land"(featuring Raekwon)
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— | — | — | N/A |
Awards and Nominations
Liberia Music Awards
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Himself | Artist of the Year - USA | Nominated |
| Hip Hop Artist of the Year | Nominated | ||
| 2016 | Hip Hop Artist of the Year | Nominated |
| Frances Mary Albrier |
| Whitney Young |
| Muhammad Ali |