For Roger Lee Knapp, music has been a constant. From his early days in the Hillcrest School band to writing and producing hip-hop tracks, his journey has been shaped by both passion and perseverance.
Knapp’s introduction to music came in sixth grade when he picked up the trumpet. He played through high school, even spending time in marching band. But while traditional music gave him a foundation, hip-hop was always where his heart was.
“I always wanted to be a hip-hop artist,” Knapp says. “But it wasn’t until I was 38 that I finally released my first album, Behind Hells Gates – Like A Dead Bitch I Hate, in 2019.”
Since then, he has written and produced over 160 tracks, telling stories through his music about life experiences, struggles, and personal growth. His lyrics are direct and reflect his reality.
Born in Springfield and raised in Lebanon, Missouri, Knapp navigated changes early on, especially after his parents’ divorce when he was 15. Splitting time between Lebanon and Union, he found solace in music.
The music industry, however, came with hard lessons. Early on, he unknowingly invested in fake promotional services, leading to bans from distribution platforms like Amuse and United Masters. “I learned the hard way,” he admits. “I had to start over and do things the right way.”
Now, he takes a more independent approach. His latest project, All The Odds and Chances – We Will Not Give In To Their Gay Advances – White Devil – Humble Kodak Black X Dababy X Future Type Beat By The Hitmakerz, reflects his storytelling style, blending humor and raw narratives.
Performing hasn’t always been easy. Knapp deals with stage anxiety, sometimes shaking before shows. His way of handling it? Deep breaths and, occasionally, THC vape to relax.
Looking ahead, he’s interested in experimenting with rock music and learning guitar. Still, hip-hop remains his main focus. “The best advice I got was to never give up on your dreams,” Knapp says. “I’ve had setbacks, but I’m still here, still making music.”
Roger Lee Knapp isn’t looking for shortcuts. He’s building his legacy, one track at a time.
