Knock U Out
Encyclopedia
"Knock U Out" is the second single
from Joel Turner and the Modern Day Poets
' self-titled album Joel Turner and the Modern Day Poets
. It features a guest appearance by boxer
Anthony Mundine
.
The song incorporates elements from the 1982 Survivor
hit "Eye of the Tiger
" in keeping with a boxing theme. The chorus and first verse are performed by DubLT, the second verse by Mundine, and the third by C4. Beatboxer Turner provides the beat and also replicates the "Eye of the Tiger" riff using both his voice and guitar. Survivor co-founder and “Eye of the Tiger” co-writer Jim Peterik
described the adaptation as “one of the very few versions that i approve. It has the spirit intact.”
The lyrical basis of the song is the Modern Day Poets' portrayal as a musical force to be reckoned with, while Mundine’s verse is a shot at his critics and a vow to regain the WBA Super Middleweight title he had previously lost. The music video, filmed at a boxing gym in Melbourne
, features the group performing the track in a boxing ring with several female dancers in the background. Other scenes show Turner training with Mundine, with some exterior shots also included.
Mundine’s involvement in the song transpired after he competed with Turner’s manager Mark Holden
at a celebrity Grand Prix race in early 2004. Holden played the boxer a demo of the young artists and asked if he would be interested in recording with them. After Mundine agreed, the group was immediately required to write a song that would be suitable for him to rap on.
"Knock U Out" was released on January 24, 2005, reaching #14 on the ARIA
singles charts and #1 on the independent charts.
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
from Joel Turner and the Modern Day Poets
Joel Turner (musician)
Joel Turner is an Australian beatboxer, singer, songwriter, instrumentalist and record producer best known for the Australian hit song "These Kids". As a beatboxer, he is recognised for his raw power, deep bass, and trademark sounds such as his "third voice", cowbell, teeth beats and bass guitar...
' self-titled album Joel Turner and the Modern Day Poets
Joel Turner and the Modern Day Poets (album)
Joel Turner and the Modern Day Poets is a collaborative studio album from Joel Turner and the Modern Day Poets. It was released on 1 November 2004, peaking at #28 on the ARIA albums chart and #2 on the AIR independent charts, additionally achieving platinum status.The album consists of twelve full...
. It features a guest appearance by boxer
Boxing
Boxing, also called pugilism, is a combat sport in which two people fight each other using their fists. Boxing is supervised by a referee over a series of between one to three minute intervals called rounds...
Anthony Mundine
Anthony Mundine
Anthony Mundine is an Australian professional boxer and former rugby league footballer.He is the current interim WBA Light Middleweight Champion boxer, former two-time WBA Super Middleweight Champion, former IBO Middleweight Champion and New South Wales State of Origin representative footballer....
.
The song incorporates elements from the 1982 Survivor
Survivor (band)
Survivor is an American rock band formed in Chicago in 1978. The band achieved its greatest success in the 1980s with its AOR sound, which garnered many charting singles, especially in the United States. The band is best known for its double platinum-certified 1982 hit "Eye of the Tiger", the theme...
hit "Eye of the Tiger
Eye of the Tiger
"Eye of the Tiger" is a single by American rock band Survivor, from their third album Eye of the Tiger. It was released as a single on May 29, 1982, the same year as the album. It was written at the request of actor Sylvester Stallone, who was unable to get permission for Queen's "Another One Bites...
" in keeping with a boxing theme. The chorus and first verse are performed by DubLT, the second verse by Mundine, and the third by C4. Beatboxer Turner provides the beat and also replicates the "Eye of the Tiger" riff using both his voice and guitar. Survivor co-founder and “Eye of the Tiger” co-writer Jim Peterik
Jim Peterik
Jim Peterik is an American musician and songwriter. He is best known as a member of the band Survivor and as vocalist and songwriter of the hit song "Vehicle" by The Ides of March...
described the adaptation as “one of the very few versions that i approve. It has the spirit intact.”
The lyrical basis of the song is the Modern Day Poets' portrayal as a musical force to be reckoned with, while Mundine’s verse is a shot at his critics and a vow to regain the WBA Super Middleweight title he had previously lost. The music video, filmed at a boxing gym in Melbourne
Melbourne
Melbourne is the capital and most populous city in the state of Victoria, and the second most populous city in Australia. The Melbourne City Centre is the hub of the greater metropolitan area and the Census statistical division—of which "Melbourne" is the common name. As of June 2009, the greater...
, features the group performing the track in a boxing ring with several female dancers in the background. Other scenes show Turner training with Mundine, with some exterior shots also included.
Mundine’s involvement in the song transpired after he competed with Turner’s manager Mark Holden
Mark Holden
Mark Holden is an Australian singer, television personality and barrister. He was one of a panel of three judges on the television series Australian Idol.-Acting career:...
at a celebrity Grand Prix race in early 2004. Holden played the boxer a demo of the young artists and asked if he would be interested in recording with them. After Mundine agreed, the group was immediately required to write a song that would be suitable for him to rap on.
"Knock U Out" was released on January 24, 2005, reaching #14 on the ARIA
Australian Recording Industry Association
The Australian Recording Industry Association is a trade group representing the Australian recording industry which was established in 1983 by six major record companies, EMI, Festival, CBS, RCA, WEA and Universal replacing the Association of Australian Record Manufacturers which was formed in 1956...
singles charts and #1 on the independent charts.
Track listing
- "Knock U Out"
Writers: T. Turner, J. Turner, C. Turner, J. Peterik, F. Sullivan III
Producers: Joel Turner, Craig Porteils - "The Beatbox Symphony"
Writers: J. Turner, K. Burtland, J. MacAvoy
Producer: Joel Turner - "These Kids" (Video)