Steve Knight, the dynamic frontman of the American band Flipsyde, has once again shaken up the global music scene with his latest release, Most High, a reggae-infused anthem that dropped on August 22, 2024. This time, Knight has pushed musical and cultural boundaries, teaming up with Indian hip-hop powerhouse and MTV Hustle judge Dee MC, along with Smokey The Ghost, to craft a track that radiates themes of self-love, unity, and empowerment.
Inspired by the spirit of Bob Marley, Most High is a fusion of reggae’s laid-back rhythms with hip-hop’s sharp lyricism, making it a truly unique blend of global influences. Knight expressed his excitement about the cross-cultural collaboration, calling it a meeting of minds and music, while Dee MC described the project as a dream realized, hinting at even more collaborations on the horizon.
In this exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, Steve Knight reflects on the inspiration behind Most High, the powerful message of unity, and the creative process of merging diverse musical styles. He also opens up about how his journey as an artist has evolved and what cross-cultural collaborations like this mean for the future of music.
Here are the excerpts:
Q: What inspired you to collaborate with Indian hip-hop artists Dee MC and Smokey The Ghost on the new single “Most High”? How did this partnership come about?
Steve Knight: Smokey and I actually connected almost a decade ago when he reached out to me and Flipsyde. He wanted to connect and explore potential collaborations. We kept in touch over the years, and earlier this year, I came back to India to perform at a festival. It was in Bangalore, Smokey’s hometown, where we finally met up in person. After we rocked the show, Smokey said, “You have to meet Dee.” I was already a fan of hers, so I was excited about the possibility of working together.
I sent Dee a few tracks, and she immediately gravitated toward “Most High.” That’s the song that resonated with her the most, and we just went with it. It felt like a natural fit. There’s something about the track’s vibe that clicked for all of us.
Q: The song has a reggae influence, and you’ve mentioned Bob Marley as an inspiration. Can you share more about how his music influenced “Most High”?
Steve Knight: I grew up listening to Bob Marley’s music, but my appreciation for reggae truly deepened when I moved to Hawaii while serving in the Coast Guard. The island vibes, the aloha spirit, and the local culture really shaped my philosophy on music. It’s about more than just creating sounds; it’s about using music as a tool to bring people together, promote unity, and spread love.
Bob Marley made it cool to embrace your faith and use it for the highest good of all. He taught the world that music could be a force for positive change. That’s what we aimed to channel through “Most High”—a message of self-love, spirituality, and unity. His influence is apparent in the song’s reggae undercurrent, which brings a sense of soulfulness and hope that we wanted to convey.
Q: How was the experience working with Dee MC and Smokey The Ghost, especially since they come from different cultural and musical backgrounds? Did you face any creative challenges?
Steve Knight: I absolutely love cross-cultural collaborations! Music is truly a universal language, and when you cross over and blend different styles, it just makes sense. It’s like we’re all speaking different dialects of the same language, and when we come together, it creates something new and beautiful.
There weren’t any creative challenges per se; it was more of an opportunity to learn from each other. I’ve always approached collaborations with an open mind. Working with Dee and Smokey allowed us to bring our individual styles to the table while celebrating our unique cultural perspectives. It wasn’t about trying to force anything; the music just flowed naturally, which made the whole process smooth and enjoyable.
Q: Dee MC described this collaboration as a “dream come true.” How does it feel to know your work is so highly regarded by artists from other genres and countries?
Steve Knight: It’s incredibly humbling. To know that Flipsyde’s music had an impact on Dee while she was growing up is both amazing and inspiring. It’s one of those moments where you realize that your work has reached places you may never have imagined. I think it’s exciting to collaborate with artists who were somehow influenced by your music in the past. It feels like things have come full circle.
Dee brings so much energy and talent to everything she does. She’s not just a rapper; she’s a true artist with a message. Collaborating with her and Smokey was a reminder of how music can build bridges across borders and genres.
Q: The theme of “Most High” revolves around self-love and unity. Why did you choose this theme, and what message do you hope listeners will take away from the song?
Steve Knight: Honestly, sometimes songs just seem to write themselves. I was in the studio with my friend JR Holliday, and “Most High” just channeled through us. It was one of those magical moments where everything just clicked, and we knew we had something special. The theme of self-love and unity wasn’t something we planned—it just emerged naturally.
I hope that listeners will feel a sense of empowerment when they hear the song. We’re living in challenging times, and I think it’s more important than ever to remind ourselves that we are worthy of love and capable of bringing positive change to the world. If “Most High” can inspire even one person to embrace self-love and spread kindness, then we’ve achieved our goal.
Q: How do you think reggae music, which has roots in unity and love, connects with modern hip-hop in terms of delivering powerful social messages?
Steve Knight: Reggae and hip-hop share a lot of similarities when it comes to addressing social issues and promoting unity. Reggae has always been about love, peace, and consciousness, while hip-hop, at its core, is about giving a voice to the voiceless and challenging the status quo. When you combine the two, you create a potent mix that has the ability to reach people on multiple levels.
“Most High” is different for me because I haven’t done too many reggae-influenced records before, but it felt natural to blend the reggae vibe with modern hip-hop. It adds depth to the message and allows us to reach a broader audience while staying true to our intentions.
Q: What was it like blending the reggae vibe with Indian hip-hop for this track? Did the cultural diversity of the collaboration enhance the creative process in any way?
Steve Knight: During my time with Flipsyde, we were always blending different styles, so working on “Most High” was a pretty natural process for me. The cultural diversity added a rich layer to the song that you can’t replicate otherwise. Dee and Smokey bring a different cultural background and musical style that adds a distinct flavor to the track.
The experience wasn’t just about mixing genres; it was about merging different worldviews and life experiences into one song. The more perspectives you can include in a project, the more relatable and impactful the final product becomes. The diversity brought an authenticity to the track that makes it stand out.
Q: You’ve worked with various artists across different genres. How do you approach collaborations with artists from different cultural backgrounds, like Dee MC and Smokey The Ghost?
Steve Knight: I’ve always been a fan of cross-cultural collaborations. The older I get, the more I realize how true it is that music is the universal language. When you blend different styles, it doesn’t just create something fresh and exciting—it also fosters understanding. That’s been a recurring goal in my career: to use music as a bridge to connect people from different cultures.
When collaborating, I focus on listening and understanding the other artist’s perspective. I want to know where they’re coming from and what their influences are, and then find a way to incorporate those elements into the music. It’s all about celebrating our unique vibes while coming together under the shared love for music.
Q: Dee MC hinted at potential future projects. Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming collaborations with her or Smokey The Ghost?
Steve Knight: Working with Dee and Smokey was such a fulfilling experience that we definitely want to continue. We’re always sharing ideas and exploring new directions, so there’s definitely more music on the horizon. I don’t want to give too much away, but we’re considering doing a few more tracks together and potentially a tour. The creative chemistry was there from the start, and I think it’s only going to grow stronger with time.
Q: With the success of “Most High,” do you foresee more cross-cultural collaborations in your future music? What other musical styles or regions are you excited to explore?
Steve Knight: Absolutely. I’ve always been open to collaborating with artists from different cultures, and I plan to continue that in the future. There’s something magical about merging different musical styles and finding common ground in the creative process. Whether it’s working with artists from Africa, South America, or Europe, I’m excited to explore different sounds and see where the journey takes me.
Q: Looking back at your career with Flipsyde and now collaborating with new artists, how do you think your music has evolved over the years?
Steve Knight: When Flipsyde first came onto the scene, we had fast success, and I was young. I’ll admit, it went to my head, and I fell into some dark places, struggling with addiction. In 2012, I finally got sober and found solace in a small church where I led praise and worship songs. That experience taught me that music wasn’t about ego—it was about being of service. It helped me reconnect with my faith and use music as a form of healing, both for myself and for others.
Since then, my music has evolved to reflect that mindset. I’m more intentional about the themes I explore and the messages I convey. Now, I’m focused on creating music that uplifts, inspires, and brings people together. I’ve come to realize that music is medicine—it saved my life, and I want to use it to help others in any way I can.
Q: How important is it for you to incorporate themes of self-love, unity, and positivity in your music, especially in today’s global climate?
Steve Knight: It’s incredibly important to me. Since the beginning, Flipsyde’s mission has been to uplift, unite, and empower people through music. It’s something I carry with me in everything I do. The world today is facing many polarizing issues, and music has the power to bridge those divides. When you’re singing about self-love, unity, or positivity, it isn’t just about the lyrics; it’s about setting an intention for yourself and the listener.
I admit, it’s easier said than done. There are times when I struggle to live up to those ideals in my own life, but writing and performing songs with these themes helps me refocus. It’s a way to remind myself and others that we’re all striving toward a better version of ourselves. Even if we fail sometimes, the pursuit of those goals is what matters. Every time I perform, I try to stamp that vision on my spirit, to connect with the audience, and reinforce the message.
Q: With “Most High” being your first significant foray into reggae influences, can you reflect on how this genre aligns with your vision for music and your message of unity?
Steve Knight: Reggae has always been about more than just the music. It’s about spirituality, social justice, and being a voice for the marginalized. When I was stationed in Hawaii, reggae became part of my everyday life. There, it wasn’t just a genre; it was a way of life. The aloha spirit in Hawaii and the ethos of reggae really shaped my philosophy. I started seeing music not just as a form of entertainment but as a tool to bring people together and inspire positive change.
With “Most High,” it felt natural to use reggae as a foundation for the song. The genre has a spirit of resilience and love that resonated with the message we were trying to convey. I wanted the song to feel like a breath of fresh air, a moment where you can let go of your worries and feel connected to something bigger than yourself.
Q: How has your past with Flipsyde, as well as your personal journey through struggles with addiction and faith, shaped your current approach to music?
Steve Knight: My experiences with Flipsyde and my personal struggles have definitely shaped who I am as an artist. In the early days, we had a lot of quick success, and I wasn’t ready for it. The pressure, combined with my youth and immaturity, led me down a path of addiction. At my lowest point, I was struggling with heroin, and it felt like there was no way out.
Getting sober in 2012 was a turning point. I found myself leading praise and worship songs at a small church, and it was there that I learned what it means to be in service to music. The experience taught me humility and helped me reconnect with my faith. Music became more than just a career; it was a form of healing and a way to give back.
Today, my approach to music is more intentional. I focus on themes that inspire hope, encourage unity, and promote healing because those are the things that saved me. I try to channel that energy into every project I’m involved with, whether it’s a solo effort or a collaboration.
Q: You mentioned that “Most High” was a magical moment in the studio, where the song just came together naturally. Do you find that your most meaningful songs often come from these spontaneous sessions, or do you have a more structured songwriting process?
Steve Knight: It’s definitely a mix of both, but there’s something special about the songs that just seem to write themselves. When you’re in the studio and everything clicks, it feels like the music is coming through you rather than from you. Those moments are rare, but they’re incredibly powerful. “Most High” was one of those moments. We were just vibing in the studio, and the song came together effortlessly. It was as if we were channeling something greater than ourselves.
On the other hand, I also believe in the value of a more structured songwriting process. There are times when you need to sit down, work through ideas, and refine them. It’s like sculpting—you start with a raw piece of material and slowly shape it into something meaningful. Both approaches have their place, but the spontaneous sessions often yield the most authentic and impactful results.
Q: How did your time in Hawaii influence your overall music philosophy and approach to songwriting?
Steve Knight: Living in Hawaii was transformative for me. The aloha spirit is all about kindness, humility, and respect for others, and that mindset permeates everything, including music. Reggae is incredibly popular in Hawaii, and being surrounded by it daily helped me understand the deeper messages embedded in the genre—messages about love, unity, and standing up for what’s right.
My time in Hawaii shifted my focus as a songwriter. I started thinking more about how music could be used as a tool to make the world a better place, even if just in small ways. I wanted my songs to reflect the values I learned there and to be a force for good in the world. The influence of that time in my life is still evident in my music today, especially in tracks like “Most High.”
Q: You’ve talked about music being a form of medicine for you. How do you hope your music serves as a healing tool for others?
Steve Knight: Music has an incredible power to heal, and I’ve experienced that firsthand. When I was going through addiction and darkness, music was one of the few things that gave me hope. It allowed me to express what I was feeling and provided a kind of therapy that no other medium could. It was a way to process pain and transform it into something beautiful.
I hope my music can do the same for others. Whether someone is struggling with addiction, feeling lost, or just having a bad day, I want my songs to be a source of comfort and inspiration. It’s about giving people a moment of peace, a sense of connection, or a spark of motivation to keep pushing forward. If my music can help even one person feel understood and uplifted, then I feel like I’ve succeeded.
Q: How do you balance the different influences in your music while staying true to your roots?
Steve Knight: I think it’s about understanding that your roots don’t limit you—they give you a foundation from which you can explore. I grew up with hip-hop, but I was also exposed to rock, reggae, and other genres. Flipsyde’s music always reflected a blend of influences, so it felt natural for me to continue that approach in my solo work.
The key is to stay authentic. If you’re honest with yourself and your experiences, then blending different genres or collaborating across cultures doesn’t feel forced. It becomes a natural extension of who you are. At the end of the day, it’s about making music that resonates with you first, because if you’re true to yourself, the audience will connect with it too.
Q: Are there any other genres or collaborations you’re particularly excited to explore in the future?
Steve Knight: Absolutely. I’m always open to new sounds and experiences. I’ve been fascinated by African rhythms lately, and I’d love to collaborate with some artists from that region. There’s a lot of energy and soul in Afrobeat that I think would blend well with what I’m doing. I’m also curious about exploring Latin music, especially with the growing popularity of reggaeton.
It’s not just about the music styles, though—it’s about the stories and cultures behind them. Every genre has its roots, its history, and its own way of expressing the human experience. I’m eager to learn and grow through these collaborations, and hopefully, create music that transcends borders.
Q: With the success of “Most High,” how do you measure success in your music career today compared to when you started with Flipsyde?
Steve Knight: When I first started with Flipsyde, success was all about numbers—album sales, chart positions, awards. I was young, and like many young artists, I equated success with fame and recognition. But after going through what I did with addiction and recovery, my perspective changed drastically.
Now, success is about impact. It’s about the messages I’m putting out and the connections I’m making with people through my music. It’s about knowing that a song I wrote might help someone feel less alone, or inspire them to make a positive change in their life. That’s what matters to me now. Of course, I still want to reach as many people as possible, but the intention behind it is different. It’s not about me anymore; it’s about being of service.
Q: What’s next for you? Any new projects or tours in the pipeline?
Steve Knight: There’s definitely more music on the way. I’ve been working on a few new tracks and some exciting collaborations, and I’m hoping to release them soon. I’d also love to get back on the road for a tour, especially with Dee MC and Smokey The Ghost. We’ve talked about the possibility of doing a cross-cultural tour that would take us to different parts of the world. I think it would be an amazing way to bring our music to new audiences and continue building bridges through our art.
Apart from that, I’m focused on continuing my journey of personal growth and letting that reflect in my music. I’m excited to see where the road takes me next, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to keep doing what I love.
Read More: Steve Knight Reflects On Reggae And Hip-Hop Fusion In Most High: ‘Music Can Bridge Cultural
