The Knocks

Initially known for their remixes, the NYC electronic music duo The Knocks filter hip-hop and dance music into their club-ready jams. They’ve collaborated with everyone from Cam’ron to Carly Rae Jepsen. • Ben “B-Roc” Ruttner and James “JPatt” Patterson met as students at the New School. B-Roc was a club DJ, while JPatt played in a church band. Introduced by a mutual friend, they became roommates. • They began making music in their East Village apartment. The group name was inspired by the angry neighbours who would knock on the door. • The Knocks broke through in 2007 with an unofficial remix of JAY-Z's American Gangster album. Titled American G-Funk, it was downloaded 50,000 times in its first week. • In 2008, The Knocks used a loan to open a studio at 55 Chrystie Street—the same Chinatown building Beastie Boys rehearsed and lived in during the ’80s. They found online success two years later with the single “Dancing With the DJ.” • After numerous mixtapes, EPs, and singles, The Knocks released their full-length debut, 55, in 2016. Featuring collaborations with Cam’ron, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Wyclef Jean, among others, the LP reached No. 4 on Billboard’s Top Electronic/Dance Albums chart. • The Knocks appeared on Sofi Tukker’s 2018 gold-certified single “Best Friend,” a No. 5 hit on Billboard’s Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart. • Their 2018 sophomore album, New York Narcotic, features guests like Method Man, Big Boi, and Foster The People.