C-Knight, Dove Shack’s Rapper, Died at 52

Arnez Blount, better known as C-Knight from the influential G-funk group Dove Shack, passed away Tuesday, November 7, 2023, after complications from a stroke that was linked to his long-standing battle with diabetes. He was 52 years old.

A prominent figure in the hip-hop community, C-Knight hailed from Long Beach, California. He gained fame with Dove Shack, a group central to the G-funk movement in the 1990s. Their single “Summertime in the LBC” from their debut album “This Is the Shack,” released in 1995, remains a classic.

Blount experienced a stroke on October 18, 2023. The stroke led to cardiac arrest, and he was subsequently placed on life support. After careful monitoring, the decision was made to discontinue life support.

Dove Shack was a key player in the West Coast hip-hop scene, with their debut album reaching the Billboard 200 chart. Their collaboration with Warren G on “Regulate… G Funk Era” solidified their influence in the genre.

C-Knight’s artistic journey included a solo album, “Knight Time,” released in 2001. This project highlighted his artistic range and commitment to hip-hop.

Together with Bo-Roc and 2Scoops, C-Knight created a sound that was both unique and defining for the G-funk era, influencing many artists who followed.

The impact of C-Knight and Dove Shack is evident in their enduring popularity, particularly with their summer anthem “Summertime in the LBC.”

Following Blount’s death, there has been a significant increase in the streaming of Dove Shack’s music, as fans and musicians pay homage to the late rapper.