This April, Paramount+ will debut a new live-action series titled “Knuckles,” a six-part continuation of 2022’s Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Idris Elba will voice the title character alongside a supporting cast that includes Tika Sumpter, Kid Cudi, Cary Elwes, Edi Patterson, Julian Barratt, and Adam Pally.
Today (Feb. 8), fans of the franchise were able to check out the official trailer for “Knuckles,” which cleverly utilized Crime Mob‘s “Knuck If You Buck” throughout. As expected, many on social media were surprised by the clip’s use of the Lil Jay and Doc Jam-produced offering, which also featured Lil Scrappy.
“Whoever made the decision to put ‘Knuck If You Buck‘ in this trailer is the type of people we need more of to properly bridge the gap between Black culture and gaming. That is too perfect,” said Twitter user Jiikae. “Whoever chose to put ‘Knuck If You Buck’ in this trailer deserves a raise. This is the type of n**gatry I love to see,” added Jshenron. Others took note of the fact that the trailer was released during Black History Month.
Released in 2004, “Knuck If You Buck” served as the lead single for Crime Mob’s debut LP. The song had moderate chart success and earned all contributors a platinum plaque. In an interview for REVOLT’s “Studio Sessions,” member Princess provided her thoughts on the song’s legacy.
“‘Knuck If You Buck’ is definitely one of those songs because it’s had a resurgence three or four times now,” she said. “It wasn’t something made off the best equipment with the best Grammy award-winning writers and promotions team. It was authentic. It was six kids coming home from school and rapping what they knew. So, that energy is felt and is able to transcend decades. That’s amazing… Just to see it grow each year is great.”
Check out additional reactions to the “Knuckles” trailer — including one from Hit-Boy — below.