Arnez Blount, better known as C-Knight from the influential G-funk group Dove Shack, has died. He 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.
C-Knight gained prominence as one-third of the Long Beach, California-based Dove Shack, forming a significant part of the G-funk era in the mid-1990s. The group made its mark with the single “Summertime in the LBC,” which has remained a seasonal anthem since its release. The track stood out on their debut album, “This Is the Shack,” which debuted in 1995.
Blount suffered a stroke on October 18, 2023, during a dialysis treatment for diabetes, an ailment he had been reportedly managing for some time. Following the stroke, he experienced cardiac arrest and was placed on life support. The medical team overseeing his care monitored his brain activity closely before ultimately deciding to remove life support.
Dove Shack’s contribution to hip hop was part of a larger cultural movement, embodying the laid-back, funk-infused sound that dominated the West Coast scene at the time. Their debut effort appeared on the Billboard 200 chart, indicating the reach and impact of their music. The group’s collaboration with Warren G on his album “Regulate… G Funk Era” solidified their place in the genre’s history.
C-Knight’s contributions to music extended beyond Dove Shack. He also embarked on “Knight Time,” a solo project released in 2001, showcasing his versatility and continued passion for the art form.
Throughout his career, C-Knight worked alongside Bo-Roc and 2Scoops, the other two members of Dove Shack, to create music that would define an era and influence future generations of artists. Their unique blend of melodic choruses and rhythmic verses over smooth, funky beats became a trademark that many have sought to emulate.
The legacy of C-Knight and Dove Shack continues to be celebrated through their music, which remains a staple on playlists, particularly in the warmer months when “Summertime in the LBC” finds its seasonal resurgence.
In remembrance of Blount’s contribution to music, fans and fellow musicians are revisiting the catalog of Dove Shack, with streams of their songs surging as a tribute to the late rapper.
