Chicago rapper Hardknock is certainly from that school. Born as Deshaun Carpenter, he grew up on the low end in Lawless Gardens. One of five children and raised by a single mother, HardKnock saw a bit of everything growing up. Splitting his time on the East side in the locally known area better known as Pocket Town, and LPC, he witnessed all kinds of violence and drug use. In spite of his rough upbringing, HardKnock still has a deep love for his city and would never trade Chicago for anything. He is looking to show that there is more to Chicago than the nickname “Chiraq” and some shootings. Now staying out of trouble, HardKnock is ready to focus on his music. A lot of his music has been well received and with his affiliation with Boonie Boys and Business Over Pleasure Entertainment, HardKnock is primed to blow. Started out as a rapper thanks to Jay Z, hints his name, and was inspired by other emcees like Jadakiss, Bump J, Cassidy, and Fabolous, who he feels he is most like. HardKnock is a versatile MC more focused on lyricism, though still influenced by the streets. HardKnock, along with being influenced by the streets, is also shaped by not having a father and dealing with his mother’s addictions. With aspirations to provide a home for his grandmother, invest in the city of Chicago, and follow the advice that she gave him to always move higher in life, HardKnock is bound to be a name you recognize.