TaReef KnockOut Stands Tall with Defiant, Genre-Bending New Single 'BABYLON'

Tampa-based hip-hop artist TaReef KnockOut returns with a fiery declaration in his latest single, “BABYLON”—a bold, genre-blending track that channels the spirit of defiance, ambition, and homegrown pride. Long known for his lyrical agility and narrative-driven approach, TaReef elevates his artistry here with a message that feels both urgent and deeply personal.

Inspired by Doechii’s Grammy acceptance speech that spotlighted Tampa, “BABYLON” is more than just a track—it’s a mission statement. With a beat that fuses hip-hop's intensity with flourishes of reggae and jazz, the single taps into TaReef’s multifaceted influences while never losing its street-level grit. Over skittering drums and deep, soulful textures, he weaves a tale of frustration, hunger, and belief—spitting bars that call out industry gatekeeping while asserting his place among Florida’s rising elite.

“It felt like she was speaking directly to me,” TaReef says of Doechii’s speech. “Babylon is my response, my statement, and my way of saying: I’m here, and I’m ready.”

The accompanying music video underscores the song’s thematic weight, pairing stark visuals with moments of reflective calm and street-lit defiance. It’s a visual metaphor for the journey TaReef's been on—one paved with consistency, resilience, and a deep-rooted desire to represent his city with integrity.

“BABYLON” is TaReef KnockOut’s most potent offering yet—a track that embodies his journey, honors his roots, and issues a rallying cry to listeners and labels alike: pay attention, because he’s not just knocking—he’s breaking the door down.