Darren Mcknight
Butta No Margarine | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Darren McKnight |
| Born | February 10, 1995 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Origin | Austin, Texas, U.S. |
| Genres | Hip hop, trap |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper, songwriter, app developer |
| Years active | 2020–present |
| Labels | Independent |
Darren McKnight (born February 10, 1995), known professionally as Butta No Margarine, is an American hip hop artist, songwriter, and app developer. He is recognized for fusing futuristic trap production with Southern rap influences. Since his debut project Egyptian (2021) and the Under the Code EP (2022), McKnight has gained attention through singles such as "Teleport", "Gun Smoke Willie", and "In That World".[1][2][3]
Early life and education
McKnight was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. Growing up in a city known for its rich musical traditions, he was exposed to both Southern rap and jazz culture. His early environment shaped his interest in experimenting with sound and storytelling. Later, he relocated to Austin, Texas, where he developed his career as an independent recording artist.
Career
Early releases
McKnight began releasing music independently in the early 2020s, developing a sound that merged heavy trap production with futuristic and cosmic themes. His debut project, Egyptian, arrived in 2021[1] and was followed by the Under the Code extended play in 2022.[2] Both projects showcased his lyrical style and visual storytelling approach.
Through 2022 and 2023, McKnight gained attention with singles including "Teleport", "Gun Smoke Willie", and "In That World".[3] These tracks combined Southern grit with an experimental production style and helped him build a growing fan base.
Astro Butta era
In 2025, McKnight prepared the release of his mixtape Astro Butta, scheduled for August 19, 2025.[4] Preceded by the single and video "Spacewalk App",[5] the project introduced a conceptual world of cosmic and futuristic themes. The mixtape includes tracks such as "Kuttin Up", "Teleport", "Gun Smoke Willie", "Boop", and "Get Back". The video for "Spacewalk App," released August 10, 2025, was designed as a cinematic introduction to the project. [6]
App innovation
Alongside his music releases, McKnight launched the Spacewalk App, an interactive platform linked to the rollout of Astro Butta. The application merges streaming with immersive visuals, positioning his brand at the intersection of technology and music.[6] This innovation reflects his emphasis on creative digital branding and interactive experiences.
Personal life
McKnight is based in Austin, Texas. Despite his growing career, he maintains an independent approach, controlling both the creative and business aspects of his work. He has cited his New Orleans roots as a lasting influence on his style and themes.
Discography
Albums and mixtapes
Selected singles
- "Teleport"[citation needed]
- "Gun Smoke Willie"[citation needed]
- "In That World"[3]
- "Boop"[3]
- "Get Back"[3]
- "Kuttin Up"[6]
- "Spacewalk App"[5]
- "Margiela Step"[citation needed]
- "American Bag Day"[citation needed]
- "Counting Blessings"[citation needed]
Awards and recognition
McKnight’s work has been highlighted by music media outlets, including Daily Music Roll[6] and IssueWire.[7] His songs have been distributed on digital platforms such as Apple Music,[4] Spotify,[1] Amazon Music,[citation needed] and Qobuz,[citation needed] contributing to his visibility as an independent artist. His creative approach, particularly the Spacewalk App, has been noted as an example of independent innovation in music distribution.[6]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Egyptian – Butta No Margarine". Spotify. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Under the Code – EP". Apple Music. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "Butta No Margarine songs". Shazam. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Astro Butta – Butta No Margarine". Apple Music. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Butta No Margarine – Spacewalk App (Official Video)". YouTube. 10 August 2025. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 "From New Orleans to the Stars: Butta No Margarine Drops Futuristic Visual Mixtape This August". Daily Music Roll. 26 July 2025. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
- ↑ "From New Orleans to the Stars: Butta No Margarine Drops Futuristic Visual Mixtape This August". IssueWire. 29 July 2025. Retrieved 18 September 2025.
