AKIR (Source Magazineﾒs Unsigned Hype)
signs contract with ViperRecords to Release the long awaited album, ﾓLegacyﾔ
Maybe it was the first concert he saw (Run DMC and the Fat Boys) or the first album he owned (Public Enemy) that sparked his creative flame for Hip-Hop. But it was the turmoil of his early surroundings and his lifeﾒs struggles that ignited his hunger to develop into the artist ﾓA.K.I.R.ﾔ The acronym and the promise to Always Keep It Real, gave him a name and a prophecy to live by. AKIR took life in Buffalo, NY and grew up throughout New York City, DC, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Atlanta and Maryland. The harsh realities of becoming a black man in todayﾒs world would prove to be a main catalyst.
AKIR first entered the Hip-Hop scene as an on-air personality with WNMH 97.9 (Mass.) in 1994. In 1998, he ranked 2nd out of 50 in Howard Universityﾒs Verbal Armageddon emcee competition, and he guest appeared on DJ Arsonistﾒs (HeatMakers) first mix tape release. Collaborating with partner SOUTHPAW (formerly Ray Dogz of Daddyﾒs House Recording Studios) he co-produced ﾓThe Getawayﾔ for Immortal Techniqueﾒs Revolutionary Vol. 1. AKIR released his first single ﾓBest Friendﾔ on DJ Nﾒfinitﾒs mix CD The Blockbuster Vol. 1 (A One Enterprises Product) followed by the EP Street Edition Vol. 1.
At the end of 2001, the project was added to, re-packaged and, distributed as Street Edition Vol. 1 & 2 helping ﾓOneﾔ sell over 12,000 copies through an extensive street team network. Being recognized as # 9 CMJ Hip Hop Music Charts (June 2004), and the cameo on ﾓOne Remixﾔ for Immortal Techniqueﾒs Revolutionary Vol. 2 lead to AKIRﾒs appearance on the Vanﾒs Warped Tour (Summer 2004) followed by the honor of The Source Magazineﾒs Unsigned Hype (Jan/Feb 2005). Currently, AKIR is working on his first major release, performing, and doing cameos. AKIR has performed with a diverse array of talented and legendary artist including: Kool G Rap, The Game, Masta Ace, Slum Village, Brand Nubian, Brother Ali, Vast Aire and Immortal Technique.
AKIRﾒs strongest influences include: the finesse of Slick Rick, the mellow vibe and consistent originality of Q-Tip, the smooth delivery and GQ style of Big Daddy Kane, the complexity and pietism of Nas, the rapid fire flow and intensity of Kool G Rap, and the lyricism of Rakim. AKIRﾒs vocals are, to say the least, persuasive, melodious, and addictive. His flow is compelling and vividly euphonic with lyrics that are a testament to hip-hop in its purest form.
Look for the new AKIR album coming this year from One Enterprises in a joint venture with Viper Records and executive produced by Immortal Technique.
Look for the new “Politricks” B/W “Treason” feat. Immortal Technique
Peep the
Here’s some Audio from AKIR. First, a 60 second track entitled “2005 Exclusive“:
Next up is the DJ Nfinit Produced “Best Friend“:
Here we have the soulful Southpaw Produced “Callin’“:
AKIR puts his own spin on this Jus Blaze Produced Mixtape track, called “Kunte Kente“:
Southpaw laid the beat for the “One Remix” that Immortal Technique put on his Revolutionary Vol. 2 album, this is the original, Southpaw produced it as well:
And for you’re viewing pleasure, here’s the Promotional Video for “One“:
AKIR – “One” Promotional Video
Lastly, here is the Source Unsigned Hype Article which AKIR was featured in:
AKIR’s Source Unsigned Hype Article
Look for more on AKIR here on DubCNN real soon. Enjoy!
