Artist Profile: AKIR (Audio/Video)

[SGV]

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’s struggles that ignited his hunger to develop into the artist “A.K.I.R.” 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’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’s Verbal Armageddon emcee competition, and he guest appeared on DJ Arsonist’s (HeatMakers) first mix tape release. Collaborating with partner SOUTHPAW (formerly Ray Dogz of Daddy’s House Recording Studios) he co-produced “The Getaway” for Immortal Technique’s Revolutionary Vol. 1. AKIR released his first single “Best Friend” on DJ N’finit’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 “One” 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 “One Remix” for Immortal Technique’s Revolutionary Vol. 2 lead to AKIR’s appearance on the Van’s Warped Tour (Summer 2004) followed by the honor of The Source Magazine’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’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’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.

Here's some Audio from AKIR. First, a 60 second track entitled "2005 Exclusive":

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Next up is a track over the Domino Produced, Goapele featured, "Make Your Move" by the Hieroglyphics, which AKIR dubs as "Best Friend":

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Here we have the soulful "Callin'":

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AKIR puts his own spin on this Jus Blaze Produced Mixtape track, called "Kunte Kente":

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This is the original to the "One Remix" that Immortal Technique put on his Revolutionary Vol. 2 album:

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And for you're viewing pleasure, here's the Promotional Video for "One":

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Lastly, here is the Source Unsigned Hype Article which AKIR was featured in:

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Look for more on AKIR here on DubCNN real soon. Enjoy!

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Feedback is welcomed.

[ecrazy]

lol @ all the links to dubcnn, but why are they only clips??

[Throwback]

he was on One Remix right?