Origin A.K.I.R. (ALWAYSKEEPITREAL.COM)
We all in some way are a product of programming (Clear Channel, Emmis, Viacom, Universal, etc.) but, it seems these major outlets have overlooked one of the best contemporary hip-hop artist/producers in our current midst. So, maybe you have never heard of the artist “AKIR” but, you probably share a similar perspective concerning life (Always Keep It Real). He has consistently, maintained the quality and, perseverance that has catapulted most celebrities to stardom but, maybe his commitment to justice, sincerity, integrity and, most important change; has pigeon held him from becoming widely known. Well now that you know and furthermore once you hear his ability to transform your life into beautiful music he will become one of yours and eventually the masses favorites.
Early Career
Akir first entered the hip-hop scene as an on-air personality with
WNMH 97.9 (Mass.) from 1994 to 1996. In 1998, he ranked 2nd out of 50 in Howard University's Verbal Armageddon, MC competition. Akir sought to improve his musical talent and began to focus on production. Collaborating with famed producer Southpaw, he co-produced for Immortal Technique's debut album Revolutionary Vol. 1 and began recording his mixtape album Street Edition 1&2 at famed “Daddy’s House” (Diddys recording studio). Spending the next couple of years traveling to every major inner city performing and hitting every available retail center selling his cd hand to hand, Viper Records expressed interest and agreed to release Akir's debut solo album, Legacy.
Accolades
Akir received
Source Magazines "Unsigned Hype" award in the Jan-Feb 2005 issue[1] and "Off The Radar" spotlight in the April 2006 issue.[2] Other notable publicity has been receiving XXL Magazine's "Chairman’s Choice" in the October 2005 issue[3] and "Show and Prove" spotlight in the June 2006 issue.[4] Akir has also, appeared as a model for Mecca 5star apparel, appearing in ad campaigns in magazines and billboards.[5] He was also, sponsored by Ecko/ Avirex as shown in his widely exposed video “Treason Ft. Immortal Technique.
Touring
With at least 6 international tours (Holland, England, Columbia, Venezuela, Morocco, Canada, etc.) , 10 domestic including: (Rock The Bells,
Vans Warped Tour, Coachella) He has performed with acts such as:
Nas, Kool G Rap, Mos Def, Rakim Styles P, KRS-One, Wu-Tang, The Game, Talib Kweli, Saigon, Dead Prez, Little Brother, Jean Grae, Masta Ace, Wordsworth, Vast Aire, Brother Ali Redman and, Fort Minor.
Outreach
Additionally, Akir has had involvement with the
Flocabulary project collaborating w/ 9th Wonder on a track to transform Romeo and Juliet into a hip hop song for school curriculums. He was also referenced in one of their text called "The Rappers Handbook".
In 2008 he was made the head of artist relations at the
Hip Hop Caucus during the "Respect My Vote" '08 campaign which featured such Celebes as: DJ Green Lantern, TI, The Simmons sisters, Maino, Dawn (Danity Kane), Pharoah Monche, Amanda Amann, etc .
He is currently working with at risk youth teaching writing, production and, recording with a non-profit organization called "Art Start". Working in their studio previously donated by
Bruce Willis, Russell Simmons and, Queen Latifah he has been honing his production skills.
Currently
AKIR is also a member of a new production/writing team called "The Boiler Room" and
part of a massive hip-hop activist collective called
Rebel Army (AKA Rebel Armz) Members Include: Immortal Technique, Chino XL, Poison Pen, Diabolic, Swave Sevah, Demics, The Circle (Slim & Fats), Hasan Salaam, CF, DJ Static and, DJ GI Joe. He is part of a super-group called “The Reavers” who released an album entitled “Terra Firma” and are currently in production for a new album. He has a new mixtape entitled "The Secret" by DJ Static and Statik Selektah (Fall 09) followed by his highly awaited next full LP entitled "The Plan" Featuring production by himself with up and coming producers Ty Steez and Castro. With all this he has managed to build up quite a resume and respect amongst his peers. The necessity for real content and original music is now. AKIR is a sure fire way to meet that expectation. For more information and updates on AKIR check his new blog site:
ALWAYSKEEPITREAL.COM
One Love…One Music…One Movement…
