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AKIR



Myspace

BTS: I noticed you're reppin' New York and D.C., the political setting of D.C. has obviously influenced your lyrical standpoint. Please explain your style to the people that haven't heard you before.
Akir: Its very hard for me to sum up my style. I would say that the majority of my music is focused on freedom. Not only in the social aspect but, spiritually, financially, etc. Good music is good music and at the end of the day I want to make stuff for my people to enjoy.

BTS: Your song "Presidential Gangster" seems to break down the theory behind gangsterism and how governments do it on the biggest level. How did that song come about and how has the public reaction to it been?
Akir: The public has been really receptive to the song. I did not expect the reaction that it actually has recieved. The song was actually produced by: Illastrate (who did Ressurect on "Legacy). We often have sessions and he asked me to guest appear on it. I have been listening to Aarophat for a minute so I was definately honored to be apart of it, especially due to the content. Right before that song I had noticed the marketing strategy of the US Armed Forces and how it targets young Black and Latino people so it was a natural fit.

BTS: So how did you first get involved in music?
Akir: Well, music has been involved with my progress from the beginning. Hip-hop in particular was something I grew up in. In terms of rhyming I didn't get in to that until I was about 15-16 years old. From there its been something I couldn't get away from.

BTS: You're currently on tour with Redman, how has it been performing and touring with a live person like him?
Akir: It was incredible. I was in awe half the time at his professionalism. To be that hype for that long consistently for years is amazing. It definately was something I learned from incredibly. Performing with someone of that caliber makes you understand the true meaning of being an opening act. You have really got to be on your job to prepare the audience for Red to get busy.

BTS: Which city was the wildest to perform in?
Akir: I would say the livest audience was tied between Boulder, Colorado and this small town called Bellingham, Washington. (Big cities get your wieght up, lol). I guess larger places have so many oppourtunities to see shows and options for entertainment you damn near have to light yourself on fire to get a response. Where as in the smaller places they are more eager to interact in the performance because its the main event of that week or weekend. It makes for a much more high energy show when the crowd is into it.

BTS: Which MC or MCs would you say had the most influence over your sound.
Akir: ME, lmao. Well I am a fan first and foremost so cats like Kool G Rap, AZ, Big Pun, Slick Rick, and of course Rakim always have been my favorites.

BTS: What are your plans as far as your music career and where do you see it going?
Akir: Well, independence has always been important to me. I would like to do alot more production for cats that I respect. In terms of me as an emcee, I really would like to continue making albums that are timeless so, that when I leave this earth people still reflect on the gifts I left behind. As an entrepeneur, I would like to earn enough capital to effectively function as philanthropist to help other young business people fullfill there dreams. As a revolutionary, I would like to create a functional chain that endlessly reinvest in our people and communities financially and educationally. (In case you think I ran of on a tangent, lol all of the goals listed stem from a successful music career.)

BTS: The media seems to really have been noticing you lately. You've been seen in The Source, XXL, Vibe, and you are currently in Mecca ads. Does it feel like your momentum is gaining?
Akir: Yes, I am very happy about that. One thing I have learned by observing and actually experiencing is that consistency will lead to your goals. Many people give up because they seem to be makin slow progress but, even in interacting in circles for a period of time the movers and shakers are forced to recognize. The reason that you turn on the radio and can't believe the music that slides through sometime is because these teams have perseverance, tenacity, and consistency. Do remember that although this is something I love to do, this is also a business and many of the artist, producers, movie stars, etc. have not only teams but, executed plans that enforce a certain amount of exposure. I feel like my family makes dope music for the people, as the people, and should have the proper access to the people. Until that is given and /or offered out of respect we are going to get through by any means nessecary. This is the APOCALYPSE!!!!!

BTS: I read in The Source that your brother has served in Iraq. Is there ever a conflict of opinion between yourself and your brother about the war? Your situation is shared by a lot of people nowadays that have a loved one in the military.
Akir: Yes, my crew brother has been to Iraq and another was also in the Middle East as a security contractor. The one who served in the Marines I haven't seen much. I am very proud of his accomplishments and successes since he has been back. We haven't had time to really speak on our views. The time we have shared has mostly been dedicated to catching up for lost time. I'm confident we will one day but, as for now my main concern is that he is home safe and for him to understand that we are happy he is with us and his family. I have spoken with my other homie before and after. He asked my opinion before he left concerning what he was there to do. I have no gripes with the security contractors and military staff who were responding to the honor of protecting there commrades, serving for there country, and tryna provide for their families (obviously, in anything you have devils so, know I am not proud of motherfuckers who tochure prisoners and intentionally kill women and children). I am more upset and concerned with the government and the powers that be, who continue to disregard life in there quest of maintaining and amassing power/influence. My homeboy was able to return home safetly and purchase a home, I am very proud of him as well.

BTS: What's the first thing you're gonna do once you're finished touring?
Akir: I'm finished now. I have to concentrate on my family and participate in the revolutinary stances I have been screaming on the mic for years. First things first!!!!!

BTS: How can everyone get a hold of the latest Akir releases?
Akir:
www.viperrecords.com
www.itunes.com
www.myspace.com/akir





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