Interview: AKA
We sat down with Michigan’s own AKA, for a few questions on his motivation to rap, who he looks up to and where the game is going.
What brought you into rap?
I’ve been into poetry and music my whole life. I started with freestyling and became real good at that; writing was always easy. Hip-hop made me who I am.
What’s it take to be an emcee from your town?
Same thing it takes everywhere: swag, skill, voice and content. Around here you also gotta be a beast on stage and have soul. Connects and support help too.
Describe your rapping style?
Real soulful with some Detroit swag. I keep it genuine; I’m lyrical but deep and smooth.
Who do you look up to?
Wow. I’m inspired production-wise by the Lab-Techs, J Dilla, Hi-Tek, Ryan Leslie and Black Milk. Rap-wise it would be AML, Subterraneous, Slum Village, Jay-Z, Big Tone, Rakim, Beanie Sigel and the list goes on and on.
How is hip-hop changing? And where is it headed?
Hip-hop is going back to its indie stage. The industry kinda corrupted the culture and is suffering in sales because of that. Getting signed isn’t the goal anymore, which is great. But it also means more people are doing it; there’s more great stuff coming out but more crap as well. Hip-hop is also moving in new directions and blending with other genres and cultures. Go to local shows and [you can] see this. The crowds are mostly white with sometimes emo or punk kids. I love that. Hip-hop is suffering and thriving at the same time. Only the listeners can make the changes happen.
How do you fit in with where hip-hop is going?
I dunno if I do, I just put it out there and do me. I like soulful, meaningful music and that’s hip-hop 101. But I got some techno and rock influenced sounding songs – I like all music. I’m just glad when I make something that people from all over and all kinds of backgrounds can relate to.
What was the goal of your last project and did you attain it?
The mixtape’s goal was to spread my name and have good original music to put in people’s hands. Between physical copies and digital downloads from three different sites, we’re over a 1,000 copies [distributed] from north Michigan to Canada to NYC to Atlanta. We’ve been spreading them out so I think the goal is being attained even now.
What’s the biggest challenge you currently face as an artist?
Multi-tasking! I produce for myself, my label-mate Madio and freelance for other artists. I book shows for both me and Madio. I make radio station calls, network, promote. I think I’m gonna need a manager soon.
What’s your strongest selling point?
Good music that’s easy to relate to, no gimmicks. It’s simple – dope, deep rhymes with dope, soulful beats equals good ass music. I’m also easy to approach, either that or my dashing good looks and amazing personality, ROFL.
Lol…riiight. What advantages does being an artist and a producer give you?
I would say it saves on budget and time because I can do it all myself but it also is hard to focus on both sides of the music. Being a producer also works as a good bargaining chip when working with other artists and can create income to use towards rap stuff.
What would you rather be – lyrics or a beat?
Can’t pick either. That’s like choosing between eating and breathing. I need both to survive, fam.
Last question – who do you have winning the NBA playoffs?
Lol, Cavs probably.
People Are Talking