“You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” How did a quote from the Dark Knight end up in this rap review? Well as I sit and think about the Smile, the EP by A.K.A. , I think about the mountain that he has erected for himself to overcome with this first project. I think about the classic debut albums which we have seen in the game before this one that go on to represent an artist throughout his career as the unrepeatable height of their greatness. The passion, hunger, and connectedness to the artists roots that is present on albums like Doggystyle, Reasonable Doubt, Only Built for Cuban Linx, The Documentary, and the revered Illmatic come to mind when listening to this power-packed project set to be released on May 23^rd. With that said, the biggest question that remains is whether this artist will be able to repeat this offering the next time around.

In style and message however, A.ce K.ing A.pe is more like Kanye West than Raekwon, Game, or Nas as his biography, though not without hardship, did not include a lot of the once considered necessary aspects of a hip-hop history. In similarity to the early days of Mr. West, Terrence Boyd is a producer and rapper, keeping those lines separate by using the production moniker, Lipton. Under that assumed identity, Mr. Boyd produced his own album and did so without a fault. The tracks sound something like DJ Premier and Madlib got together to handle production and let Kanye choose the samples. In short, it is smooth and musical with soulful sampling and it does not overuse voices or cut up the original sounds beyond recognition. For a person hardly considered an industry insider, the production on this EP is masterful. Even as a 10 track beat-tape, Smile would be solid gold.

But the music is only the canvas on this project and the man that you will come to know as AKA makes art out of lyrics on his debut. Beginning with “Introducin’”, we make the acquaintance of the style and delivery Michigan’s native son and he guides us through his album with confidence and ease. His flow seems to follow the methodical style of a Scarface/Brother Ali hybrid with the voice of a young, more laid-back KRS-One. His lyrics are altogether without gimmick or the obligatory pop culture references to score quick points with lazy listeners. AKA is a storyteller who comes with straightforward and honest lyrics from his own experience. In the current climate for hip hop freshmen that we see today where candor is the new cool, this album finds a way to make swag out of optimism without sacrificing its need to be genuine.

The Good: This is a CD that you can actually listen to and enjoy without skipping tracks. The rarity of that alone is worth picking it up. The production is stellar and the lyrics are on point.

The Bad: My gripe with debut albums will always be the lack of collaboration and this album is no different. An artist will always run the risk of lulling the audience to sleep if there is nothing to break the monotony of his own voice.

On May 23rd, head over to AKA’s Website and pick up the new album!

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.