BIO AKIR (Always Keep It Real) 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 and brother 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 and “Off The Radar” spotlight in the April 2006 issue. Other notable publicity has been receiving XXL Magazine’s “Chairman’s Choice” in the October 2005 issue and “Show and Prove” spotlight in the June 2006 issue.  AKIR has also, appeared as a model for Mecca 5-star apparel, appearing in ad campaigns in magazines and billboards.  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) AKIR 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 with 9th Wonder on a track to transform Romeo and Juliet into a hip hop song for school curriculum. 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 celebrities 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.

In January 2011, AKIR announced “Supporter Sundays,” a special fan appreciation campaign conceived and driven by AKIR’s One Enterprises team, that give back to the community that has long supported his career.  Launched on January 23, 2011 on Twitter, and through a series of weekly posts—every Sunday at 7pm EST— AKIR’s loyal supporters receive an exclusive newly-recorded track for download and an opportunity to win prizes including specially autographed AKIR merchandise, passes and access to exclusive event as well as other special gifts from select partners.

Jan 2011 -
AKIR Shows Fan Appreciation With “Supporter Sundays”