Maybe, it was the first concert he saw (Run DMC and the Fat Boys) or the first album he owned (Public Enemy) that sparked his creative flame for hip-hop. But, the turmoil in his early surroundings and his struggles throughout life is what ignited the hunger to later develop the artist A.K.I.R.. The acronym and the promise to Always Keep It Real, gave him a name and a prophecy to live by. AKIR grew up throughout New York City, DC, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Atlanta, and Maryland, which is only partially responsible for his diversified sound and ability to switch it up. The harsh realities of becoming a black man in today's world would prove to be his main catalyst. I make the ignorant/ Clap cause they feelin it illin when/ they realize/ Its revealin they brilliant -RIDE 2 IT 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. He then guest appeared on DJ Rsonist's (Heat Makers) first mix tape release. AKIR sought to improve his musical talent and began to focus on production. Collaborating with his brother and business partner Southpaw (formerly RayDogz of Daddy's House Recording Studios) he co-produced for Immortal Technique's, Revolutionary Vol.1. Soon after, AKIR released his first single Best Friend on DJ N'finit's mix CD The Blockbuster Vol. 1 (A One Enterprises Product). At the end of 2001 One Enterprises, Ltd (A Production company he co-owns) released Street Edition Vol. 1&2 and it has moved over 15,000 copies to date. In November 05 he and 10 other up and coming emcees in the supergroup The Reavers, released the album Terror Firma (Backwoodz/Nature Sounds/Caroline Distribution). One Enterprises, LTD, Viper Records and, Fatbeats Distribution then, came together to release the long awaited album Legacy. The material from Legacy helped AKIR received the honor of Source Magazines (Unsigned Hype-Jan/Feb 05 & Off The Radar-April 06), XXLs (Chairmans Choice-Oct.05 & Show and Prove-June 06). The magazine exposure continued as Mecca 5star apparel began to launch an ad campaign (magazines, billboards, etc) shot by Dave Meyers featuring AKIR. Including the Fort Minor 06 & The Vans Warped Tour 04, AKIR completed a total of: 2 international tours, 7 domestic tours, 200+ shows including Amsterdam, Denmark, London, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and, Venezuela. He has performed with a variety of acts such as: Nas, Kool G. Rap, Mos Def, Styles P, KRS-1, Ghostface, The Game, Talib Kweli, Saigon, Dead Prez, Little Brother, Jean Grae, Masta Ace, Wordsworth, Vast Aire, Brother Ali and, Immortal Technique. In addition to AKIR's vast exposure to varied East Coast flavors, his lyrical influences include: the finesse of SLICK RICK, the mellow vibe and consistent originality of Q-TIP, the smooth delivery and GQ style of BIG DADDY KANE, the complexity and poeticism of NAS, the rapid fire flow and intensity of KOOL G RAP and, the lyricism of RAKIM. Im the one and only/ known national and locally/ whos top vocally/ yo, whos dope as me!! PEDIGREE. AKIR's vocals are, to say the least, persuasive, melodious, and addictive. His flow is compelling and vividly euphonic with lyrics that are a testament to hip-hop in its purest form.