What’s good everyone?! We are back with another interview, this time we speak with upcoming artist Akajou. Akajou recently released his project Akajou Is Real. The music caught my attention right away! I could feel the spirit in the music, the bars, production is all amazing. The project has nine tracks & Akajou carried each one! Below, we spoke about his upbringing, music he listens to, inspiration and more!
Read/Listen below!
1. Where did you grow up and how was it growing up?
I spent most of my childhood in San Diego, CA. Grew up in a neighborhood called Serra Mesa. I was taken away from my birth mom before the age of 1 and placed in the foster care system before shortly finding a home and a family to call my own. The adoption was finalized by the time I was 5 years old. Growing up had its rough times, I feel like I struggled a little more than most because my mother was abusing drugs while I was in her womb and you know what comes with that. Overall the household was stable, education was enforced. My dad was very strict and always pushed me to be greater than I thought I was.
2. What music inspired you growing up?
I was listening to a lot of music growing up. I think the artists that stuck with me most and made an impression were Timbaland, Magoo, and Missy Elliott. I feel like they always created groundbreaking content as artists, producers and songwriters. I was also really into Nas, Lauryn Hill, The Fugees, Cam’ron and Kanye because they had powerful lyrical content.
3. What current artists do you listen to?
I’ve been listening to a lot of music by Kur, Lexii Alijai, Ohdatsrida. Definitely check out Kur if you’re not familiar with his music. CJ $wavy is another one – very soulful rap. ‘Roll Call’ by J. Cole has also been on repeat lately.
4. Tell us about your project Akajou Is Real.
‘Akajou Is Real’ is my first album! Produced by Sincere Noble! It was a difficult process because I was not aware of all of the work that goes into an album. The album was inspired by the dying state of hip-hop. I felt strongly that talent and lyrical ability have become obsolete to the average listener. I wanted to make the soulful music that I felt the music industry was missing. I also wanted to create music that people could listen to on repeat. My previous releases were just songs that failed to make impressions. When I would promote singles I would often be asked if the songs were leading up to an album or EP. I decided to create a body of work so that people could properly assess my artistry and creative abilities. I found a producer that I liked and chose the beats from his catalog that I felt would help me tell my stories. It took me a year and a half to complete.
5. What is your favorite track on the album?
Man this is a hard question to answer. I feel like I have a new favorite every week. I would say I listen to ‘Boost’ and ‘Clean Sweep’ the most. ‘Role Model’ is an honorable mention.
6. What inspires you to create music?
My music is mainly inspired by the trials of my life. I think that music is my only way out of all the boxes I’m currently in. I talk a lot about daily struggles, street life, love life, family and a hopeful future. I feel like telling these stories is therapeutic but will also help and uplift someone who has similar circumstances and may lack direction.
7.If you could work with any artist/producer who would it be?
Probably Kur.
8. Do you have any plans for the summer?
This summer I will be releasing the deluxe edition of ‘Akajou Is Real’ on my Dad’s birthday in August. So I’m back at work. The deluxe edition will extend the album by 3 or 4 additional tracks. The album has gotten great feedback so I would celebrate by showing artistic growth between the original release and the deluxe edition. These will all be songs written and recorded this year.
9. What are your main goals for 2022?
To complete and release the deluxe edition and to continue to create art that’s respected.
10. Anything you want the world to know…
Anything is possible with hard work and dedication!
