Akir is an acronym of "Always Keep It Real".
Akir is an African- American rapper who is known for the political message in his songs. His single "Politricks" exposes political efforts to thwart minorities political voices. Akir was featured on Immortal Technique's Revolutionary Vol. 2 & in the Source's "Unsigned Hype" in January 2005. In March 2006 he released his debut album Legacy.
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. Akir sought to improve his musical talent and began to focus on production. Collaborating with his brother and business partner Southpaw, he co-produced for Immortal Technique's debut album Revolutionary Vol. 1. Soon after, Akir released his first single, "Best Friend", on DJ N'finit's mix CD, The Blockbuster Vol. 1, through his own production company, One Enterprises.
In November 2005, Akir and 10 other up and coming emcees formed the group The Reavers, and released the album Terror Firma. Soon after, One Enterprises and Viper Records joined to release Akir's debut solo album, Legacy. Soon after the release of Legacy, Akir received Source Magazines "Unsigned Hype" award in the Jan-Feb 2005 issue[1] and "Off The Radar" spotlight in the April 2006 issue.[2] Other notable publicity has been receiving XXL Magazine's "Chairmans Choice" in the October 2005 issue[3] and "Show and Prove" spotlight in the June 2006 issue.[4] In 2006, Akir appeared as a model for Mecca 5star apparel, appearing in ad campaigns in magazines and billboards.[5]
Akir has completed two international tours (Vans Warped Tour, Fort Minor 06), 7 domestic tours and over 200 shows. He has performed with a variety of acts such as: Nas, Kool G Rap, Mos Def, Styles P, KRS-One, Ghostface Killah, The Game, Talib Kweli, Saigon, Dead Prez, Little Brother, Jean Grae, Masta Ace, Wordsworth, Vast Aire, Brother Ali and Immortal Technique.