Akir

Akir (Grandson of Dr. Meredith Gourdine)is an African-American Hip-Hop artist/producer/songwriter/teaching artist popular for his dense lyrics and socially aware content. His pen name is an acronym for "Always Keep It Real". He is also the CEO/co-owner of One Enterprises, Ltd. In 2007, One Enterprises, Ltd & Viper Records in partnership with Koch Distribution Re-released Akir's second album Legacy.

History

Legacy Re-Release---- One Enterprises & Viper Records joins with Koch Distribution

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 6 international tours (Rock The Bells 06,07,& 08,Vans Warped Tour04, Fort Minor 06, Redman Tour Fall 07) 9 domestic tours and over 500 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.

Additionally, Akir has had involvement with the Flocabulary project collabing w/ 9th Wonder on a track to transform Romeo and Juliet into a hip hop song for school curriculums. 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 celebs as: DJ Green Lantern, TI, The Simmons sisters, Maino, Dawn (Danity Kane), Pharoahe Monch, Amanda Amann, etc.

Hes 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 hes been honing his production skills.

AKIR is also a member of a new production/writing team called "The Boiler Room" and is part of a massive hip-hop activist collective called Rebel Army (AKA Rebel Armz) Including: Immortal Technique, Poison Pen, Diabolic, Swave Sevah, Da Circle (Slim & Fatz), Hasan Salaam, CF, DJ Static and, DJ GI Joe.

Hes 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.

Discography

Album information
STREET EDITION VOL.1&2 Released: March, 2003 Label: One Enterprises
LEGACY Released: March, 2006 Label: Viper Records/One Enterprises

|- | THE SECRET-DJ Static & Statik Selektah

• Unreleased: Fall 2009
• Label: One Enterprises

|} |- | THE PLAN

• Unreleased: Spring 2010
• Label: Viper Records/One Enterprises

|}

External links

• AKIR's Official Blog
• /Akir's Official Myspace
• Viper Records
• / AKIR CD BABY
• One Enterprises & Paysir Music Group's podcast network
• DC area hiphop page

See also

• Common Sense
• Damian Marley
• Immortal Technique
• Dead Prez