For Akir, words aren’t just words—they’re credos, rallying cries; a way of life. His name, for example, is an acronym for “Always Keep It Real” has zero to do with tired rap clichés, or a small-minded view of what rap is and can be. Akir’s trademark raspy flow, his intricate nonstop rhyme patterns and his [cont.]

    Emcees who are about the revolution and bucking the system are pretty scarce nowadays (with the exception of dead prez, Immortal Technique and others). Gone are the days where X-Clan and Public Enemy ruled the airwaves and required every man, woman and child to rock a leather medallion and a Malcolm X hat. Today’s [cont.]