09 Jan Who Is AKBAR The GREAT?

Meet AKBAR, a gifted, prolific lyricist and songwriter influenced by J.Cole, Kendrick Lamar and the legendary God MC “Rakim.” The 25 year-old is a former college student hailing from Columbus, Ohio with a conscious rap style and lyrical maturity far beyond his years. Signed by R&B Icon Karyn White to her label Supernova Unlimited.  AKBAR’s sound is underpinned with knowledge of self-love and black empowerment. This year, AKBAR’s set to blow, starting with his debut single ‘YRBG’ (an acronym for ‘Young Righteous Black Girl’).

His second single “Everlasting Thought ( Gotta Keep Movin)” is an anthem for the culture that gives insight to the mind of young black men in  the inner cities. Streaming on all platforms.

The Hype Magazine got AKBAR to weigh in on a few things!

From the outside looking in, who is AKBAR The GREAT?

“I’m an artist, social commentator and revolutionary, using music to try to heal our people who have been manipulated into taking more pride in death than in life. Ultimately, I want people to see themselves, when they see me.”

What brought you to the entertainment industry, music specifically?

“Struggle! I was down bad after I took a break from school; working double shifts just to keep the lights on! I was getting content with that lifestyle. It was similar to Muhammad sitting in the cave…Then God came in to tell him they had work to do. I’ve always written music since elementary school. I would write raps, but during this pandemic it gave me a chance to really go in and come up with some real, soulful, music! My dad is friends with the iconic “Superwoman” singer, R&B legend Karyn White. I guess he played her some of my music and she fell in love with the sound. She signed me to her new label, Supernova Unlimited, Inc. back in September, and we’ve been grinding ever since! She is definitely MY Superwoman.”

What do you want people to get from your music?

“I hope people will be uplifited and motivated by my music. I just want to drop the seeds of Truth, so they can begin to germinate inside the minds of my peers and even the older generations.”

Tell us about your current project.

“My new single ‘Everlasting Thought’ is something for The Culture that I feel is much-needed right now. It gives context and insight into the minds of young men in inner cities around the country. The music video is a cinematic masterpiece! Much love to the director, Sheeraz Balushi for taking the concept and using his creativity to really bring it to life!

Tell us a bit about your work and passions OUTSIDE of music…

“I grew up playing football and other sports my entire life…to the point where you couldn’t tell me I wasn’t going to the league! Because of that, I’ve always been into sports science. But, I try to stay multi-faceted, so I also draw and write screen plays. I like to think of myself as a chef, as well! Most importantly, I’m just trying to continue to grow and better myself as a man in this world.”

Last but not least, HYPE wants to know…What’s your craziest WTF?! moment…

“My first time coming out to California to shoot my music video, I fell in love with the vibe, the weather, the food, the women. So, I go to grab some Backwoods from a gas station…and one pack came up to $10! Maybe that was just a sign that I should stop smoking! Lol”