Music transcends race, culture, religion, and identity and at its best rhythms, lyrics, and beats can transform the mind and soothe the soul. I believe music is a universal language that connects us all. If you don’t know me I love music and I’m always on the hunt for new artists whether I’m on Pandora, sound cloud, watching television, or listening to the radio I’m always looking for new artists to inspire me. However as eclectic as my musical taste is I’ve realized it’s still limited to my side of the diaspora. I haven’t even scratched the surface. I’m so thankful my professor had my class do this blog because I’ve been given the opportunity to explore the music of a different side of the diaspora. This assignment led me right to Cape Town’s own AKA.
Kiernan Jarryd Forbes aka, AKA, for those of us who don’t know, is an award winning South African emcee and one of hottest emcees on the continent right now. He’s been dubbed the South African prince of hip-hop and rightfully so as he is quickly rising to the top and is leaving his mark in music. His latest album “Alter Ego” spent a considerable amount of time on the charts and he recently climbed the iTunes singles chart with the hit “Congratulate” and “ Run Jozi”. AKA has also performed with and opened for his share of some of hip-hop’s heavyweights the likes of Rick Ross, Snoop Dogg, Big Sean, Rick Ross, Kanye West, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar it has also been said that he’s South Africa’s very own Drake.
Kiernan Jarryd Forbes aka, AKA, for those of us who don’t know, is an award-winning South African emcee and one of hottest emcees on the continent right now. He’s been dubbed the South African prince of hip-hop and rightfully so as he is quickly rising to the top and is leaving his mark in music. His latest album “Alter Ego” spent a considerable amount of time on the charts and he recently climbed the iTunes singles chart with the hit “Congratulate” and “ Run Jozi”. AKA has also performed with and opened for his share of some of hip hops heavyweights the likes of Rick Ross, Snoop Dogg, Big Sean, Rick Ross, Kanye West, 2Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar it has also been said that he’s South Africa’s very own Drake.
As with many artists today he raps less about Black consciousness and more about the lifestyle. His song All Eyes on Me is one example that illustrates that. “Time to get them goons and kick your door down N*ggas ain’t running anymore now bang bang everybody kiss the floor now It’s a robbery All eyes on me yeah I see nobody Stick em up and freeze While I steal the show It’s a robbery I’m tryna get this rap money in a rush Tell em back it up for me when you see me in the club Competition dead and buried in the dust I’m like the legendary Brenda Fassie – Zola Budd Once you get it you never get enough And you gon need better credit to get ahead of us We the power circleComing to you live from the 3rd world getting high on the purple Bitch I’m on the top of my game Black card rap star look at my face If you ain’t f*ckin watch you here for? I got a 7:30 shuttle to the airport, Therefore, twerk contest I’m a nuisance Jah bless do it for the youth then I’m at the table with the bosses You need to table up the losses”
One on hand artists’ that rap about consciousness all the time gets old the same the way artists who only rap about nonsense all the time gets old. I really enjoy AKAs music however I wish he had a variety of content. I will say that his music is raw, full of energy, loaded with clever rhymes and wordplay. Once you tie in his hot beats, his intricate piano riffs, and his smooth melodic vocals you have a recipe for great music. His talent is undeniable and the mark he is leaving on two continents is unquestionable.
Lyrics: http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/aka/alleyesonme.html
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