Born Anthony Chukwubuike Aka’Naizerigwe, Igwe Aka moved to the United States at a young age. He was raised in the suburbs of Sacramento, California, attending private school before transitioning to public school in his middle and high school years. His immigration to America proved to be formative for his identity as he contended with his Blackness for the first time while also being introduced to a wide array of converging cultural interest held by his peers. This included Pokemon, skateboarding, alternative music, and ultimately rap. This convergence of culture contributed directly to how Aka blends genres within his music. Aka’s stylistic and lyric journey as a writer and rapper have been heavily influenced by artists such as Ye and Joey Bada$$. It is through these influences that Aka shaped his own authenticity, grounding himself in his own coolness, his own swag, which permeates clearly through his music.

“Kapow” exemplifies what can be called the “boomerang effect” in Hip Hop. African rythmic oral traditions, were among the cultural imports of African people as they were brought overseas. In the West, what became known as Hip Hop evolved and “boomeranged” back to Africa as a reimport. Aka’s music carries the imprint of Hip Hop’s evolution in America while incorporating uniquely African sensibilities that inform and expand the genre’s boundaries. Sonically, “Kapow” reminds me of very distinct subgenre of Hip Hop forming in the States known as “stepp” with a blend of Afro rhythms as well. The sound is definitely unique, leading many to claim that Aka is creating his own genre. Lyrically, Aka leans into the Hip Hop tradition of braggadoccio. While he does talk about drug use, his money, and his unmatched swag, his delivery makes it feel real. I feel like this has to do with two important factors. For one, Aka’s character. As he emphasizes his authenticity, his lyrics don’t come across as empty flexing or a claim to status, rather an assertion of identity. Secondly, the production of the beat makes his braggadocious claims sound like simple statements, like he already understands who is his and is conveying that identity. The influence of U.S. rap is clear in his cadence, however Aka’s art is clearly informed by his Igbo consciousness. For me personally, this song is going to be in my rotation heavy. I’m looking forward to future projects from Aka.