It’s time for the UK to stand up.
Like most London MC’s, AKS developed his skills on pirate radio (those were the days!), it was clear back then that this guy knew how to spit and more importantly write. Inspired by his UK peers AKS realized that his music, different from the 2pac’s and Nas’ of this world, could be emotional, political and inspiring too.
Since then, AKS has continued to perfect his art, performing along side UK heavy hitters Sway, Bashy, Chipmunk and Ghetts. Aside from his stage presence, it’s evident on hearing A Miracle in the Making that AKS has a powerful voice, a ill flow and something real to say. His lyrics weave an interesting tale of reality and fantasy, and his play on words make you listen and take note. This is not ‘background’ music people, this is “sh*t, what did he just say?” music.
Jumping on tracks from Nas, Lily Allen, Lil’ Wayne, Mavado and 88-Keys, AKS proves, with this mixtape, that he has something to offer, but understands that for a British rapper, the road isn’t an easy one. But for him, that’s OK: “to be able to grind like Tony Hawks…You need the rail to grind on…And if the rail ain’t there you’re gonna fail” – Safe to say he’s found his rail and he’s grinding pon it!
AKS Feat Lily Allen – “The Fear”
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z44bLJb_o1A&eurl=http://pinboardblog.com/2009/02/27/aks-feat-lilly-allen-the-fear-video/&feature=player_embedded]
A Miracle in the Making isn’t about bling, making it big or about getting-that-paper, it’s about common experiences, it’s about life and it’s about the environment we all live in, making AKS not only relatable but also credible. ”Yeah you’ve gotta get dough, but you’re also a person. I just want to show that person. For me, it’s not a case of what sounds good, but more about what sounds right.”
Personally for me, what stands out about AKS and A Miracle in the Making is that he has found (a munch needed) balance between ‘being real’ and ‘being boring’. SO many Channel U rappers are ‘spitting’ words of realism and injustice that quite frankly, is a tad depressing. AKS avoids this by surrounding his reality with clever lyricism, a positive attitude and an ability to make what he’s saying relate to your life. Moreover from this, his choice of samples is yet another indicator that he isn’t a one trick pony, but that he understands musicality and is confident enough to take on any tune, any beat or any sample. (Only a brave man takes on a Lily Allen track!).
For these reasons and a million more, I highly recommend AKS and his A Miracle in the Making mixtape.
A Miracle in the Making is available now from AKS’ myspace page - go grab that and show some love.
Peace, Love & AKS
Speeakz
P.s To all our US readers, friends and fellow bloggers – make sure you cop, share and promote this!
Best mixTape I have listening to from a British rapper. And for me it the choice of samples that get me which shows vitality. Big up brov and good work.
[...] “clever lyricism, a positive attitude and an ability to make what he’s saying relate to your life.” – PinBoardBlog [...]