Kai Akili
Kai Akili is a storyteller that crafts immersive worlds for his music to exist in. The culturally rich atmosphere of his hometown Chicago influences him to develop diverse experiences through his work. Inspired by the art presented in the open mic scene in the city, he started to learn music theory in high school and eventually found a much deeper love for music and performing arts. Kai proves that he’s a student of the game of Hip-Hop with his attention to storytelling through lyricism, and he masterfully blends his those elements with Neo-Soul melodies to create a fully unique sonic landscape.
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explore the mind
Kai Akili embarks on a new story arc, delivering several new experiences in preparation for his debut album. Discover what it means to ‘Explore the Mind’ with exclusive content which you can find here, and by streaming his latest project INSOMNIAN now available on all streaming services.
Unspoken Agreement
Achillez and fellow Chicago emcee Kai Akili deliver a vibrant serenade that makes a statement about acceptance & visibility. Both artists approach the track delicately but intensely, blending elements of the instrumental with their own cadences to create euphonious harmonies throughout.
‘Silenced’ Documentary
Kai Akili is featured as a performer for Silenced: An Unlock Civics Documentary, a project by Chicago Votes. Silenced is a story of the democracy that exists in the United States, that silences millions of people who have been or are currently disenfranchised through incarceration. Kai performs an acapella version of his song ‘Too Lovely’.
You can find the performance along with the entire documentary here, and find out more about Chicago Votes and their various initiatives below!
Off the Grid
Off the Grid is a joint EP with songs performed by Kai Akili & produced by Malik Ismail. This project makes a statement towards finding oneself through self-reflection as Kai details his experience going off the “grid” of Chicago into the bayou of New Orleans. The tribal production in the project’s intro “Journey” carries the weight of the story all the way through the jazzy outro “Too Lovely”. Each track unveils a new layer of Kai’s introspective narrative which heavily compliments the intense musical composition by Malik.
Released 2/12/21
EXCLUSIVE CONTENT
Enjoy exclusive content surrounding this release below!
click to enter.NOTABLE PRESS
“Kai and Malik offer a duality of sort in terms of how they create this sonic ecosystem. Each takes the path less traveled and it really does make all the difference.”
— Dope Cause We Said
“[off the grid] makes a careful statement towards finding oneself through introspection and self-reflection…”
— The Ghetto Flower
“Between the poetic lyricism and jazzy aesthetic reminiscent of countless Chicago MC’s to come before [Maushéa and Kai Akili], the future looks bright for these two up-and-coming wordsmiths.”
— Ryan Rosenberger, Flows for Days
“Kai Akili and Matty Wood$ may have just created a new summer anthem for the stoner community that is very 4/20 friendly. This dope duo compliment each other well with mountains of metaphors & the word play between these two is insanely unique and quite fulfilling as well.”
— Pretty Riot, Illanoize Radio