Kai Akili

Hip-Hop / Neo-soul Artist
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.

releases

Kai presents his work through music and other media that collectively exist as narrative story arcs. His early projects extensively detail his own experiences with love, loyalty, and change in a story arc called “Test the Heart”. These themes are expanded upon in projects like OFF THE GRID with producer Malik Ismail in which Kai is faced with new challenges after leaving Chicago to live in New Orleans.

OFF THE GRID

This experience leads him to realize that running from his issues causes more problems to arise and sets the stage for his current story arc “Explore the Mind” that includes his most recent project, the 7-track EP Insomnian.

EXPLORE THE MIND

media

A Dope Southside Open Mic, ***Museum of Science and Industry***
*Photo by Angie Star Studios*

The Silver Room’s Sound System Block Party, ***Oakwood Beach***
*Photo by Angie Star Studios*

Kai Akili LIVE at The Silver Room's Sound System Block Party, Oakwood Beach 2023

Soul Fest 2018 at The Promontory Chicago (Jan 2018)

Kai Akili & Ramona Nicole opening for Boosie Badazz (Nov 2018)

Tiz Dah Season Holiday Showcase (Dec 2019)

Kai Akili & Maushéa at Sol Glo (May 2019)

Kai Akili opening for Jacquees (April 2017)

shows

SXSW Artist Pre-Show, Headliner
San Antonio, TX
The Labyrinth, Headliner
The Willow | New Orleans, LA
LA/TEX Cypher, Virtual Performance
presented by Zion Studios
SpitFest 2017, Headliner
Chicago, IL
SXSW Artist Pre-Show, Headliner
Austin, TX
DU Spring Bling, Opening Act for Jacquees
Dillard University | New Orleans, LA
Homeroom & Illinois Arts Council Agency Showcase, Headliner
Comfort Station | Chicago, IL
SoulFest 2018, Headliner
The Promontory | Chicago, IL
UniqueSoul Brunch, Headliner
New Orleans, LA
DU Homecoming Concert, Opening Act for Boosie Badazz
Dillard University | New Orleans, LA
Spiritual Trap, Headliner
Luxe B Studio | Chicago, IL
Sol Glo, Headliner
Luxe B Studio | Chicago, IL
Talent Over Hype, Headliner
Innjoy | Chicago, IL
Rhythm & Rum, Headliner
Ka’lab Chicago | Chicago, IL
Kamili’s World, Accompanying Maushéa
Deadbolt | Chicago, IL
Tiz Dah Season Holiday Showcase, Headliner
Chicago, IL
Niteskool Sessions, Virtual Performance/Accompanying Maushéa
presented by Niteskool Productions
Seasonal Depression, Headliner
Auxiliary Art Center | Chicago, IL
Black Is The New Black, Headliner
Bourbon at Division | Chicago, IL
Kickback N’ Chill - Vol 1, Virtual Performance
presented by The Kickback
The Gr8 Cypher, Virtual Performance
presented by The Gr8 Thinkaz
Mic’d Up, Virtual Performance
presented by Positive Road
Arts & Wellness Festival, Headliner
ETA Creative Arts Foundation | Chicago, IL
Forever Gr8ful Soundstage, Headliner
The Silver Room | Chicago, IL
The Portal, Performing Artist
Build Coffee | Chicago, IL
Live at The Steel Mill, Headliner
The Steel Mill | St. Louis, MO
Beats & Bars: Legacy Showcase, Host & Performing Artist
The Silver Room | Chicago, IL
Give A Sh*t Weekend: Artist Showcase, Performing Artist
Bassline | Chicago, IL
Black Future Open Mic, Host
The Silver Room | Chicago, IL
Black Future Artist Market, Headliner
Connect Gallery | Chicago, IL
March Madness Pop-Up, Special Guest Performance
Gary Comer Youth Center | Chicago, IL
Back at Bourbon, Special Guest Performance
Bourbon on Division | Chicago, IL
Chicago Votes Open Mic, Featured Artist
Kennedy King College | Chicago, IL
Royal Flush Fashion Show, Special Guest Performance
Gary Comer Youth Center | Chicago, IL
A Dope Southside Open Mic, Host
Museum of Science and Industry | Chicago, IL
Rhythm & Purpose, Headliner
Cole’s Bar | Chicago, IL
Summer Suns Showcase, Headliner
Bassline | Chicago, IL
The Silver Room Sound System Block Party, Headliner
Oakwood Beach | Chicago, IL
Cole’s Showcase, Headliner
Cole’s Bar | Chicago, IL
Cleva Cyphers, Headliner
SubTerranean | Chicago, IL
Sand Castle, Headliner
Beach House | Chicago, IL
Acoustic Afternoons, Headliner
Overflow Coffee | Chicago, IL
Arkham Asylum, Headliner
The Fallen Log | Chicago, IL
Stain v Rios, Opening Act
Bourbon on Division | Chicago, IL
808s & Harmonies, Headliner
Bourbon on Division | Chicago, IL

NOTABLE PRESS

Chicagoan of note, march 2024
— DMB, *Chicago Reader*

Akili’s nuanced vocals effortlessly convey the essence of the song, elevating it beyond entertainment to a conduit for emotional connection.

— Bekoe, Vocalo Radio

With production carefully crafted by Angel Cotto, Kai Akili puts his artistry on display with a melodic tempo.

— Groov Nuke, Illanoize Radio

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