Kai Akili

Hip-Hop / Neo-soul Artist

releases

Kai Akili is a storyteller as evidenced by the presentation of his discography.

His early journey was chronicled by a story arc dubbed Test the Heart, which included cohesive narrative pieces such as the EP Off the Grid with producer Malik Ismail. These projects detail Kai’s experiences with romantic, platonic, and familial love and his use of escapism to avoid accountability.

These experiences have thrusted Kai into his next story arc Explore the Mind, in which he begins to face the repercussions for his longing for connection. These themes and more are expressed through his latest singles Frequency and Parallel, and work to establish the landscape of this next iteration of Kai’s story.

You can find more of Kai’s recent releases here:

 

Key releases from each story arc on the streaming platform of your choice.

 
 

media


 

A Dope Southside Open Mic, Museum of Science and Industry

Photo by Angie Star Studios

Black Future Artist Market, Connect Gallery Hyde Park

Photo by Angie Star Studios

 

The Portal Comedy Show, Build Coffee

Photo by Katia Sentry

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

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

PLAYLISTS


Below are a number of uniquely curated playlists on Spotify that have included Kai’s music.

 

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