The struggles throughout AKIR’s life are probably what made him the artist he is today. With a name that stands for 'Always Keep It Real', you better bring something original to the table, and he has.

AKIR grew up throughout New York City, DC, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Atlanta, and Maryland, which he says didn’t affect him much, however, it would explain his diverse body of music. Not one to call himself a political rapper, he says he wished he could rap about party and bullshit all day, but since he raps what he’s living, that would be a lie.

The truth is AKIR is an independent artist trying to eat in the overcrowded industry. AKIR first entered the hip-hop scene as an on-air personality with WNMH 97.9 (Mass.) from 1994 to 1996. Since then he has co-produced Immortal Technique's, Revolutionary Vol.1, appeared on DJ N'finit's mix CD The Blockbuster Vol. 1, and released his long awaited album, Legacy. With a style all his own and an undying hunger, we will be sure to see a lot from AKIR in the future.

Sixshot.com sat down with AKIR to discuss his childhood and why his lyrics are so important to him.

You grew up in a lot of different places as a kid. Did that have a negative effect on you?

No, I can't say it did. If anything it taught me to adapt to my surroundings and to look at things from several perspectives. I was exposed to varied outlooks on life, food, music, styles, etc. I would say it definitely helps me to connect with my fans in a much more personal way. Although it would have been nice to grow up in a stable household with both parents, two car garage, etc. I would never trade the lessons I learned from all my family members and the experiences of travel.

How did you become an on-air personality? What led you to radio?

Well, while in boarding school we played music and bugged out together every night. There were really only so many options for evening activities in the middle of nowhere. So, when the opportunity arose to hang out at a radio station and play my favorite music with my homeboys, 'Hell yeah' I took it. Plus, once I got to bug out on the microphone and people found it entertaining, I was hooked.

What was it like being involved in the Revolutionary Volume 1?

Well, the funny thing is that Southpaw had just started working at Daddy's House and kept telling me to come up. Finally he got fed up of me not coming so, he bought me a bus ticket. What was supposed to be a weekend trip turned out to be damn near a month. I was staying at Dujeous' house, which was a converted office/factory in Long Island City.

Southpaw set up his computer right in front of the couch I was sleeping on. We must have produced like 30 tracks or so and Tech chose the beat for "The Getaway"  which was technically my first placement.

Are you and Immortal very close? Does he have any influence on your music?

Yeah, that’s my homie for life. I would like to say that we all have an influence on each other’s music. He is a very talented artist and a good dude.

Your label is political, your lyrics are political, how important is it for you to send a message in your music?

I always thought it important to have focused music. I enjoy boasting, bragging, battling, metaphors, wordplay, etc.. However, if everybody’s doing the same thing, then we get cheated as hip-hop fans because we can't take anything away with us from the listening experience. I don't attempt to be EXTRA political in any shape or form. My music is directly reflective of my feelings, life and, surroundings. So these just happen to be my current interests. I would love to be in the predicament where all I had to talk about was fun shit all the time. Unfortunately, life is currently kicking my ass and my people are being manipulated and destroyed by a devilish system.

Your lyrics are insane, is that important to you?

I honestly think there are alot of lyricists out there even in the mainstream. Many of them show glimpses from time to time. There are a few that are very consistent and have found their groove. Those are the ones I pay attention to. No matter how wack you think some mainstream artist may be, they worked hard to get there behind the scenes. Remember these are professional recording artist and songwriters. The problem is in my opinion, the industry itself. The commercial hip-hop/pop culture market suggest that lyricism and intricate rhyme structure won't sell. So many of those artist put their lyricism to the backburner and focus on song structure, hooks, image, marketing etc.

The money for the large majority of hip-hop music now a days comes from simple sing-a-long jingles. Its an unfortunate truth and sad for the music lovers. I just wanna know when it will turn around since the larger popular culture seems to keep supporting that kind of music. In the meantime... I'mm just keep doing me and try to think outside of the box.

How do you feel about the music industry overall?

I think right now its going to take alot of creativity both music and business wise to do well independently. As physical music is in the beginning stages of being phased out, the tried and true career path for an emcee is changing. Right now there are only a few names that candraw large crowds to shows.

Large distributors are having trouble convincing major retailers to take projects that sell a couple thousand records. Ma and Pops (Brick and Mortar) record stores are closing left and right. Fans are downloading music for free. With all of these changes happening it seems that the focus will eventually have to return to the quality of the music and how much the artist can connect with the people.

There are tons of contrasts between you and your average mainstream artist. Do you see any similarities?

Yeah, we all tryna eat.

Your music is complicated. What is your recording process like?

It changes. Somtimes I make the beat then write the song.Other times I brainstorm and frame the song, first. Sometimes, I just match lyrics I already had with a hot track. But, the best is when I get that spark of inspiration and can't stop working. To me those are usually my better songs.

You produce as well as rap; do you prefer one to the other?

They are both like jealous women. I love them both, but they consistently crave attention away from the other. It is very easy to get caught up in one and neglect the other. The problem is when you return to the neglected one, you have to spend that much more time getting back in the groove. I plan to emcee for ever, but professionally just until I am consistently well paid for producing other artist.

Touring is big for you, where do you prefer to tour, U.S or overseas?

Most of the tours I have been on overseas have been no more than 5-7 dates at a time. I've done several 10+ date tours nationally and they have all been hard work. Definately worth it, but always-hard work. I intend to go many more extensive tours overseas in the future. Since I have been pretty much everywhere in the solid US, I would like to experience more of the world.

Are there any artists you haven’t gotten a chance to work with that you want to?

The list is too numerous to go through but I definitely would be honored to do something with Rakim.

Legacy is a great album; did it get the response you hoped for?

It pretty much got me every hip-hop accolade I wanted as an upcoming emcee. I am extremely happy about that. For the most part the critics liked it, the fans like it, and most important, I like it. We had a couple of snags coming out the box due to distribution, but I think no matter how many people handle business for you at the end of the day, you always have to remain on top of it. I am constantly thinking of new ways to amp up the sales everyday. Making the music is just the beginning there is still quite a lot to do on the business side.

What projects do you have coming up in the future?

Look out for Street Edition Vol.3 and the next full-length album to follow.

What do you want to say to everyone who is reading?

One love...One Music...One Movement...