Customer Reviews

Legacy

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For those who have an affinity for the righteous, or a desire for the days of old, when emcee's rhymed about topics of substance (racism, politics, societal ills) Akir is the artists you need to hear. While not as topically dense as Immortal Technique, whom executive produces this project and makes 2 guest appearances, "Legacy" is a hip hop album in search of what any hip hop head desires: beats that move you and lyrics that inspire you. With a voice that's too young to be dropping knowledge this dope and a flow that shows a dedication to his craft beyond his years, Akir comes out the box reminiscent of a young QB spitter, one Nasir Jones. While not "Illmatic" Akir shows a promise of greatness on this, his debut, not seen since we first heard the now infamous guest verse on "Live at the BBQ." Proving immediately that he is an NY breed emcee, Akir demonstrates that rare confidence that is missing from so many of today's so called New York young guns. If this is the future of the big apple's hip hop, the birthplace of our culture has nothing to fear from the south or the west, the crown will be returning home soon. Weather attacking racism and modern day slavery on "Kunta Kinte" (7) and on several other tracks or demonstrating his hustle on the aptly named "Grind" (4) Akir continually demonstrates why he is cosigned by Tech and even recognized as a future great by the source in their Unsigned Hype column. He teams with Hasan Salaam on "Change of the Seasons" (10) where they trade sixteen's discussing growing up in the streets and the pitfalls to many fall victim to. Akir's brother Southpaw handles the majority of the production and their blood connection shows as he constructs beautiful sonic soundscapes that never overshadow Akir, but always stand out. By the end of this "Legacy" you are ready for more, but be careful, cause as is stated on the closing monologue of "This is Your Life Pt. 2" (6) "additional episodes may cause consciousness."

Akir being backed by Immortal Technique, probably the tightest rapper of today, should say something about his skills and subject matter. This album expresses the oppression of the poor and political jokes that exist today. Akir's flow and rhyming style is reminiscent to Nas. It's sad that such a solid album is barely known among the masses. Hip hop is dead? Only in the mainstream and radio play. NY rap is at an all time low? Only when you listen to mainstream acts such as Dipset and G-Unit.
This album, among others coming from NYC underground, should be heard before people make these comments.

Immortal Technicque is featured on two songs; one being track 5 Treason, and the other being a bonus cut called The Louisiana Purchase, which basically airs out the shadiness from the Katrina disaster. If people listen to more hip hop albums like this, then there would be a lot more educated people out there. Check out Immortal Technique's Revolutionary Vol 1 and 2 as well. Listen and learn. Peace.

For me The Legacy is the last great rap album and best album of 2006. Akir's intelligent lyricism and hopeful messages are much needed in today's superficial rap world. The moving and melodic beats perfectly fit his rap flow. Legacy is a real underground classic. It's too bad great album's like these don't get noticed. If you're a true (underground) rap fan do yourself a favour and go get this album. It's a perfect alternative for all the brainless commercial rap that's out today.

Akir's (Always Keep It Real) debut album "Legacy" (2006) is a slept on gem. This album was executive produced by Immortal Technique and quietly dropped in March with little fanfare. It's great to see this release available on Amazon now. Guest appearances come from Jean Grae, Immortal Technique, Abiodun Oyewole, Hasan Salaam, Akua Wilder, Kyrystl Yardon, Mas D, Veks One and Poison Pen. Listening to Akir throughout this album I was impressed with his on point rhymes, this cat is truly a gifted MC - his lyrics are deep and meaningful. Exceptional production is another highlight of this release and comes from Southpaw (Akir's Brother and Business Partner) who produces seven tracks, R'sonist, DJ Static, Dada, Y.G., Fyre Dept, Illastrate, Den'D Productions, DJ N'finit and Apex. This is one of those album's that I can pop in and listen to from start to finish without hitting the skip button, my favorite cut's are "Legacy" an exceptional and beautiful collaboration about life between Akir, Mas D and Vek's One, the blazing hot "Mood Music", "Treason" with Immortal Technique and the outstanding "No Longer My Home". Akir's "Legacy" is a release I highly recommend checking out.

Track Listing:

1. The Initiation
2. Rites of Passage
3. Mood Music
4. Grind
5. Treason - Immortal Technique
6. This Is Your Life Pt. 2
7. Kunta Kinte
8. Politricks (First Single)
9. Apocalypse
10. Change of Seasons - Hasan Salaam
11. Resurrect - Akua Wilder, Krystl Yardon
12. Ride 2 It
13. No Longer My Home - Mojo
14. These R The Blues
15. Pedigree
16. So Much
17. Homeward Bound
18. Tropical Fantasy - Jean Grae
19. Legacy - Mas D, Veks One
20. The Louisiana Purchase - Immortal Technique, Poison Pen & Mojo