At first glance, Akala is someone straight outta hip hop central casting. The often angry child of a broken home, his schooling was punctuated by rows with teachers. After teenage years spent playing football (he was on the schoolboy books of both West Ham United and Wimbledon), he dropped out of college. Aged 12 he saw his best friend's brother get a meat cleaver in the back of the head while sitting in the chair in a barber's shop, a tale touched on in the DoubleThink track Find No Enemy. "What interests me, looking back now, is that nobody stopped cutting hair," he says. "Even though I hadn't seen that before, I just accepted. I'd heard so much and knew so many people who'd been shot or stabbed that it was just a part of life."
So far, so rapper-backstory-clichéd. But it's in the gaps between these de rigeur hip hop CV bullet-points that the real Akala can be found. His step-father, a stage manager at London's Hackney Empire, would sometimes take the pre-teen Akala with him to work: so the wide-eyed kid got to stand in the wings, soaking up Sarafina! and Shakespeare. Despite being put in a special-needs class at six years old - he still doesn't know why - he fed a ferocious intellect with self-taught history and philosophy. His response, at 13, to racist remarks by a teacher was to write to the headmaster and governors to complain.
DoubleThink is partly a concept album inspired by the three classic novels of dystopian fiction: George Orwell's 1984, Aldous Huxley's Brave New World and Yevgeny Zamyatin's We, "with a little bit of The Matrix in there too." The record takes its overall tone - the edgy paranoia, the sizzling menace, the spine-tingling tension - from these literary classics and transmutes their atmospheres into musical form. From Welcome to Dystopia's static-laden distortion to Peace's simple, sparse piano accompaniment, via the electro-funk keyboards and metal guitar riffs of Faceless People, the breadth of musical ambition is matched by the rich variety of topics Daley addresses.
“The only way we can ever change anything Is to look in the mirror and to find no enemy”
Race, politics, self-deception and social conditioning are among the recurring themes on a record that presents its concerns as barbed comedic satire. But in tackling those topics Daley finds himself confronting the issue that defined his MOBO Award-winning debut, It's Not a Rumour and the acclaimed follow-up, Freedom Lasso: lamenting the decline of hip hop as a social and political force, angrily restating the genre's credentials as the best, most powerful means of delivering what KRS-ONE called Edutainment.
Edutainment is something Daley knows more about than most. As well as releasing music on his own Illa State record label, Akala (the name means "immovable") is a teacher himself. He recently set up the Hip Hop Shakespeare Company, running successful Bardic workshops in schools. His prowess at communicating effectively with young people has won recognition in unlikely circles: among recent clients for his consultancy work has been the organising committee of the 2012 London Olympics.
His music has always reflected Akala's personal struggles - against ignorance, against racism's divide-and-conquer imprimatur, and against the dumbing-down of the musical form that helped provide him with the answers he needed. "I remember when Wu-Tang Forever came out," he says, casting his mind back to 1998, and the second LP from the Staten Island collective. "And I remember going to buy books because of references I heard on there. I literally studied that album and went away and learned because of it. They weren't some obscure, underground rap group - that was the first rap album to go to Number One in the UK. What made hip hop powerful was its education, its culture, its musicality and its intelligence. Yet immediately after that, it went from being about history and philosophy and culture to being - literally - money, cash, and hoes."
Indeed, Akala's refusal and inability to conform to prevailing stereotypes means that his records are largely ignored by the sections of the media that proclaim to speak authentically of the "urban experience": in that regard, he stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of Saul Williams and Gil Scott Heron, artists who he considers inspirations as well as heroes. But while the message is vital, Akala knows that it has to be delivered wittily and attractively, too: edutainment is mostly entertainment, after all.
So DoubleThink distils these messages in cogent and weighty blasts of musically fierce, lyrically adroit hip hop, but it's also an excitable, effervescent listen. There are, of course, some harrowing moments: in Yours and My Children, a track reflecting three months Daley spent in Brazil, he talks about favela children being killed by police; and that meat cleaver to the head in Find No Enemy isn't the only violent image on a record that refuses to pull any punches. But Akala's unquenchable appetite for intricate wordplay and his teacher's instinctive awareness that heavy topics need to be got across lightly mean that, despite the often serious points, the record is an affirmative and often explosively joyful experience.
There's XXL, which relentlessly chips away at the clichés but has some fun with them at the same time; Peace, a collaboration with the classical pianist Paul Gladstone Reid, MBE, which provides musical and atmospheric contrast to the juddering electro-rooted rap that sits either side of it; and, right at the end - the thought Akala wants you to take away from the album - there's Not That Serious, a jaunty slice of popped-up '80s-style buzz, poking fun at Akala's furrowed-brow reputation without suggesting you shouldn't care about the issues he wants you to consider. At the risk of descending into another one of those pesky clichés, there really is something here for everyone.
Akala touches on race, class, sexism, history, war, hip-hop culture and what it is to live in a world one knows to be inherently unequal, yet rounds it all off not with accusations or anger but inward self-analysis.
"My mum's a white Scottish woman and my dad's a black Jamaican, so for my life not to be about bringing people together would almost be a contradiction in terms," he says. "I want to reach everybody but do it truthfully and honestly. That's got to be your ultimate aim as an artist - that's what the best artists do. I'm not saying I'm there yet, but that's what I aspire to."
2) Lithuanian industrial band on Findesiecle media label.
Giants
Akala Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Flow cocky done off the
Dance like we're Brockie
So dem cyant stop it and them na profit
Son your flow is dead and duppy
Trust you know us, we came from windrush
They clutch the purse nuff
But they that robbed us must we fight nuff
The tighter the cuffs
Cah we started from zero, council flat here
To all around the globe with
The flow to your earhole
Coming from London no boy bwoy
Fake imposter try play with the Pharoah
Crown the king don't doubt a thing
Make sure you show the little
Man you're proud of him
So we could know the set that the older vets
Laid the path from the start now show respect
It's like we're living in a
Room full of giants
Who do anything to try and deny us
Yeah, and we see the whole system is biased
But we're standing on the
Shoulders of giants, giants, giants
Reach out and grab it now
Hands up we're living proud
Standing on some broad shoulders
Like Olympic swimmers
Born as a winner me nah bawl for no bimmer
Man are di trilla tell your that me iller
Tour the world and then a mi kick
Back and grill inna the villa
One likkle island have the
Whole world a shiver
We forgot we are standing on
Top of those shoulders
Not in a language to flock, but so focused
Lock everyone of us up, but can't hold us
We already was at the top, they don't own us
It's like we're living in a
Room full of giants
Who do anything to try and deny us
Yeah, and we see the whole system is biased
But we're standing on the
Shoulders of giants, giants, giants
Reach out and grab it now
Hands up we're living proud
In the first verse, Akala is confidently asserting his unique style and flow that cannot be replicated by others. He references Yard (yardie culture) and Cockney influences in his music, emphasizing his authenticity. The line "Son your flow is dead and duppy" suggests that his competition's flow is lifeless and lacking creativity compared to his own. He also highlights the struggles of his community, mentioning their journey from the Windrush generation to achieving global recognition with their music. There is a theme of resistance against oppression, as he speaks of reclaiming their rightful place in the music industry despite facing obstacles and exploitation.
Akala continues to emphasize the idea of resilience and unity within his community in the chorus. He describes living in a world where powerful forces seek to undermine and oppress them, but they stand tall on the legacy of those who came before them. The metaphor of standing on the shoulders of giants symbolizes drawing strength and inspiration from the previous generations who paved the way for their success. Despite facing bias and challenges within the system, Akala asserts their pride and determination to push back against the odds.
In the second verse, Akala reflects on his own journey and achievements, comparing himself to Olympic swimmers born to succeed. He rejects materialism (not crying for a luxury car) and instead focuses on his talent and drive to excel in the global music industry. Akala emphasizes his lyrical skills and prowess in delivering impactful messages through his music, as he travels the world and enjoys the fruits of his labor in luxury. He acknowledges the power and influence of his music from a small island, causing a global impact and creating a sense of awe within the industry.
The final chorus brings the message full circle, reiterating the image of standing on the shoulders of giants as a source of strength and empowerment. Akala highlights the resilience and resistance of his community against oppressive forces and systemic biases. Despite being underestimated and marginalized, they refuse to be held back or silenced, asserting their pride and determination to succeed. The call to reach out and grab their rightful place, along with the declaration of living proudly, encapsulates the themes of unity, empowerment, and defiance present throughout the song. Akala's lyrics serve as a rallying cry for his community to embrace their heritage, stand firm in their identity, and continue to push forward despite the challenges they face.
Line by Line Meaning
It's that Yard, Cockney, can't copy
Proud of our roots and unique style that can't be replicated
Flow cocky done off the
Confident in our abilities and success
Dance like we're Brockie
Moving with skill and grace
So dem cyant stop it and them na profit
They can't halt our progress and benefit from it
Son your flow is dead and duppy
Your style is outdated and lackluster
Trust you know us, we came from windrush
Our history is rooted in the Windrush generation
They clutch the purse nuff
They hold onto wealth tightly
But they that robbed us must we fight nuff
We continue to resist those who exploit us
The more we get righteous
As we become more just
The tighter the cuffs
The more we face oppression
Cah we started from zero, council flat here
From humble beginnings in council housing
To all around the globe with
Now reaching audiences worldwide
The flow to your earhole
Our music reaching and impacting listeners
Coming from London no boy bwoy
Representing from London with authenticity
Fake imposter try play with the Pharoah
Those who try to impersonate us will fail
Crown the king don't doubt a thing
Recognize our worth and talent
Make sure you show the little
Inspiring the younger generation
Man you're proud of him
To be proud of the progress
So we could know the set that the older vets
Respecting the legacy of those who came before us
Laid the path from the start now show respect
Paying homage to our predecessors
It's like we're living in a
In a world where
Room full of giants
We are surrounded by larger forces
Who do anything to try and deny us
That seek to hinder our progress
Yeah, and we see the whole system is biased
Recognizing the injustices in the system
But we're standing on the
But we are supported by
Shoulders of giants, giants, giants
The achievements and influence of those who came before us
Reach out and grab it now
Seize the opportunities available
Hands up we're living proud
Expressing pride in our culture and achievements
Standing on some broad shoulders
Building upon the legacy of those who paved the way
Like Olympic swimmers
Effortlessly navigating challenges
Born as a winner me nah bawl for no bimmer
Confident in our success without needing material possessions
Man are di trilla tell your that me iller
Recognizing our greatness and talent
Tour the world and then a mi kick
Traveling the world and then relaxing in luxury
Back and grill inna the villa
Enjoying the finer things in life in our home
One likkle island have the
Despite being a small island, we have the
Whole world a shiver
Global impact and influence
We forgot we are standing on
We sometimes overlook the fact that we are supported by
Top of those shoulders
The accomplishments and heritage of those who came before us
Not in a language to flock, but so focused
Speaking with clarity and direction
Lock everyone of us up, but can't hold us
Attempting to suppress us, but we remain resilient
We already was at the top, they don't own us
We have already achieved success, they can't control us
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ratchet Medic
HalleluYah! Praise to Yah for your life! Yahuah is the Creator of the heavens and the earth(Genesis 1:1 In the beginning Elohim created the heavens and the earth) and Yah gave His only brought-forth(begotten) Son, Yahoshua ‘Yah is Salvation’ Messiah(John 3:16 “For Elohim so loved the world that He gave His only brought-forth Son, that everyone who believes in Him should not perish but possess everlasting life.) to sweat blood(Luke 22:44 And being in agony, He was praying more earnestly. And His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.) and be brutally murdered on a stake(cross) and be resurrected on the third day for the sins of all of humanity!(1 Corinthians 15:3-5 For I delivered to you at the first that which I also received: the Messiah died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised the third day, according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Kêpha(Sha’ul who is also called Paul), then by the twelve.) (1 Corinthians 15:3-5 For I delivered to you at the first that which I also received: the Messiah died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised the third day, according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Kêpha(Sha’ul who is also called Paul), then by the twelve.) Follow Yahuah’s 7 easy feast of remembrance and keep Yah’s Sabbath(Day 7; Day of Rest)!
Yahshua literally means ‘Yah is Salvation’ and His death and resurrection gave us the Gift of the Set-Apart Spirit to be our Guide and Helper to do what is right in Yah’s eyes!
Elohim is plural for ‘Mighty Ones’ and Eloah is singular for ‘Mighty One’ and the Arabic word for ‘Elohim’ means ‘Judges and Rulers’ or ‘Judges or Rulers’!
Hallelujah is properly spelled ‘HalleluYah’ which literally means ‘praise to Yah’!
Yahshua literally means ‘Yah is Salvation’!
HalleluYah! Yahshua is the Messiah!
“Jesus” is Greek for ‘hail Zeus’ and ‘Iesous/Iasous’ is four(4) deities/idols/mighty ones names combined, including the ‘Zeus’!
‘Lord’ is Hebrew for ‘Ba’al’ in every real Hebrew translation!
“Christ” is the Greek deity/idol/mighty one ‘Christos’!
“God” is “god” is “Gade” is “Gad”, “Ghode” is “Gawd” is the Pagan deity/idol/mighty one of “fortune”!
Yeshua/Yehoshua when directly translated from Hebrew to English is Joshua!
Shadeprint
Funny. I saw Akala at Carnival back during the 'Get Rolled On...' days, man has evolved so much since then and to see this video with him at Carnival again, it's almost symbolic of how he's still in touch with his roots.
Shadeprint
"Or get rolled over"
That's the tune!
H 1925
roll wid us🔥
Aamir _
Akala a proper artist! 💯
Billy Morris
this tune is lyrically amazing and the beat is epic, can't wait to see akala next month!!
Ida Barr
Serious love for the Carribean culture from the the Irish!! U are righteous giants, a cultural revolution in itself and Akala is showcaseing the decency u carry in yer blood! Much love for the yardies in cockney from the 🇮🇪 x 🤟
4920616d206177616b65
This is AMAZING! love the dub sounds, this really makes me want to move! Vibessss!!
The triple vinyl with photo lyric book has arrived, thank you Akala!! I am more than happy with it :) the overall quality is outstanding!!!
Rav23ldn
Akala and Marshall killed it with this track yesterday @ Koko, Camden! What a performance from the main man, his energy and passion was visible for all to witness. Hope to see more quality content coming in the future bro!
DT247
Big tune. Look forward to hearing it live at your London show G, got my ticket. Big up.
Chris B
great track, I hope there is more to come like this