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.
Roll Wid Us
Akala Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's my time like it or not gotta ride
Can?t fight,
this thing?ll take you with it like a landslide
My mind spitting rhymes refined as old wines
No games since age 5 I hold mine
Never fell for the spells
they tell in this world
I took exams early with the geeks in the school
Opened a business,
you were still chasing your balls
I spent my teens sticking but I'm one of
Britain's best mathematicians
Official, I got the certificate
So however you want it kid
We could do scholarship politics
or the opposite,
War with hollow tips
No supathug, just I don't fear, why would I?
You bleed like me and breathe the same air
I got a purpose on this earth
and I ain't ready to go
So if I gotta send you first then let it be so
Hook
Roll wid us or get rolled over *3
It's time now the wait is over
Roll wid us or get rolled over *3
It's time now the wait is over
It?s bigger than the music
it's more like a movement
A unit a trueness spreading like rumours
They foolish, say I can't do it they doubt
Cos we acorns now
Just watch out for the tree that sprouts
When it does, remember I told you
I'm going from local to global
Poor and hopeful
From glueing back shoes
cos they showing my toes through
To owning shoe companies
and yards on the coastal
If you real grab on, I?m taking the fam with me
But hold on tight cos we movin real swiftly
Fakes can't stop my flight
Not your life that's like
trying to fight atomic war with a knife
Fight like mike with control not physically
If ignorance is bliss that explain my misery
I?m clear in my vision b, solve your mystery
Compete with me you get whitewashed like
black history
Repeat hook
Bridge
It?s not all gravy, man dem is shady
Tings is crazy but that don't phase me
It?s not all gravy, man dem is shady
Tings is crazy but that don't phase me
Get yours, there's only one life to live
You gotta feed your kids, you gotta eat real big
Young soldier you can do whatever you want to
And no one out there can stop you
Not sure just watch me for practice
In these board meetings
taking cheese off crackers
You actors are not factors, I see the bluff
Cos you sell crack
it does not mean that you're tough
It?s the matrix and it's blatant you paper thugs
are not ready yet
For getting unplugged
Grown man still talking like:
"You know who I am, where I?m from"
Bredren what the f**k are you on?
Telling the world who you shot
And what are you earning,
When you get popped that will not stop it from
burning
So it's worthless, you gots to be a soldier
Watch me grind
You?ll understand it as you get older
Nothing pretty but when I do things the job's
over
Never stick at that critical moment, I'm potent
I'm focused, you jokers can't see me
I feel like a marksman at point blank
It is too easy
"Roll Wid Us" is a song by Akala, a British rapper, poet, and activist. The song is about Akala’s life experiences, including his struggles, achievements, and aspirations. In the first verse, Akala talks about his talent for rapping and how it has been refined over the years. He also showcases his intelligence by mentioning his early exams and the fact that he is one of Britain's best mathematicians. Akala then challenges his competition to either engage in scholarship politics or go to war with hollow tips. He emphasizes that he has a purpose on earth and he is not ready to go yet. In the hook, Akala tells people to join his movement or get left behind. In the second verse, Akala talks about his ambition to become global and how he is on a journey from being poor and hopeful to owning shoe companies and yards on the coast. Akala then talks about his philosophy on life, saying that you have to get what you want, feed your kids, and eat real big because there is only one life to live. He encourages young soldiers to pursue their dreams and not let anyone stop them. In the bridge, Akala acknowledges that things are not easy, but he is not afraid of the challenges. He criticizes fake people who act tough but are not ready for the unplugging moment. He emphasizes that he is focused and that his critics cannot see him. He compares himself to a marksman at point blank and says that it is too easy.
Overall, "Roll Wid Us" is a powerful song with a message of hope, ambition, and unity. Akala draws on his personal experiences to inspire his listeners and rally them to his cause. He challenges them to join him in his movement or risk falling behind. He emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and pursuing one's goals with determination and resilience.
Line by Line Meaning
It's my time like it or not gotta ride
I am determined to make the most of my time and opportunities, and I will not hesitate to take action.
Can?t fight, this thing?ll take you with it like a landslide
Success and driven ambition are powerful and unstoppable forces, and those who resist will be swept away or left behind.
My mind spitting rhymes refined as old wines
My creative output is honed and perfected through hard work and dedication.
No games since age 5 I hold mine
I have been dedicated to my craft since a young age and have a strong sense of personal responsibility and determination.
Never fell for the spells they tell in this world
I am not susceptible to the false narratives and illusions presented by society or popular culture.
I read Malcolm, you was learning to spell
While my peers were still focused on basic education, I was already expanding my knowledge and understanding of important historical figures and events.
I took exams early with the geeks in the school
I excelled academically and was able to take advanced exams with the most dedicated and studious students in my school.
Opened a business, you were still chasing your balls
While others were preoccupied with entertainment or frivolous pursuits, I took initiative and started my own business.
I spent my teens sticking but I'm one of Britain's best mathematicians
My dedication to my studies and academic pursuits has led me to be recognized as one of the most talented mathematicians in my country.
Official, I got the certificate
My accomplishments have been officially recognized and validated through academic credentials.
So however you want it kid, We could do scholarship politics or the opposite, War with hollow tips
My success and accomplishments can be leveraged in different ways, either through intellectual or physical struggles and competition.
No supathug, just I don't fear, why would I?
I do not feel the need to boast or act aggressive to assert my dominance, as I am confident in my ability and strength.
You bleed like me and breathe the same air
We are all human and share the same basic needs and vulnerabilities, regardless of our differences.
I got a purpose on this earth and I ain't ready to go, So if I gotta send you first then let it be so
I have a clear sense of my mission and goals in life, and I am willing to take risks or confront challenges to achieve them.
It?s bigger than the music, it's more like a movement, A unit a trueness spreading like rumours
My work and vision are part of a larger social and cultural movement, inspiring others to seek truth and authenticity.
They foolish, say I can't do it they doubt, Cos we acorns now Just watch out for the tree that sprouts When it does, remember I told you
Those who doubt my abilities or potential will be proven wrong, as my hard work and dedication will eventually lead to great achievements.
I'm going from local to global, Poor and hopeful, From glueing back shoes cos they showing my toes through To owning shoe companies and yards on the coastal
I am on a trajectory towards success and wealth, despite having humble origins and difficult circumstances.
If you real grab on, I?m taking the fam with me, But hold on tight cos we movin real swiftly
Those who are loyal and supportive of me will be rewarded and included in my journey towards success, but they must also be prepared for rapid change and growth.
Fakes can't stop my flight, Not your life that's like trying to fight atomic war with a knife
Those who are insincere or deceptive will not be able to prevent my ascent to success, as their efforts are futile and ineffective.
Fight like mike with control not physically, If ignorance is bliss that explain my misery
I channel my energy and ambition towards strategic and calculated moves, not reckless or aggressive behavior. This is to avoid the pitfalls of foolish or naive action.
I?m clear in my vision b, solve your mystery, Compete with me you get whitewashed like black history
I have a clear and focused sense of my goals and aspirations, and I am not distracted by those who may try to compete or undermine me. Additionally, I will easily overcome any challenges or discrimination I face, just as black history has been unjustly erased or misinterpreted.
It?s not all gravy, man dem is shady, Tings is crazy but that don't phase me
Although there are obstacles and difficulties in life, such as deceitful people and chaotic circumstances, I am not deterred or shaken by them.
Get yours, there's only one life to live, You gotta feed your kids, you gotta eat real big, Young soldier you can do whatever you want to, And no one out there can stop you
We must each take proactive and deliberate actions to achieve success and security, especially for the sake of our families and loved ones. Additionally, we should believe in our own potential and not be discouraged by external factors or others' negative opinions or influences.
Not sure just watch me for practice, In these board meetings taking cheese off crackers
I am confident in my skills and tactics, and have already achieved success and power in the business world.
You actors are not factors, I see the bluff, Cos you sell crack it does not mean that you're tough
Those who pretend to be tough or successful will be exposed and discredited, and criminality or illegal activity does not equate to genuine strength or achievement.
It?s the matrix and it's blatant you paper thugs are not ready yet, For getting unplugged
The societal and cultural norms are superficial and misleading, and those who rely on false pretenses or illusions will not be able to succeed or adapt to change.
Grown man still talking like: "You know who I am, where I'm from" Bredren what the f**k are you on?
Those who are still focused on flashy or superficial aspects of their identity or background are misguided and not able to engage in meaningful discussion or action.
Telling the world who you shot And what are you earning, When you get popped that will not stop it from burning
Those who boast about their criminal or violent activities are ultimately putting themselves and others in danger, and will not be able to escape the consequences or harm caused by their actions.
So it's worthless, you gots to be a soldier, Watch me grind You'll understand it as you get older
Only those who are truly committed and hardworking will be able to achieve lasting success and overcome obstacles. Others will eventually understand this through their own experiences and maturation.
Nothing pretty but when I do things the job's over, Never stick at that critical moment, I'm potent, I'm focused, you jokers can't see me, I feel like a marksman at point blank, It is too easy
Although my work may not always look or feel glamorous, I am an efficient and effective worker who does not falter or hesitate when it matters most. My focus and skill make me feel invincible and unstoppable, like a skilled marksman.
Contributed by London L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@mb7983
I rediscover this tune every 2 years or so, this sh*t doesn't age!!! Timeless!!
@djbigd312
Standard definitely agree 100%
@RealVersatile
I remember this on Channel U back in the day. I didn't clock the lyrical content in this. Akala is a true MC
@theofficialunofficial7805
Yo
@AnthonyLivingstone
Magic!!
@danash8067
Channel U awesome 🤪 is that still going ?
@SpecialOrder_937
CAHNNEL U MAN yes !
@sharkeyes
Still one of the coldest beats ever created you can almost smell London
@alexignacious4136
Best way to describe it...London through and through
@ghostoftheyoutubefuture2630
It was great when this was the sound of London but now the London sound is swimming pool music lol