Akir first entered the hip-hop scene as an on-air personality with WNMH 97.9 (Mass.) from 1994 to 1996. In 1998, he ranked 2nd out of 50 in Howard University's Verbal Armageddon, MC competition. Akir sought to improve his musical talent and began to focus on production. Collaborating with his brother and business partner Southpaw, he co-produced for Immortal Technique's debut album Revolutionary Vol. 1. Soon after, Akir released his first single, "Best Friend", on DJ N'finit's mix CD, The Blockbuster Vol. 1, through his own production company, One Enterprises.
In November 2005, Akir and 10 other up and coming emcees formed the group The Reavers, and released the album Terror Firma. Soon after, One Enterprises and Viper Records joined to release Akir's debut solo album, Legacy. Soon after the release of Legacy, Akir received Source Magazines "Unsigned Hype" award in the Jan-Feb 2005 issue[1] and "Off The Radar" spotlight in the April 2006 issue.[2] Other notable publicity has been receiving XXL Magazine's "Chairmans Choice" in the October 2005 issue[3] and "Show and Prove" spotlight in the June 2006 issue.[4] In 2006, Akir appeared as a model for Mecca 5star apparel, appearing in ad campaigns in magazines and billboards.[5]
Akir has completed two international tours (Vans Warped Tour, Fort Minor 06), 7 domestic tours and over 200 shows. He has performed with a variety of acts such as: Nas, Kool G Rap, Mos Def, Styles P, KRS-One, Ghostface Killah, The Game, Talib Kweli, Saigon, Dead Prez, Little Brother, Jean Grae, Masta Ace, Wordsworth, Vast Aire, Brother Ali and Immortal Technique.
Politricks
Akir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don't follow the news
They just add to my blues
Politicians and their big feets
Could never fill my shoes
They don't care, think all well off welfare
It's hell here
Why should I vote like it's ever been fair?
We hit hard like still melons
Smile intentions of the founders, and they still countin'
No child left behind, read between the lines
Tryin' to control
Their precious minds
Armies in the school line
Ridicule, for tryin' riddling Junkies
What a powerful country
That keeps, promotin off flunkies
18 years old and your brain is like lunch meat
Programmed to follow these dummies
To the suburbs to the slum streets
Pull us over soon as they see blacks in the front seat
So I'ma run streets, fuck freaks and causing dumb beats
Me and mine is gonna be fine
Fuck standin' at the picket line
I'm tryin' to get these dollar signs
Dodgin' time
[Verse 2]
Yo
Politicians that be gargling that garbage shit
Borgawood anonymous
Officers the opposite
Doctrines for illegal tended documents
Pocketin' the profits of the rockets
While they kick us out the projects, logic
Surprsing' common sense
Risin' occupants
Supply the vitamins
Survivin' and they got you doin' 5 to 10
Just the other day, I was pissin' out some toxins
When the cops rolled by
I gotta take it on the block again
Sendin' letters included
As a child offender for indecent exposure
I should'a looked over my shoulder
My cousin got locked
Pop's lost his job, we evicted
Waitin' on section 8
But the list had been restricted
A Lexus hit and I missed it
I was dealin' with some real shit
My brother joined the service
Not even nervous to get hit
Saying that he's out kid, geek
They got Saddam ousted
I pray because he's bout' it
Now he's tryin'a get up out it
[Verse 3]
They make's us wanna shoot the coppers
Like they makin' rolling robbers
For the pride in which they rob us
Every time that they stop us
He try to give us vouchers
To move us out the hood
But when we try to use 'em
Damn the shit's is no good
I got a letter from my brother
Said the media confuse ya
The Army Navy game
Was slippin' Quarters from Fallujah
No proper armor when they move us
Damn we Trapped, Cursed
Shiites is soon to surround us in Iraq
Kerry lost
Colin Powell doin the town
Ashcroft's assed off
The shit is even getting more foul
Network, of elected delegates
Are all derelicts
Look how shiesty Kerry get
Damn it's all relevant
It's never how they tell it is
So I gotta get my shit straight
And handle my biz
The next time I have to go vote
I might go
Plus I heard there's a lot of jobs
And lot of fine ass hoe's, in Ohio
The lyrics of Akir's song "Politricks" criticize the political system in the United States, arguing that it is corrupt and that it does not take care of the needs of the citizens. The first verse expresses the artist's frustration with politicians and the news cycle, as they do not seem to care about the hardships and struggles of those they are supposed to serve. Akir highlights the lack of care for those in need, juxtaposing that with politicians who enjoy numerous privileges. The mention of "no child left behind" is an example of political policies that are supposed to help, but are actually detrimental. The verse also addresses issues of racism and police brutality, with the line "Pull us over soon as they see blacks in the front seat."
The second verse continues the criticism of the political system by highlighting the hypocrisy of politicians and their practices. It seems like they are only interested in their own gain, and they disregard the welfare of the poor who are constantly being kicked out of the projects. The artist also shares a personal story about himself and his family, further emphasizing how politics affects the everyday lives of individuals. The last verse ends with a sense of disillusionment but also encouragement for the future, stating that the artist must get his "shit straight" and "handle [his] biz." The last line about Ohio brings up the idea of changing the political situation through voting and the hopes of finding work.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't follow the news
I do not pay attention to the news
They just add to my blues
Hearing about politics always brings me down
Politicians and their big feets
Politicians are clumsy and incapable of doing anything useful
Could never fill my shoes
Politicians cannot understand my struggles
They don't care, think all well off welfare
Politicians do not care about poor people and assume everyone on welfare is lazy
It's hell here
Living in poverty is a living hell
Why should I vote like it's ever been fair?
Voting has never made a difference for people in poverty
My people in despair, they still balance
My community is struggling, but we are still trying to survive
We hit hard like still melons
We face many obstacles and hardships
Smile intentions of the founders, and they still countin'
Politicians claim to have good intentions, but they only care about their own gain
No child left behind, read between the lines
The 'No Child Left Behind' policy is not what it seems
Tryin' to control
Politicians are trying to manipulate young minds
Their precious minds
Politicians view young minds as a resource to control
Armies in the school line
The school system is heavily influenced by military tactics
Ridicule, for tryin' riddling Junkies
Those who challenge the status quo are often mocked and dismissed
What a powerful country
The United States is a powerful country
That keeps, promotin off flunkies
The government promotes mediocre people who are easily manipulated
18 years old and your brain is like lunch meat
At 18, young adults are easily swayed and manipulated
Programmed to follow these dummies
People are conditioned to follow leaders who don't have their best interests at heart
To the suburbs to the slum streets
People are stuck in cycles of poverty that are difficult to break
Pull us over soon as they see blacks in the front seat
Black people are unfairly targeted and discriminated against by law enforcement
So I'ma run streets, fuck freaks and causing dumb beats
I will rebel against the system and live my life on my own terms
Me and mine is gonna be fine
I will take care of my loved ones and ensure our survival
Fuck standin' at the picket line
Peaceful protest is not effective in creating change
I'm tryin' to get these dollar signs
I am trying to make money to improve my life
Dodgin' time
I am trying to avoid getting in trouble with the law
Politicians that be gargling that garbage shit
Politicians are dishonest and talk nonsense
Borgawood anonymous
The government is like a faceless entity with no accountability
Officers the opposite
Law enforcement is not working in the best interest of citizens
Doctrines for illegal tended documents
Politicians create laws that are not meant to be followed
Pocketin' the profits of the rockets
Politicians benefit from war and weapons manufacturing
While they kick us out the projects, logic
Government is neglecting low-income communities and prioritizing military spending
Surprsing' common sense
The government's actions defy common sense
Risin' occupants
People are trying to survive despite government neglect
Supply the vitamins
People are taking care of themselves despite lack of government support
Survivin' and they got you doin' 5 to 10
People who are struggling are more likely to end up in the criminal justice system
Just the other day, I was pissin' out some toxins
I was trying to improve my health despite a lack of resources
When the cops rolled by
I was harassed by law enforcement
I gotta take it on the block again
I have to keep living my life despite the dangers
Sendin' letters included
The government is communicating with me
As a child offender for indecent exposure
I was punished for a minor offense that was not harmful to anyone
I should'a looked over my shoulder
I should have been more careful to avoid getting in trouble with the law
My cousin got locked
My family member was incarcerated
Pop's lost his job, we evicted
My father lost his job and we had to leave our home
Waitin' on section 8
I am waiting for housing assistance
But the list had been restricted
The government is not providing enough assistance to those in need
A Lexus hit and I missed it
I was distracted by other problems and missed an opportunity
I was dealin' with some real shit
I was struggling with significant personal issues
My brother joined the service
My sibling enlisted in the military
Not even nervous to get hit
My family member is brave and committed
Saying that he's out kid, geek
My family member is confident in his decision to leave
They got Saddam ousted
The government removed Saddam Hussein from power
I pray because he's bout' it
I hope that Saddam Hussein was actually a good leader
Now he's tryin'a get up out it
My family member is trying to leave the military
They make's us wanna shoot the coppers
Law enforcement's actions make people feel violent and angry
Like they makin' rolling robbers
Law enforcement is hurting the community instead of protecting it
For the pride in which they rob us
Law enforcement is taking advantage of their power and authority
Every time that they stop us
Law enforcement is constantly harassing and targeting the community
He try to give us vouchers
The government is trying to incentivize poor people to leave their communities
To move us out the hood
The government is trying to displace low-income communities
But when we try to use 'em
The assistance provided by the government is inadequate
Damn the shit's is no good
The assistance provided by the government is useless
I got a letter from my brother
My family member communicated with me
Said the media confuse ya
The media is not truthful and often misleads people
The Army Navy game
People in the military are not treated fairly and are used for entertainment
Was slippin' Quarters from Fallujah
The military is stealing from the communities they are supposed to protect
No proper armor when they move us
The military is not properly equipped to protect soldiers
Damn we Trapped, Cursed
The military is stuck in a dangerous and difficult situation
Shiites is soon to surround us in Iraq
The military is facing hostile situations in other countries
Kerry lost
The political candidate I supported lost the election
Colin Powell doin the town
A government official is behaving recklessly and irresponsibly
Ashcroft's assed off
A government official is no longer in office
The shit is even getting more foul
The government's actions are becoming more corrupt and immoral
Network, of elected delegates
The political system is made up of elected officials
Are all derelicts
Politicians are neglecting their duties and responsibilities
Look how shiesty Kerry get
Politicians are dishonest and cannot be trusted
Damn it's all relevant
Everything is connected and has an impact
It's never how they tell it is
Politicians are not truthful and always manipulate the truth
So I gotta get my shit straight
I need to take responsibility for my life and make things better
And handle my biz
I will take care of my personal affairs
The next time I have to go vote
I will participate in the political process
I might go
I might choose to vote
Plus I heard there's a lot of jobs
There are opportunities for work in some places
And lot of fine ass hoe's, in Ohio
There are attractive women in Ohio
Contributed by Oliver R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.