I rhyme words on beats. Sometimes in the studio, sometimes on stage.

And I say shit they don't want us to say.

BIOGRAPHY
It takes a lot of balls walking up to Jay-Z. But that’s exactly what Kingston, Jamaica born Akilah did when a mutual acquaintance gave her the opportunity to meet the God MC during a 2005 record release party for Ne-Yo. After a brief verbal exchange, Jay gave the upstart two words of advice that she’s embraced ever since: “Come harder.” Blessed with a go-getter spirit and determination, Ms. Akilah Brock has matched her talent with a hustle Mr. Carter couldn’t deny. 

Akilah has always been impassioned by the arts. After being transplanted from the home of Bob Marley to the birthplace of Nas (Queens, NY) as an infant, the little Leo would be introduced to dancing and modeling at an early age. While attending the highly prestigious Benjamin Cardozo High School, Akilah became the director for Senior S.I.N.G., a high school performance competition that put her in charge of 75 of her classmates. Unfortunately it would take tragedy for Akilah to embrace her immense leadership and musical potential. 

In October 2004 Akilah’s mother passed away due to Cancer. Looking for an emotional outlet, she poured her pain into a heartfelt poem called “Sunrise to Sunset.” Reciting the powerful words to her friends at every instance, Akilah finally recorded the poem as a song on the one-year anniversary of her mother’s passing. After that first experience in the studio, Akilah the artist was born. “I was able to release so many emotions,” she remembers. “It just felt like the words were coming from another place.”

Inspired by artists like Salt-N-Pepa, The Notorious B.I.G. and Onyx, Akilah set out to craft songs with mass appeal and a message. Her successful mission can be heard on her eclectic debut "TE$TIMONEY", with inspirational tracks like the rise-up anthem “Get It In” and the rock-tinged “Automatic Addict”. There’s also her current single, “Icy Hot,” which is a standout party cut that will keep dance floors packed and have bodies rockin’ all night long.

It’s the road to success for Akilah Brock. With killer curves, colorful music and an equally as imaginative marketing plan packed for her journey, not even Jay-Z could knock her hustle.

Former Psychiatrist, Medical Journalist. Poetess and much more :)

The Guardian Long Read - audio versions of our regular long reads published online and in the newspaper Monday through Friday.  The long reads are long form articles on a wide variety of topics from global politics to the big cultural debates of our time.

For the print version go to - http://www.theguardian.com/news/series/the-long-read

The Academy of American Poets is the largest membership-based nonprofit organization fostering an appreciation for contemporary poetry and supporting American poets. For over three generations, the Academy has connected millions of people to great poetry through programs such as National Poetry Month, the largest literary celebration in the world; Poets.org, the Academy’s popular website; American Poet, a biannual literary journal; and an annual series of poetry readings and special events. Since its founding, the Academy has awarded more money to poets than any other organization.

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