Nigerian Rapper Akinyemi Shares New Single "Finna" + Debut Album Forthcoming

Photo Credit: Emerson Bowstead

“[Akinyemi] hustles around the clock to push his unique sound to a growing fanbase.” – NOISEY

“The New York native is making waves with his stirring, ambient hip-hop.” – Wonderland

“[Akinyemi’s] wild delivery present a clear vision that refuses to compromise.” – Earmilk

“Deep introspective dives and reflective, laidback flows.” – Ones To Watch

24-year-old Queens, New York native Akinyemi’s take on hip hop reveals a fully self-actualized artist focused on his craft and asserting his independence. Dark and sinister beats serve as ambient backdrops to Akinyemi’s impassioned lyrics that explore his inner psyche and the pressures of growing up as a first-generation immigrant.

Akinyemi’s forthcoming debut album “Warrior’s Fate (Ep. 1)“ (due April 15th) explores his internal struggle to maintain the culture and values of his heritage while also immersing himself into the NYC ethos. The result is a story that is uniquely his own. The album’s title, “Warriors Fate,” is a translation of Akinyemi’s name, which comes from the Yoruba tribe in his family’s ancestral home of Lagos, Nigeria. The album showcases Akinyemi’s unorthodox approach to life and what being a warrior means to him. For Akinyemi, someone who is a warrior doesn’t have to be strong, physically that is. Akinyemi focuses on mental strength on this record, touching on the empathic component of a warrior, which in turn has ignited the flame for creating as Akinyemi transitions into making music as his full-time job.

The VICE produced video “Seaworld” is a brilliant illustration of what Akinyemi has to offer. Playing with themes of lo-fi and reflective hip-hop, the just-shy-of-three-minute journey is equal parts wistful and spirited. It is the calm and collected braggadocio of an artist wholly prepared to stay true to himself and his roots, built around sonic textures that are infectious in its understated approach.

Contrast that with Akinyemi’s latest single “Finna,” which brings in heavier-hitting production by Brasstracks while Akinyemi showcases his range and dexterous flow. “It’s a song about putting in work and laying out a game plan of all the things you will and won’t put up with,” Akinyemi shares about the song.

“First verse is kinda laying the framework on how I’m trying to make moves next year. ‘When I’m broke I’m finna fix it, my goals on my wall.’ It’s kinda foreshadowing the future, where the second verse, the future is here and now so to speak. So much so, I can smell the new space, the three gates, the four maids and even the blue couch I’ll sit on in my new mansion.”

“Warrior’s Fate (Ep. 1)“ is out April 15th and is executive produced by Brasstracks with additional production credits by Pink Sweats’ producer Doc and Two Feet collaborator Huff. Akinyemi will celebrate the release of his album with a show at Elsewhere on April 25th.

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Akinyemi – Finna

Akinyemi – Warrior’s Fate LP Tracklist:

1. Reborn (prod. Brasstracks)

2. I Remember (prod. Doc)

3. Selfish (feat. Shane Garcia)

4. Cavalier (prod. 1821)

5. Finna (prod. Brasstracks)

6. Breathe (prod. Doc & Elijah Fox)

7. Sawed Off (Prod. Adamm)

8. Seaworld (prod. Doc, Elijah Fox & Gabe Monro)

9. One Call (prod. Dan Edinburg)