What makes music connect to the people, is the way it makes you feel when you hear it. that type of music that makes you want to take on the feel of the record as your own. When you hear AK3’s music, you feel a mood that’s so player that you feel like you can handle anything with finesse, and vibe out to the tunes. That’s most evident on his new release “Briefcase” that has that smooth west coast feel that makes you enjoy life. AK3 was gracious enough to take some time and answer some questions for us. Below is the interview.
Who is AK3 the artist?
AK3 is unapologetically focused on women, living good and making money. I can’t say it’s far from who I am. However, while I give off an outgoing vibe in the music I’m for sure an introvert.
Who are some of the influences and how do you incorporate that into the music?
I listen to a lot of different music, so my inspirations go so far. I could say Alice In Chains, Erykah Badu, Brandy, Jamiroquai or whatever but I’ll keep it Hip-Hop with you. I grew up on east coast hip hop primarily but once I got around my family from California and that with being raised for a period in the south, all I was exposed to is West Coast music left and right. Dre, Snoop, E40, Pac, Spice 1, Dogg Pound, etc.
What was the creative process for your new song “Briefcase”?
The creative process involved medicinals and a lack of sleep. All I can say *laughs*
How does it feel now that “Briefcase” is out for people to hear?
It feels good that it’s finally out for everyone to get to enjoy. Dropping it was actually an on the fly type thing. I was only releasing “Hell 2 Heaven” but once it was recorded it was perfect to us. Everybody in the studio was vibing too heavy. I just knew I had to make it a double feature to warm them up for the album this summer.
What is the biggest thing you want people to take away from your music?
Don’t look at the surface and box me in. I talk pimpish and talk about women, money, etc. With that being said this is the man in the music. I talk more vulnerably on “Hell 2 Heaven” and I’m not afraid to try that on songs. I have to tell people just detox negativity and relax through the vibes I’m putting out. I can’t release anything I won’t smoke to. That’s point blank
If you could give any advice to someone looking to become an independent artist, what would it be?
Being an independent artist is a full time grind. In all honesty you’re going to get as much as you put in. It takes so much time and money but the passion determines if it’s worth it. I’ve spent whole paychecks and ate pizza rolls all to make sure that the music is solid. You have to want this enough to be uncomfortable before you can ultimately find the comfort & success. Stay motivated and stay laser focused.
What’s next for AK3?
There’s a lot going on this year to say the least. I’m getting my hands in some different avenues of content creation and I’ll be putting out some limited releases from our clothing brand “Diamond Royale Brand” as well. All type of merch and just other branded things that will be coming. As far as music goes, you can expect my full album “Free AK” this July under S.L.I.E Recordings.
Check out AK3 “Briefcase” below and follow him on Instagram. Stay Global my Friends!
