HERE YE, HERE YE!
I hereby declare the second coming of André 3000. Alkebulan captivates his listeners with every song on his EP, Coup d’état. Embodying its title, Coup d’état is a force to be reckoned with. The 26 year-old rapper effortlessly coasts over mesmerizing beats and delivers every bar with fervor. Don’t get it confused, the reference to 3 Stacks, is just that, a reference. Alkebulan is his own artist. Unique in name, aesthetics, verbiage, and overall message.
Alkebulan, is not the most common name in the world, but it’s a name that is majestic in meaning. Alkebulan is defined as “Africa’s true name, Alkebu-lan ‘mother of mankind’ or ‘garden of eden.’ Alkebulan is the oldest and the only word of indigenous origin. It was used by the Moors, Nubians, Numidians, Khart-Haddans (Carthagenians), and Ethiopians. Africa, the current misnomer adopted by almost everyone today , was given to this continent by the ancient Greeks and Romans.“
The Riverdale rapper has five projects in total. His debut EP, Luna, dropped in 2011. In early 2013 Alkebulan released three separate projects: Nibiru, Panther + Fox, and Ankh and in late 2015 he gave us Coup D’etat.
I had the chance to pick his very intricate mind, and I must say, I am impressed.
Q: Do you tell everyone the significance of your name? From what I’m getting it seems to have shaped you a lot as a person.
A: “When people ask me I do. It’s definitely apart of who I am and a name I want to live up to. Everything I rap about are things I’ve learned, been through or viewed since I was a child.”
Q: Why did you decide to drop Nibiru, Panther + Fox, and Ankh at the same time?
A: “I dropped three to show my diversity as an artist. They were different vibes and messages. I didn’t want to be placed in a box.”
Q:Who are your musical influences?
A: “I really listen to so much. I grew up on all hip-hop since it’s start and of course the oldies R&B. Public enemy was my fav when I was 2 lol”
I had the pleasure of meeting Alkebulan at Young Thug and 21 Savage’s HiHorsed Tour, my first thought was “who is this guy, his demeanor is so serene at an event like this.” Low and behold, he is an eccentric rapper with double entrendres, metaphors, hyperboles, alliterations, and personification woven through his lyrics.
Alkebulan shared that he’ll be teaming up with super-producer duo, FKi. The team comprised of 1st Down and SauceLord Rich are responsible for Travis Porter‘s “Make It Rain,” 2 Chainz’s “Watch Out,” Post Malone’s youthful anthem “White Iverson,” as well as bangers for T.I., YG, and Juicy J. He plans to release his upcoming project at the top of 2017.
Make sure to follow Alkebulan on Soundcloud to stay up to date with his newest music.
