AK on Life in New Jersey, Connecting with Fans & Advice for Upcoming Creatives

Hailing from the Garden State, Hip Hop artist AK firmly planted his feet in the music industry with his uncanny lyrical abilities and undeniable talent. The 20-year-old rapper from South Brunswick, New Jersey quickly took the internet by storm after releasing his remixed freestyle covers of top hip-hop tracks, stamped with his own creative spin.

Now, with 1.6 Million subscribers and well over 140 Million views on his YouTube channel, AK has successfully branched out and moved on to creating his own original music. AK’s original music impacted with immediate success, landing him spots on the iTunes Hip-Hop Charts in the US (#20) and four other countries (#25) - including his first #1 for single “Now I’m Forever”.

After completing his 2019 Nationwide Tour and releasing several successful original singles, AK dropped his latest EP ‘On Me’ in Spring 2020. AK ambitiously released music videos to accompany every single track on the project. Apart from his EP, AK’s single “Top of the World” was featured on ESPN’s First Take and E Sports League Poland.

Most recently, AK touched on the hustle with a new single, "Good Thing". Even though the single was released not too long ago, it already has over a 350k YouTube views. So, it was only right to catch up with AK to congratulate him on his recent success, as well as get to know the budding artist better.

Tune into AK's Hype Off Life exclusive, where he gets into life in New Jersey, advice for upcoming YouTubers, and why now is the perfect time for a song like "Good Thing". Right now and only on Hype Off Life 👊🏾

You’re fresh off the release of your new single, "Good Thing" produced by Goldmvn, which already has a quarter million views. What inspired you to write the track?

It was just a feeling I had when Goldmvn first chopped the lead sample. I just felt a burst of hunger. I was just so amped about where I am right now and I just carried that energy into the lyrics I guess. It was really just a vibe I felt and ran with.

Why is it important for fans to hear this one?

I feel like this kind of song will help them tap into their inner hustler. We all have things we like doing, hobbies, passions, etc. I feel like this song is a good motivator to push people in general, not just my fans alone to get better and work at whatever they like doing/are passionate about.

So, you’re from New Jersey. What’s the Hip Hop scene like out there?

The town I’m from - South Brunswick there’s a lot of people who make music. But, I've always kept to myself because from the jump I recognized my hunger and vision for this especially in the beginning was beyond those around me. I knew where I wanted to be when I started and I’ve kept my head down and been learning and growing tryna do whatever it takes to make myself into the best all around artist I can be. And when I first started I realized I had a very high ceiling and even through all the work I've put in since the jump, I’ve yet to even come close to what that ceiling is and that drives and excites me to learn and do even more.

Aside from yourself, who else do you think has next from New Jersey?

To keep it transparent I don't really know many people from Jersey who have been making music like that. At least as far as I know personally. So, it’s hard to say truthfully who has next after me. I just focus on my own craft, I know the things I’m capable of.

Who are your biggest influences when it comes to rap?

J. Cole, Hopsin, Post Malone, Roddy Ricch

When you write, do you just flow straight from the heart or are you more methodical with it?

I mix the two.. I'll go in and freestyle melodies from the heart I guess, whatever comes to me in the moment. Same with cadences and flows. And afterwards I'll come back and write to whatever that melody is or cadence. It's never the same though I like switching it up and keeping it fresh

You’ve had a lot of success on YouTube, currently clocking over 1 Million subscribers and 140 Million views. What advice do you have for those working on growing their channel?

Post quality content, consistently. Literally is that simple. You gotta find what you're good at while keeping in mind your love for it. You gotta actually love what you're doing or it will never work or inspire you to continue growing in that field

Why do you think your music resonates with so many people?

Not to be sad boy, but I always felt a lack of connection with people growing up and that carried on as I got older. I feel like that feeling of being misunderstood because people made their assumptions about me before they got to know me is what drove me to find that connection. And music is my vessel for connecting with people. And I feel that’s a huge reason my words, experiences and perspectives resonate with so many people.

What’s the best piece of advice someone has given you?

Give effort to your happiness. Shoutout my Dad.

If you could rewind back to when you first got started, what would you do differently?

Nothing. I’m so proud and thankful that my path took me the way it did.

What is your ultimate goal?

Have a wife and kids. And raise my family with love and peace in all aspects.