Ak'Sent

Last updated

Aksent
Birth nameKrystle Kantrece Johnson
Born (1987-05-29) May 29, 1987 (age 37)
Origin Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres Hip hop, R&B
Occupation(s)Rapper, Dancer, Actress
Years active2003–Present
Labels Capitol (Worldwide, 20032006)
Avex (Japan only, 20072009)
Website www.facebook.com/TeamAksent/

Krystle Kantrece Johnson (born May 29, 1987), better known by her stage name Ak'Sent, is an American rapper. She is from Los Angeles, California.

Contents

Early life and career

Ak'Sent's father Charles Johnson is of African-American descent, while her mother Magali Padilla is of Mexican descent. Ak'Sent grew up quickly thanks to a rough childhood. [1] [2] Her father was an aspiring rapper caught up in the gang lifestyle and was killed in a gang shooting when she was four years old, and with her mother unable to support her on her own, she was sent to live with her grandparents in South Central, Los Angeles. Ak'Sent was signed to Capitol Records when she was only 16. Since then she has worked with a number of well-known professionals such as The Jugganauts, DJ Quik, & Beenie Man. [3] Ak'Sent aims to avoid the glorification of violence and prefers to think of Hip-Hop as a form of "street poetry." [2] [4] Her first album, International, was released on September 26, 2006. [3] She released her second album Gem-In-I under the Avex label. [5] It was released on July 16, 2008 in Japan only. [5] She is currently recording her third album and a mixtape.

Behind the music

Although Ak'Sent signed to a major label when she was only 16 years old, her African-American/Latino background had her wondering where to fit in. Adding to her challenges, rap music wasn't allowed in her grandparents' house, but as Ak'Sent learned more about her father's hip-hop aspirations, she decided she should carry on in his honor. She eventually spent time in several R&B-based girl groups and began dance training with Debbie Allen. One showcase at the age of 16 had the young multi-talent signed to Capitol and working with the production duo The Jugganauts. Ak'Sent was especially excited about the Caribbean-styled beats the Jugganauts were working on, and soon she was writing a series of dancehall numbers. One was the future hit "Zingy", featuring guest star Beenie Man, who Ak'Sent herself had chosen because she was a huge fan. Her debut International landed in 2006 with a Spanish-language remix of "Zingy" and an ode to her departed father titled "My Life". [6]

Discography

Albums

International

Release Date: September 26, 2006, [3] Japan Dec 15, 2007 [7]

Allmusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg link

Track listing [7]
Includes bonus track (Japan)

  1. "My Life"
  2. "Zingy" featuring Beenie Man
  3. "Pick Up"
  4. "The Bomb"
  5. "All I Need"
  6. "Sak Passe"
  7. #1
  8. "If U Were My Baby"
  9. "Be Careful"
  10. "We Rule"
  11. "Krunk Krunk"
  12. "I Gets Down"
  13. "My Peoples"
  14. "Keep It Movin'"
  15. "International"
  16. "Zingy" featuring Beenie Man & Sinful (Spanish Version)
  17. "Where I Come From"
  18. "Hold Up"
  19. "Bounce"
Gem-In-I

Release Date: July 16, 2008 (Japan only) [5]

Track listing [5]

  1. "Stronger"
  2. "Losing Control"
  3. "Big City"
  4. "U So Hollywood"
  5. "Lock Him Down"
  6. "We R The Party"
  7. "Hot Girl"
  8. "Low"
  9. "Crush"
  10. "Sexxxy"
  11. "Can't Say No"
  12. "I Hate Love"
  13. "Hoodhustlin'"
  14. "Hood Boy"

Singles

YearSongChart positionsAlbum
US Rhythmic Top 40 [9]
2006"Zingy"32International
Music videos
YearTitleAlbum
2006"Zingy" featuring Beenie Man International
"All I Need"
"I Gets Down"
2008"Losing Control"Gem-In-I

Compilation appearances

Other appearances

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eurythmics</span> British new wave duo

Eurythmics were a British new wave duo formed in 1980, consisting of Scottish vocalist Annie Lennox and English musician and producer Dave Stewart. They were both previously in the Tourists, a band that broke up in 1980. They released their first studio album, In the Garden, in 1981 to little success, but achieved global acclaim with their second album, Sweet Dreams (1983). The title track became a worldwide hit, reaching number two in the UK Singles Chart, and number one in Canada and the US Billboard Hot 100. Eurythmics went on to release a string of hit singles and albums, including "Love Is a Stranger", "There Must Be an Angel " and "Here Comes the Rain Again", before splitting in 1990.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nivea (singer)</span> American R&B singer (born 1982)

Nivea B. Hamilton, known mononymously as Nivea, is an American R&B singer. She has released three studio albums: her self-titled debut (2001), followed up by Complicated (2005), Animalistic (2006), and an independently released extended play Nivea: Undercover (2011). In 2019, she released her album Mirrors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Angie Martinez</span> American radio host and rapper (born 1971)

Angela "Angie" Martinez is a Puerto Rican-American radio personality, podcaster, and former rapper and actress. Dubbed "The Voice of New York", Martinez is widely known for her 28-year run at New York City station Hot 97 (WQHT). She left the station in 2014 to join crosstown competitor Power 105.1 (WWPR).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chingy</span> American rapper (born 1980)

Howard Earl Bailey Jr., known professionally as Chingy, is an American rapper from St. Louis, Missouri. He toured as an opening act with fellow St. Louis rapper Nelly in 2002, and signed with Georgia-based rapper Ludacris' record label, Disturbing tha Peace (DTP), that same year. Released in a joint-venture with Capitol Records, his 2003 debut single, "Right Thurr" peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Deana Carter</span> American country singer-songwriter (born 1966)

Deana Kay Carter is an American country music singer-songwriter who broke through in 1996 with the release of her debut album Did I Shave My Legs for This?, which was certified 5× Multi-Platinum in the United States for sales of over 5 million. It was followed by 1998's Everything's Gonna Be Alright, 2003's I'm Just a Girl, 2005's The Story of My Life, and 2007's The Chain. Overall, Carter's albums have accounted for 14 singles, including three which reached Number One on the Billboard country charts: "Strawberry Wine", "We Danced Anyway", and "How Do I Get There".

<i>A Song for ××</i> 1999 studio album by Ayumi Hamasaki

A Song for ×× is the debut studio album by Japanese singer Ayumi Hamasaki, released on New Year's Day 1999 by Avex Trax. It was entirely written by Hamasaki herself, while the production was handled by Japanese musician Max Matsuura. Primarily a pop rock album, it features musical composition and arrangements by Yasuhiko Hoshino, Mitsuru Igarashi of Every Little Thing fame, and others. In this album, Hamasaki wrote about her confusion and uncertainty about life, expressed her expectations and hopes for the future, and expressed her gratitude to the fans who love her.

<i>Sweet 19 Blues</i> 1996 studio album by Namie Amuro

Sweet 19 Blues is the second studio album by Japanese singer Namie Amuro. It was released through Avex Trax on July 22, 1996. It is Amuro's first release with the label since leaving Toshiba-EMI, as well as her first album free of material associated with her previous band, Super Monkey's. Sweet 19 Blues was executive produced by Tetsuya Komuro and features a diverse group of collaborators, including Cozy Kubo, Akio Togashi, Takahiro Maeda, M.c.A.T, and Randy Waldman.

The Goldmind, Inc. is an American record label founded in 1997 by rapper Missy Elliott. Elliott and Goldmind were once distributed through East West Records & Elektra Entertainment Group, Until 2004 when Time Warner sold WMG to a private investment group. The new owners then merged the Elektra with sister label Atlantic Records, transferring Elliott and Goldmind. Goldmind is home to Missy Elliott, specializing in R&B/hip-hop/soul music.

Canela is an American R&B singer and songwriter. She is best known in the mixtape circuit for her DJ Clue-remixed song, "Sponsor", and for co-writing Anastacia's worldwide top 20 hit, "Why'd You Lie to Me". She once recorded an album in 2001, however it was shelved after her label folded.

"Who Am I (Sim Simma)", or simply "Who Am I", is a reggae single released by dancehall artist Beenie Man in 1998. It is the second track on his album Many Moods of Moses released in 1997.

<i>Things Happen for a Reason</i> 2007 studio album by CheNelle

Things Happen for a Reason is the debut studio album by Malaysian-Australian singer Che'Nelle. It was first released on 22 August 2007, Japan via EMI Music Japan. An international release followed on 5 September 2007 by Capitol Records. It was her first commercial release after signing with the Capitol Music Group CEO Jason Flom. Sir Charles Dixon served as the album's executive producer, after he discovered Che'Nelle's music online and helped to secure her record deal. The album features productions from James Poyser, Oak Felder, Sean Garrett, Kara DioGuardi and Rich Harrison and The Lab Ratz. Che'Nelle either wrote or co-wrote the entire album. The album was largely mixed by Andrew Dawson. Three songs featured on "Things Happen for a Reason" sample songs performed by other artists.

<i>The Face</i> (album) 2008 studio album by BoA

The Face is the sixth Japanese studio album by South Korean recording artist BoA. It was released through Avex Trax on February 27, 2008. The full album contains a total of fifteen tracks and was released in three versions; a regular CD, CD and DVD bundle, and a limited first press edition. Recorded in Japanese with minor phrases in English, The Face is a pop album containing influences from electropop. BoA assumed greater creative control over the record in comparison to her previous releases.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Beenie Man discography</span>

Jamaican dancehall and reggae artist Beenie Man has released eighteen studio albums, seven compilation albums and eighteen singles.

<i>Colours</i> (Ayumi Hamasaki album) 2014 studio album by Ayumi Hamasaki

Colours is the fifteenth studio album by Japanese recording artist Ayumi Hamasaki. It was released on July 2, 2014, in Japan by Avex Trax, worldwide by Avex Entertainment Inc., and on July 18 in Taiwan by Avex Taiwan. The songs on the album were entirely written by Hamasaki, while production was led by long-time collaborator Max Matsuura; it also included a variety of Western producers such as Armin van Buuren, members from RedOne Productions De Paris and Rush, Darkchild, and Fedde Le Grand, among others. This became Hamasaki's first studio album to have not been fully produced by Matsuura, and her first album to incorporate a large amount of English language. Musically, Colours is an electronic dance music album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">NF (rapper)</span> American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer (born 1991)

Nathan John Feuerstein, known by his initials NF, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He has released two EPs, I'm Free (2012), and a self-titled EP in 2014 with Capitol CMG. His second and first major-label studio album, Mansion, was released on March 31, 2015. His third studio album, Therapy Session, was released on April 22, 2016, and peaked at number 12 on the US Billboard 200. His albums have earned several accolades, some of which include the Gospel Music Association Dove Award for Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year in 2016 and the Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year in 2017.

"Slip Away" is a song written by William Armstrong, Marcus Daniel, and Wilbur Terrell and performed by Clarence Carter, featured on the 1968 album This Is Clarence Carter.

"No Man's Land" is a song recorded by Japanese recording artist Kumi Koda, taken from her tenth studio album, Japonesque (2012). It was written by Koda, Mr. Blistah, Pete Kirtley, Jorge Mhondera, Samiya Berrabah, with production being done by long-time collaborator Max Matsuura. The song premiered on January 18, 2012 as the album's fifth promotional digital single, which was served through online retailers Dwanga, Mora, Mu-Mo, music.jp and Recochoku. It was re-released as a promotional radio airplay single on January 25, the same release date as Japonesque. The single artwork uses the CD and double DVD cover of Japonesque, which was used exclusively through Recochoku stores.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Merry-Go-Round (Ayumi Hamasaki song)</span> 2013 single by Ayumi Hamasaki

"Merry-Go-Round" is a song recorded by Japanese recording artist Ayumi Hamasaki, featuring a rap section delivered by Japanese artist Verbal, for the singer's fifteenth studio album Colours (2014). It was released worldwide in six different formats on December 25, 2013 by Avex Trax, Avex Taiwan, and Avex Entertainment Inc. It was also Hamasaki's first physical release in three years since her EP–single L (2010), and her first double A-side single, alongside the track "Feel the Love", since "Moon" and "Blossom" that same year. The track was written by Hamasaki, whilst production was handled by Japanese musician and long-time collaborator Max Matsuura with the assistance of M-Flo; this marks Hamasaki's first single to be produced with another producer outside of Matsuura. Musically, "Merry-Go-Round" is an electronic dance song that includes guitars and synthesizers in its instrumentation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stefflon Don</span> English rapper (born 1991)

Stephanie Victoria Allen, known professionally as Stefflon Don, is an English rapper and singer. She rose to fame with her 2017 single "Hurtin' Me", which peaked at number seven on the UK Singles Chart. In 2016, Allen released her debut mixtape Real Ting, followed by her second, Secure (2018).

Nateshia Lindsay, better known by her stage name Ms. Thing, is a Jamaican dancehall vocalist and deejay. She is best known for providing vocals on the international hit song "Dude" by Beenie Man, which charted in Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

References

  1. Biography
  2. 1 2 "Ak'Sent Interview". Archived from the original on August 30, 2008. Retrieved September 7, 2009.
  3. 1 2 3 https://www.allmusic.com/album/r828466
  4. Aksent Song Review at raphiphopmusic dot com
  5. 1 2 3 4 "GEM-IN-I Ak'SenT CD Album". CDJapan.
  6. Biography
  7. 1 2 "Ak'Sent - International CD Album Bonus". www.cduniverse.com.
  8. allmusio.com Billboard.com "Zingy" (Featuring Beenie Man). Retrieved 2010-01-10
  9. allmusio.com Billboard.com International - Ak'Sent Billboard singles "Zingy". Retrieved 2010-01-10
  10. 1 2 "Coach Carter / Music From The Motion Picture — Various Artists". Last.fm.
  11. allmusio.com Major Flavours 2 - Various Artists Tracks. Retrieved 2010-01-10
  12. 1 2 "Fame - Complete Soundtrack Track Listing". August 25, 2009.
  13. Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine : On the set of Fame. YouTube .