Shakespeare inspires Akala's UK rap revival
London rapper Akala, having already earned a name for himself for his virulent attacks on the corporate-led, retrograde state of the contemporary hip-hop scene and the innovativeness of debut album It's Not a Rumour, will release his latest single, Shakespeare, on Illastate records on July 3. Variously described by critics as “the second coming of real rap” and “breathtaking,” Akala's blend of unorthodox lyrical influences and a fluid, openminded approach to production has stoked interest in the rapper's mission to revive the integrity of the UK hip-hop scene. He describes the new single as “Shakespeare with a nigga twist,” and reveals that the idea for the track came at a party when an inebriated Akala (real name Kingsley Daley) felt inspired to take on the role of a modern-day bard. It's Not A Rumour won rave reviews upon its release in May, earning Akala a support slot with Kelis at the Hammersmith Apollo on June 28, and you can also catch him at Old Trafford in Manchester supporting Richard Ashcroft and Razorlight on June 17, London's Notting Hill Arts Club on June 22, and the O2 Wireless Festival on June 23. For more information, go to akalamusic.com or myspace.com/akalamusic.