LOK AKIM & 333 Music University

YOU MUST LEARN & THIS ONE IS HERE TO TEACH. RECOGNIZE!!!

Interview by : Odell Vickers

T.O.P. Tell us about the origin on the name “Lok Akim”.

Lok Akim. At first I went with the name “Warlok”. Lok Akim is a twist on that name. After hurricane Katrina and some research, I found the name “Hakim”, which is Arab for “he who has wisdom”. I dropped the ‘War’ from Warlok, and kept the ‘Lok’. Translation; he who has wisdom locked in, plus the name “Warlock was negative to me and I wanted to go with something more positive.

When did you notice the power of words and your ability to manipulate them?

I recognized early on, my need to stand out from the crowd, and my need to be seen as a person with something to say. Words allowed me to present and express my feelings with impact. Lok says, “Life made him realize the power of music and words”. I’d also have to say that my reasons for doing this music thing have changed. I’d have to say that my words, post Katrina, are not used to manipulate but to motivate. I realized the power and influence of words.

What’s your process in the studio? How do you craft those musical gems?

First I have to have the right track. A good track will dictate mood, so the track really has to talk to you. Once I’m one with the track, then I orchestrate and pick words to pick the rhythm and feel. I look for beats I can communicate with ‘cause my music comes from within.

Were you always a “Hip Hopper”, or does your music come from some other place?

My music came from my watching my mother & her many friends performing on Bourbon Street at The Famous Door. The rap classic “Sucker MC’s”, by Run DMC is the first rap that made me say “wow… hip hop”! I moved the crowd in 9th Grade when I performed that classic, and from that moment I was hooked.

What’s your writing process?

Everyone seems to have a crew these days. Do you roll with one or do you roll solo?

I definitely roll with a crew. BH2O (Blackwater) making moves!!! After Katrina, the click definitely spread out. Actually, BH2O started to morph after one of our crew “South” was killed. Our members started to branch out, and we started to enlist more than just rappers and producers. We started to pull actors, models, singers etc. all walks of life and professions.

Now, I know for a fact that you don’t just write and produce. Are you planning on releasing any of your own music as an artist, or are you content to stay behind the scenes?

“Lok Akim” (the artist) is a serious focus. I’m no longer content to just stay behind the scenes. As a matter of fact, I am my main focus. I’m going to release material that shows my growth from Warlok to Lok Akim with songs like the grimy “Dog In The Streets” to “Champion”.

(Note: “I Rise” is the song, Lok Akim sees as his transition/growth song)

“333 University”; Tell us about it. Is it a record label, management company or something more?

Well, 3:33 is the time of birth for my second son. I started Tsunami Music Chapel, but I later decided I didn’t want to be associated with a tsunami. I decided on the name 333 Chapel. It was seen as sort of a safe house for talent, then later it became 333 Music University because being a part of it means you’ll be a part of a learning experience. It’s also to be noted that there are spiritual overlays to the name; Jesus was 33 years old when he died and rose in 3 days. Records (Wax LP’s) used to be labeled with 33 and a 3rd, and the number nine (a derivative of 3), in numerology is the number of completion. The number 9 is considered the last real number.

Any dream projects you’d love to be involved in?

Well, I would have loved to unite with MJ on some music.

Are there any “333” projects that you want to put on blast right here and now?

I got on the “Camouflage” remix with Brandy. I’m releasing “Dog In These Streets”

And “Get That Paper”. My most ambitious project is my three hundred, thirty-three song album titled “Emerald Tablet”.

What do you think about the game of music and the music business in general?

It’s civil war. There’s no government, but there is a revolution going on. People’s memories are short. Nobody’s investing in whole albums anymore. People are searching for quality now, not whole albums of crap. People want good music again. Gucci proves that gangster rap is still alive and well. This is the time (in this business), when real hard work is recognized. It’s more on the Indie artists to push themselves.

Do you have any advice for our “Commander-In-Chief”?

I’d tell him to remember, refer, observe, adapt and overcome. Don’t worry about pleasing. Do what you know you need to do.