What's cooler than cool?
Wakil.
Like a milkshake in a snowstorm, the 20 year-old artist is creating a universal chill with his groundbreaking music and futuristic sound.
In a day and age where musical variety is an anomaly, Wakil's originality and creativity is refreshing.
Raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Wakil (born Mansa Wakili) took an interest in music at an early age. "I started playing keys at the age of three," he says. "Then it just grew from there to other instruments." As a teenager, he began writing and recording songs, citing musical giants like Michael Jackson, Prince, Kanye West and Jay-Z as influences. His ultimate influence?
"Andre 3000," he says. "He does his own thing and is not afraid to be himself. Creatively, he's way ahead of everyone else which is something I always strive for."
By 19, Wakil's music was so innovative, it caught the attention of platinum producer Brian Kennedy, who is also a Kansas City native. Kennedy--who is quietly one of today's most sought after producers--was impressed by Wakil's creative energy and ambition. He signed Wakil to his label, Prolifik Records, on the spot, making Wakil his first artist.
"Wakil is an amazing talent," Kennedy says. "His versatility makes him a real threat and his creativity takes him to a whole other level. He's going to do big things."
And he's off to a great start.
His single "I'm So Cool" is generating heat with fans worldwide. Though he identifies himself as a rapper, the song features Wakil expressing his "cool" as a singer. "I actually did the song as a demo for someone else," he confesses. "But BK [Brian Kennedy] heard it and thought I should keep it for myself. I put it on my Myspace page, and it just took off from there. It has gotten a really good response."
"I'm So Cool" has even spawned it's own dance--The Cool Walk---as fans around the globe began recording themselves "Cool Walkin" to the song and posting the footage on YouTube. Similar to the C-Walk, "The Cool Walk" is essentially rapid footwork combined with individual flair, and is a phenomenon that caught even Wakil off-guard.
"It's crazy because people just started doing it," he says. "My friends were telling me to check out YouTube because people had started a dance to my song. I was shocked to see how many people there were, people from different countries."
Like "The Cool Walk", Wakil hopes the message in "I'm So Cool" is equally as infectious. "It's about being proud of who you are, what you are and where you come from, no matter what anyone else thinks," he says. "That's what being cool is---not being afraid to be yourself."
But don't expect Wakil's relaxed personality to get in the way of delivering a fiery performance--his passion and energy on stage is unparalleled, and for many, inspirational.
"When I get on stage, I try to do my best to make sure the people feel my music," he says. "I give everything I have on stage, and when I hear positive feedback, it's one of the best feelings in the world, especially when it's from people in KC because support from my city means a lot to me."
While his music and performance are in a class all its own, the young artist often draws comparisons to iconic rapper Kanye West with his style and delivery, a comparison Wakil does not mind.
"Kanye is a genius, and is completely original," he says. "He has changed the game and achieved a lot of the things I hope to. Though I'm my own individual, being compared to Kanye is a great honor."
In addition to his own musical success, Wakil is also contributing to the success of others, drawing attention as a producer and songwriter. Recently, he has worked with rapper Meech on "Over the Top" and "Camera Phone," two songs off his upcoming untitled album. And since his signing in early 2008, he has not only collaborated with other major labels and artists, but has worked alongside industry heavyweights like Polow, Nelly and Jazze Pha.
Still, despite all the recent accomplishments, Wakil manages to stay as cool as a cucumber.
"There's so much I want to do, so much I'm going to do," he says. "I'm just getting started."
Almost as great as his desire for success is his passion to represent his roots and his hometown--Kansas City. "I'm part Nigerian, and I'm from KCMO," he stresses. "Musically, people think there's nothing here. We don't get a lot of respect because they say we don't have an identity. But that's not true."
"There are a lot of great people and great things here," he continues. "And it's our time. KC, stand up."
With witty lyrics and a world sound, Wakil is an iceberg in a musical melting pot. Even better, in a time where originality in music is rare, his immeasurable comfort level with who he is and where he comes from is refreshing.
And of course, so cool.
Written By: Kmay
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body, html {visibility:visible !important; display:block !important}
I'm chiefwakil
This is the 3D me. Make your own, and we both get Coinz!
Thanks for adding/accepting me as a friend. I hope that you enjoy my music! I'm 20 years old & am a seasoned big band saxophonist, but I'm also a talented singer/songwriter/producer that makes popular, positive, purposeful music! I've been a student of music my entire life & couldn't begin to imagine a life without music! I recently started designing MySpace & Twitter layouts too! I just finished designing my music profile layout which you can see on my page now, so if you have a minute, go take a look & tell me what you think! My info for layouts, producing, & collabs is located in my blogs! Anyway, how are you doing today? Just stopping bye to show you & your page mad respect & love. Get Back At Me if you get a minute. Take a listen, drop a comment, sign the guestbook...any support is very much appreciated!
We at Mentally Twisted Records LLC would like to thank you for being our friend, We don’t have time to get back to everyone, sorry about that, this is a fast paced game… Keep grinding hard, this music game has a lot to offer if you take the right steps. Keep in touch, and feel free to contact us any time, we will try and get back to you in a timely manor. Thanks for you support… Below is an update on what we are doing right now.
We looking for unsigned Male or Female Hip Hop and R&B artists from 16 to 19 years old that live in or right around Austin Texas. If that is you or someone you know then contact our Director of A&R
If you don't live in that area and you still want a chance, you will have to be able to come to Austin Texas for a meeting if you are selected. If you are above the age we are looking for, you better be "HOT"!!!
Send Digital Press Kits (Bio, Pic, 2 to 3 Demo tracks) to our director of A&R Mr.Arstill at Arstill619@gmail.com (Make sure one of the tracks is a club track)
Black Suede has just recently released a New song titled "Revenue Stream." We know you have great taste in music. Drop through and let us know what think about it. Your Opinion Means a lot!
There is currently a search for two types of bands for record label consideration.
*** Note: PLEASE IDENTIFY IF YOU ARE IN GROUP 1 OR 2 IN THE SUBJECT LINE OF YOUR RESPONSE. Emails are being reviewed by different representatives.
1. A Pop/Rock/Commercial band with female lead. Band must consist of 2 guitars (Prefer both guitar players to be of lead caliber. However, one lead and one rhythm is acceptable), keyboard/piano, bass, and drums. Lead vocal, followed by backing vocals, in that order, is a plus as it relates to other members of the group. Average age of the band cannot exceed 28 years of age.
* Group must have an outstanding lead vocalist. ** Musicianship throughout the entire band must be very strong. *** Group cannot currently be under any contract of any type that is related to the music industry.
2. A Modern Rock band with male lead. Must be a complete band but there are no prerequisites as it relates to the make up of the band. Average age of the band cannot exceed 23 years of age.
* Group must have an outstanding lead vocalist. ** Musicianship throughout the entire band must be very strong. *** Group cannot currently be under any contract of any type that is related to the music industry.
XXX - If you meet the minimum qualifications as described above. Email a link for your MySpace Page and if applicable, a link for your website to: recordingartistsearch@gmail.com
Only send one email with your links. Due to the volume of responses normally received for these types of opportunities. After review of your material, you will only be contacted if there is an interest in attending one of your shows by a label representative. As such please to not send any follow up emails regarding selections. If you were not contacted back, there was not an interest.
Thank You.
PS: Before You Enter Any MySpace Contests You Might Want To Also Review The Website At: www.st
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