Photography: Storm Santos / stormshoots

Words: Greta Kukštaitė / gretakuk_

Meet the 20 years old artist from South Brunswick, NJ, who quickly took the internet by storm after writing and releasing remixed freestyle covers on YouTube.  His first song “Panda” gained 160-Million views on his own YouTube channel and after he released several original singles and successfully launched his music career. 

He may be best known for his latest single “Family Tree“. In that music video AK explores the evolution of Hip-Hop by connecting the dots between the rappers that have inspired him, and the artists that influenced them. Throughout the song, AK’s face digitally transforms into many different Hip Hop artists whose groundbreaking talent has made Hip-Hop flourish into what it is today so if you haven't seen this video yet, you go see it!

Despite his young age, AK (Austin Kassabian) / iamtherealak has already firmly planted his feet in the music industry with his uncanny lyrical abilities and unique sound.

His music blends Hip-Hop and R&B genres in a way that highlights his versatility as an artist and it obviously goes to show that AK is the next big thing in Hip-Hop culture.

When did you first feel the desire to be a part of a music world? And when did this love for rap start?

The first time I listened to Ill Mind of Hopsin 5 is when I realized that rap wasn't just a feeling you got from listening. It was so much more to it than that. The words of that song were the first to ever connect to me in that way and it forever changed my perspective on music. People don't listen to music just to listen, there’s a connection made between artists and listeners and I knew I had a lot to say myself. I wanted to be able to make that connection with other people the way I connected to the music I listened to. 

You've started your career at the age of 16 and you are 20 now. In this relatively short period of time you've achieved a lot in comparison to other performers of similar age. Have you ever imagined such success and popularity?

Honestly, I knew things would happen with time and I never rushed that part of it. My focus has always been on improving and getting better at what I love doing. The fact that my supporters have stuck with me the way they have is blessing. It makes my progress feel like I’m doing it with a team, not just by myself, and it honestly is such a blessing.

You said in one of your interviews, Hopsin was one of the reasons why you ever started rapping. Why him?

Hopsin was the first artist that I’ve had ever connected to on a deeper level. He opened my eyes to the power that songwriting can have on a listener.

Which of your songs has meant the most to you and why?

All of them have a different place in my heart. I view my catalog as a time capsule. I listen back and hear things I could've done better or think about the production of some of it. I hear the mistakes, but I find beauty in them they are proof of my progression and evolution as an artist. But if I had to choose 1 song it would have to be Closed Off or Family Tree. Closed off was my first self-produced song specifically for my first project ever ‘On Me’. Family Tree is one of the most conceptual songs i've ever written and was also produced by me, which just makes it mean that much more to me.

Definitely music plays the most important role in your life. What else besides your career gives you happiness?

My family, friends, taking care of myself. I like to skate, play ball and play video games too when I can. 

“Closed Off” is the second self-produced single that you have put out. You said that it has really opened up some new doors and opportunities for you. How has it been since the release of “Closed Off?”

Closed Off was the song that gave me confidence as a producer. I put a lot of time into the production of that beat and when I listened to the final product I sat back and felt so confident in it. Prior to that, I hadn't had a moment like that for myself as a producer, only writing and recording. It’s been all uphill since Closed Off on all aspects of my career. I’ve leveled up my production even more and my spotify numbers have continued to climb since that release. It’s only driven me to do more for myself, so I’ll forever be thankful for that record.

What is the hardest part about the music industry?

Knowing who to trust and who to not. Things can be pretty sketchy when you really start working your way through the industry, especially on the business side of things.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

JCole, Kendrick, Roddy Ricch, Post Malone, Drake, Hopsin, Russ, I even think me and Logic could do something insane, maybe even Joyner too.

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

Nothing. I think the industry is the way it is for a reason. Nothing in life is perfect and because of the way the industry is, it taught me a lot about life in general. So, although the industry can be overwhelming and annoying I appreciate it for what it is.

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

I would probably be going to a school not knowing what my passion is or not happy with a job I have. I genuinely don’t know to be perfectly honest. I just know I wouldn't feel as fulfilled and happy as I am now. It would take me a long time to find something I love as much as music as far as a career.

Your “Panda” remix went viral 4 years ago, your single “Now I’m Forever” landed at #1 on the U.S. iTunes Hip Hop Charts and now you have 1.6M Subscribers on Youtube channel. How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

The internet has given so much opportunity to artists like me to showcase their abilities and grow a fanbase/business in music. I love what the internet has done and I’m forever thankful for it because I literally would not be where I am if it didn't exist.

How did the current situation of COVID-19 affect your career? Tell us, how did you survive this period or maybe nothing really changed?

Covid obviously took away touring for me along with every other artist. But it gave me the chance to improve on my craft to a crazy extent. I’ve had so much time to work on new music whether it be beats, writing, or mixing. I've gotten to focus so much on the nitty gritty things since Covid happened.

In your latest music clip ‘Family Tree’ you are turning into legendary hip-hop artists throughout the song by using digital ‘DeepFake’ technology. This way you give credit to their talent and huge input to the culture of hip-hop in general. Would you say that unity and respect to each other is a big aspect of your life?

I would. I think although people may not be ‘fans’ of one another more so in music, it’s important to recognize the impact that some bring or have brought to the game. The concept of Family Tree applies to all things in life though, not just music.

How do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself in a much better place financially and much more involved in other avenues besides just making music and touring.

Tell us a little bit about your up and coming plans.

I have new music on the way and am gearing up for a special type of performance that I won't say too much about but it’s gonna be awesome!