Picture
Picture Credit score
Michael Kai through Getty Photos
Picture Alt
Studio microphone in recording studio
Picture Dimension
landscape-medium
Forward of her eagerly awaited debut EP, DUMB, AKIA unpacks the frustration of second-guessing love on “DND,” her first single of the 12 months.
“Tried to name you, you ain’t sleep / Obtained ya’ cellphone on DND / Are you the place you ‘sposed to be?” the Arkansas newcomer crooned on the acoustic riff-backed providing. Launched on March 14, she described the report as a “uncooked and hypnotic R&B anthem that dives deep into the chaos of a poisonous relationship.”
AKIA added that it “captures the paranoia and heartbreak of not trusting her boyfriend — particularly when his cellphone is on Do Not Disturb.” The result’s clearly a stripped-down, emotional ballad that makes it clear she’s bringing one thing refreshingly new to the style.
What’s Subsequent For AKIA?
AKIA is about to launch DUMB on Friday (March 28). Along with the aforementioned “DND,” the four-track undertaking will arrive with one other thrilling providing known as “My Woman Gina,” which she teased on Monday (March 24).
Shared on Instagram, the transient teaser reveals her singing, “Now I gotta roll my home windows up as a result of I don’t need no person to see me daydreaming / Attempting to determine for those who acquired some takeout on the facet.”
Till the EP arrives, followers nonetheless have “F.a.f.o (Freestyle)” — quick for “f**okay round and discover out” — and “Mushy Woman Period” to take pleasure in, each of which got here out in 2024. It’s additionally price noting that the rising star not too long ago signed to Sincethe80s, the Atlanta-based powerhouse behind artists like JID and EARTHGANG.
AKIA Is Performing At Dreamville Fest 2025
For anybody hoping to catch the newcomer reside, AKIA is slated for day two of 2025’s Dreamville Fest — a significant feat, contemplating it’s the competition’s remaining 12 months. She’ll be hitting the stage on April 6 alongside the likes of Anycia, Cozz, GloRilla, Coco Jones and extra. J. Cole is scheduled to headline that night time, with Erykah Badu and Tems opening for his bittersweet set.
As Rap-Up beforehand reported, Lil Wayne, 21 Savage, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Ari Lennox and a number of other others are on the lineup for day one, so there’s going to be loads of expertise to go round.