Aquil

Speaking to our times’ hopes and possibilities with evolutionary artistry and Emceeing, one way to describe his music is exceptional. A profoundly lyrical, poetic and in-depth yet conversational artist is how you will get to know Aquil through his rhymes. Aquil shows his dedication and appreciation of Hip Hop music and music in general with authenticity, honesty and lyrically fluid delivery. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pa., Aquil is a lifelong admirer of music and has honed his skills, unafraid to mix genres such as the Blues, Jazz, Afro Beat, and Funk into a Hip Hop interpretation. His live shows are remarkable, leaving the crowd captivated, inspired and shouting for more.

Recording his up and coming album, tentatively titled “Traveling Light”, Aquil is in the process of gaining digital distribution and releasing his work independently. Talented producers Aashir Nuri, Y?Arcka and Writtenhouse’s producers Kush Shalimar and Chris Conway are collaborative forces on this project, which will give people a vibe that is reminiscent of classic Hip Hop, as well as a sound unheard before. Scheduled for a release in 2010, internet radio stations, blogs, and websites have expressed their excitement in promoting this album. Aquil is scheduled to go on an East Coast tour along with a College Tour to promote the album.

Releasing one mixtape, Blues People (September 2008), which sonically sounded more like an album, Aquil set the mark very high; exuding purpose and style while maintaining substance. As a graduate of Temple University, Aquil chose music over graduate studies because he wants to help return the feeling of inspiration, hope and creativity to music. Many have alluded to similarities in his style with Rakim, Nas, Tupac, Black Thought, KRS-ONE, Common, Mos Def, and Talib Kweli. With lines that are unapologetic, such as “I entered into a drought of musical doubts but open my mouth and eloquent notes just flow out” and “This platform for the stories that’s untold I’m like Dubois with a flow kick the Souls of Black Folk”, Aquil gets his points across with passion and technical grace. He gives you his thoughts and feelings along with a historical analysis and social-political commentary.

Aquil has performed at the following venues and universities, The Sputnik, The Trocadero, The Clef Club, World Café Live, Syracuse University and Temple University, and has also performed in several other cities including New York City, Camden NJ, Baltimore MD, Washington D.C. and Miami FL. With the support of organizations such as Jr. Music Executive and The Enterprise Center’s Russell Hicks, who has described Aquil as “seriously contending for the title of next greatest Emcee”, Aquil has the tools necessary to leave an impact on music forever.