Imagine being plagued by creativity. Imagine your mind is constantly being invaded by rhymes, metaphors, sound schemes, and similes. Now, picture them spilling from a pen held by a seven-year-old during a multiple-choice exam. You’ve just been introduced to John Arvanitis in year 2001.
Although it all began with poetry, today it has manifested into the production of hip-hop. Elementary school student, John, underwent a severe transformation, thus becoming who we now recognize to be songwriter, vocalist, and live performer: Akillezz.
While riding around Astoria, Queens with an older cousin. “Bully” by Eminem started to blare through the stereo as Akillezz, for the first time ever, was introduced to the world of hip-hop. None other than one of the reigning greats gave this introduction to Akillezz, who was by now all of eight-years-old, yet suddenly intent on becoming an emcee.
He describes this metamorphic experience from poetry to rap as such, “I had not yet (at that age) read poetry that managed to accomplish such a visceral quality; my tolerance went up…
I couldn’t just write or read poetry anymore, I had to start spitting it myself.” It was because of the lyrical manipulation an emcee displays that Akillezz, having already acquired similar ability, was able to relate to the art form.
Naturally, being from New York and undergoing his formative years in the 90’s he had the influences of Run DMC, 50 Cent, Nas, Jay-Z, and even Tupac and Biggie. What distinguishes Akillezz from today’s current and contending up-and-coming artists? He was a poet fist and has the ability to assemble unorthodox rhymes in a manner that is just as vivid as it is mesmerizing.
Furthermore, his intellectual pursuits beyond the already accelerated education he receives at Horace Mann Upper Division provide him with an evidently brilliant mind. This reflects in his music when Akillezz molds a track into his “playground of thought.” He explains that this approach to writing a record is to “create a new conceptual reality,” which is to say, he invites us to listen and walk through his imagination.
Still only 17 years of age, the youngest member of the BlockBoyz Entertainment, spotted by CEO John “Jayd” Daniels,
there is no doubt that his story will not end anytime soon. With his first ever single and component music video (Wall To Wall) completed, surprise collaborations, and final touches on his album being executed – the industry will be impacted by this new artist. From his look, to his sound, his team, and his swag… Akillezz will soon be a household name and Queens can add another rap legend to its roster.