Drawing music inspiration from a range of American hip-hop giants from Ja Rule to 50 Cent, it’s clear why Nigerian-born UK artist A.D describes himself as being unapologetically authentic and “unapologetically hip-hop.”
A.D’s musical journey started at the age of 10 when he used poetry as form of expression. It didn’t take long for this to evolve into writing lyrics, with the likes of Eminem, T.I, Ja Rule, 50 Cent and Ludacris helped form A.D’s love for putting pen to paper
It will come as no surprise to anyone that A.D’s sound leans heavily intoAmerican hip-hop. There is no better evidence of this than on his latest single ‘Popcorn’ where he executes a variety of flow and melody over a beat akin to that of a sped up ‘90s west coast sound.
A.D’s razor-sharp wit shines through on ‘Popcorn’ where he pays homage to Marvel comic book X-Men: “I’m a beast wherever I go, I’m the storm when the cruel tide blow.”
“When you hear A.D on a track you’ll be guaranteed high energy, flow, lyricism and punchy delivery” he proclaims.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, all our lives have been impacted, forcing the world to adapt and acclimatise, but, this didn’t stop A.D from doing what he loves most.
He tells me, “Throughout the pandemic I was working and writing out of my bedroom which is also a studio. I managed to make a mixtape called Respect and Power. I was able to use a lot more of my time to create.”
Away from music A.D has hobbies that include documenting his music journey, creating YouTube videos and playing basketball. Basketball has always been synonymous with hip-hop , so A.D’s passion for both is a no brainer. From Shaquille O’Neal releasing an album in the ‘90s to Jay-Z becoming the first rap artist to co-own an NBA team and Damian Lillard making and releasing music alongside playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, the two are intrinsically linked
In a time where it’s easier to conform to mainstream sounds, A.D unintentionally diverts from the popular trends as he seeks to leave his personal imprint in music. As Edwin Elliott once said “by being yourself you put something wonderful in the world that was not there before.”
Written by: Gerry Otim
Email: gerryotim@hotmail.co.uk
Instagram: @MidKnightGaz
