Smile Politely. Speak Directly. A Champaign-Urbana Culture Blog

Anyone who was moved by the militant, forward-thinking sounds of Public Enemy in the 80s and 90s may be surprised to hear that long-time PE affiliate Prince Akeem resides a mere 15 miles north of our fair twin cities, where he focuses on his passions: family and music.

Prince Akeem (Akeem F. Muhammad), a Chicago native, was educated in the city’s south side Nation of Islam schools. Akeem’s commitment was so in-depth that by the time he had reached his early twenties, NOI leader Louis Farrakhan had appointed him Minister of Youth. In 1988 the Nation of Islam purchased the Stoney Island Mosque in Chicago for just over 2 million dollars and on February 26, 1989, Farrakhan organized a Savior's Day event (celebrating the birth date of Wallace Fard Muhammad), inaugurating the grounds and naming the center Mosque Maryam in honor of black womanhood.

Over 12,000 people gathered that day, and some of hip-hop’s finest were in attendance to perform, including Public Enemy, Big Daddy Kane, Queen Latifah and Chicago's own, Prince Akeem. "I was a fan of hip-hop just like everyone else," says Akeem, “and in the 80s I was listening to Rakim, Boogie Down Productions and PE. It just put a spark in me." It was this event that opened many doors for Akeem, leading not only to collaborations with Public Enemy and Ice Cube, but also a recording contract with Hollywood Records. He also solidified a life-long relationship with PE's Chuck D, and the two became god brothers. When asked about his thoughts on the legendary front man, Akeem says, "Man, Chuck is like the ultimate big brother, such a positive brother figure. The kinda cat that will give you straight up positive direction at all times.”

In 1991, Hollywood Records released Prince Akeem's debut, Coming Down Like Babylon, which featured the hit single "Time To Come Correct" (with Chuck D). The album fared well along with the conscience music of the day (X-Clan, Black Sheep, Poor Righteous Teachers) and become an instant classic for some. The album's follow up single, "Swingin'," would make its way onto the soundtrack for the '91 film Hangin' With the Homeboys starring John Leguizamo.

Soon after his relationship with Hollywood Records came to a close, Akeem relocated from Chicago's south side to northern Champaign County, where he is raising his two sons (now ages 8 & 11) in the small town of Rantoul, IL. In 2002 he acquired a new moniker, Akdamoe, and began making connections locally. "Premo Records used to throw battles at Tonic (Nightclub, which then stood at 619 S. Wright St. in campus town)," he says. "We used to throw on some instrumentals and do our thing.” The hot spot proved fruitful, and soon Akdamoe assembled a crew of emcees which he called The Agenda (Rod Mac, Ro Knew, Logik, K-Truth). They hustled mixtapes, got some regional air play, and earned a 2005 Local Music Award nomination for Best Hip-Hop group, but grew apart soon after. Although now geographically separated, each still pursues music in other capacities, including Akdamoe who, after a year-long stint as a DJ at the now-defunct Champaign club Tracks, released his latest album, Bags to Riches, in 2007 on the Nu Beginnings imprint.

Talks are in the works for collaborations this year with DJ and producer Xtreme (Jay-Z, DMX, Ghostface Killah) and Chicago's own D.A. Smart (of "Walk Wit Me" fame). Ak sees nothing wrong with "giving them what they want to hear while getting your point across" and claims that he "loves all hip hop, but (is) particular about what (he’ll) spend money on." He still reps Chi-town and sees the recent success of windy city artists (Common, Kayne West, Lupe Fiasco, Rhymefest, Twista, Psalm One) as "not enough," claiming that Chicago has a lot more talent to offer. When asked about his own career and expectations of the future he replies, "I'm trying to be free, you dig?"

We dig.