Overview of Interview: Akeem Ali Talks New Tour, 'The Texture Tape 3,' Muni Long, Fatherhood, Meeting His Father, Rap Career + More
Akeem Ali stops by The Breakfast Club for a lively, unfiltered conversation about his music, his new project The Texture Tape 3, his touring grind, and the personal experiences that shaped him. He reflects on growing up in Jackson, Mississippi, the support and frustration he feels from his hometown, building his career in Atlanta, and the evolution of his artistry from the Kimi Casanova era to his current textured, concept-driven sound. The interview also gets deeply personal as he opens up about fatherhood, meeting his biological father for the first time, and understanding his mother’s struggles with addiction.
Key Topics Discussed
New music and The Texture Tape 3
- Akeem explains the concept behind The Texture Tape 3 as a project built around materials/textures and how they translate into sound and feel.
- He wants the music to match the texture it represents — e.g., smooth, retro, or sensual sonic qualities.
- He describes his current sound as having a vintage, late-’90s/early-2000s energy with a modern twist.
- He also mentions that the project is designed to be visually and sonically cohesive.
Career evolution: from Kimi Casanova to now
- He breaks down how the Kimi Casanova persona started almost by accident:
- He quit barbering to focus on music full-time.
- A woman used to call him “Kimi,” and he turned it into a pimp-inspired alter ego.
- That character took off, but he says it pigeonholed him and led to a period of depression because people wanted only that version of him.
- He eventually fought through that creative rut by forcing new content, staying consistent, and reshaping public perception.
Jackson, Mississippi pride and frustration
- Akeem speaks passionately about being from Jackson and the lack of resources, opportunities, and national visibility for the city.
- He says Jackson doesn’t get enough concerts, industry attention, or infrastructure support.
- He acknowledges that the city supports him in many ways, but also says support does not always translate into action, especially ticket sales.
- He emphasizes that he has had to build much of his career outside of Jackson, especially in Atlanta.
Atlanta’s role in his rise
- He repeatedly credits Atlanta for helping him build his career.
- He names several people in Atlanta who helped him when he had few resources and little money.
- He says his visibility, content, and momentum were made possible by a strong support network outside his hometown.
Independent artist grind and label status
- Akeem confirms that he is not on a major label and is operating independently.
- He says he wants a major deal eventually, but only if it makes sense for him and his situation.
- His goal is to avoid the “almost made it” trap and instead build something lasting.
Tour life and ticket-selling struggle
- He reveals he is on a 40+ city tour and has been pushing it for months.
- He calls out cities where ticket sales are lagging despite fans asking him to come.
- He jokes bluntly but seriously about wanting accountability from supporters who say they love his music but haven’t bought tickets.
- He shares the practical reality of funding the tour himself.
Fatherhood and family
- Akeem says fatherhood made him more grounded and made success feel more urgent and meaningful.
- He describes being highly present with his daughter and making sure she feels loved consistently.
- He says being a father made it easier, not harder, to focus and push himself.
Meeting his father for the first time
- One of the most emotional parts of the interview is him describing meeting his biological father only recently.
- He explains that the situation was complicated by his mother’s addiction and the instability of his upbringing.
- He reflects on how meeting his dad gave him insight into his own personality and behavior.
- He says learning about his father’s history helped him better understand his own life and identity.
His mother’s addiction and healing
- Akeem candidly shares that his mother smoked crack for decades, including during her pregnancy with him.
- He says he was born experiencing withdrawal symptoms and was given morphine as a newborn.
- He discusses her trauma, her childhood, and how her addiction shaped the family.
- He says he does not resent or blame her and has worked toward empathy and understanding rather than anger.
- He also says he is considering turning this life story into a book and an album.
Muni Long / relationship rumors
- He describes Muni Long as a close friend and praises her highly.
- He says people have speculated about a romantic relationship because she featured him in a video as a love interest and they appeared together publicly.
- He keeps the answer playful but says they are friends and collaborators.
Army background and discipline
- Akeem mentions he served in the Army Reserve for eight years.
- It’s part of the background that informs his work ethic and structure.
Notable Insights
On support vs. love
- Akeem makes a strong distinction between people loving him and people actually supporting him.
- He says hometown love is not always the same as hometown action.
On depression and vulnerability
- He openly admits that being boxed into one persona contributed to depression.
- He emphasizes the importance of speaking up when he is struggling rather than pretending everything is fine.
On understanding parents as people
- A major theme of the interview is the idea that parents are flawed people too, not just “parents.”
- He says understanding their trauma helped him understand himself more fully.
Shoutouts and Jacksonville/Jackson Scene
- Akeem takes time to shout out a long list of Jackson artists, DJs, producers, media people, and local supporters.
- He wants to use his platform to spotlight artists from Mississippi who often get overlooked.
- He encourages people visiting Jackson to support local spots and culture.
Bottom Line
Akeem Ali comes across as charismatic, funny, and deeply self-aware, but also serious about his craft and his city. The interview is part promotional tour stop, part personal testimony, and part cultural manifesto. His main message is clear: he’s building something bigger than a viral moment, and he wants people to meet him with real support — not just words.