Ti Akiel – Just Left Me

Ti Akiel offers introspective reflection of reality with new album ‘Samson’s Delilah’

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – One of the most powerful lyricists to hit the Hip Hop market in recent years is an artist from North Minneapolis known as Ti Akiel. His new album, “Samson’s Delilah” is a tour-de-force of clever Hip Hop riffs paired with smooth R&B tracks, all of which showcase this fast-rising artist’s ability to cut deep with lyrics that are equal parts relatable and cutting edge.

Currently available across all streaming platforms, “Samson’s Delilah” uses eight songs to take listeners on a journey through the ups and downs of relationships. Akiel said he was inspired to create the album after having gone through his first real adult heartbreak.

“We all start our relationship experiences when we’re younger and we don’t really know what’s going on,” he said. “But there’s always that moment in life when you lose something you’ve really invested in and thought would last for a long time, if not forever. It’s the first time you go through an adult heartbreak. This album is me walking through that whole experience. It was my first time experiencing that and music has always been my form of expression and therapy. I’m trying to find strength in vulnerability and to navigate all that comes with that, and it all came together in the form of this project.”

Over the course of his young career, Akiel has been known to create music that navigates between introspective narratives, life realities and the ever-changing pursuit of growth and happiness. Easily weaving together Hip Hop and R&B, Akiel has created a signature style that allows him to tell his story of overcoming adversity while staying resilient in the process. And although his music is what he’s most known for, his work in the community is what he’s most passionate about. Most recently, he started a nonprofit organization called Give N Grow which aims to restore equality to marginalized communities around the Twin Cities.

“I got together with people I know and organized donation drives for people affected by the pandemic and riot situations,” he said. “I’m from North Minneapolis but there’s a lot of destruction going on the other side of the city, which is a low income area. They weren’t getting resources that they needed so we started a donation drive. We raised $20,000 and an additional $80,000 worth of supplies. I care deeply about being in the community and helping in whatever ways I can.”

Akiel said that as his career as a musician grows, he hopes to be able to continue to invest in his community in greater ways. His music never neglects the lyrical element that made him fall in love with Hip Hop, but it is often contrasted with catchy melodies, hard-hitting 808s, and ever-changing production styles. His debut single, “Just Left Me” is a perfect example of this. He describes it as an upbeat radio vibe with a catchy autotune sound that will make people want to get up and move when they hear it.