Akala Fire In the Booth 1 Reaction

[@Stigga111]

As someone that's been listening to Americans reacting to UK rap for atleast 3 years and sending them music to listen too, I can honestly say that your reaction is for sure in my top 3. EXCELLENT reaction my friend 🙏. Please do more of the UK stuff, you have a huge rabbit hole to enter 😉 P.s.. do it regularly as well 😁

[@Stigga111]

I also wrote this 13:16 into a 18min video. It got even better! 🔥

[@RodJReacts]

Steven thank you, I appreciate the kind words and will try to do so. I am looking to also provide this regularly on the channel and for me it's about finding the time, as i just have to contend with work and other social media projects and channels as well that I maintain. But, growing up in rap here in the states and with being a former radio dj in the 90's, I love exploring these artists and songs. More to come for sure!

[@RodJReacts]

Thank you sir, I am honored by your words.

[@Laura-sg6ss]

I second this!!🔥💃🏽

[@bradellis7794]

Yes, more Akala & Mic righteous please! Great reaction 🤟🏻 🇬🇧

[@danic9304]

Akala is a legend - highly respected in a number of fields (he started the Hip Hop Shakespeare Company, has written books and stage plays, lectured at Oxford) - I have yet to find a track, performance or interview of his that didn't impress me.

[@RodJReacts]

Nice and good to know, his flow was solid for sure and dropped some great knowledge. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@chief-jayfiji7834]

@@RodJReacts should watch hip hop Shakespeare on you tube by Akala,where he lectures about it to students and professors etc in Oxford Uni.Decent watch & great reaction sir

[@RodJReacts]

@Chief-Jay Fiji, Thank you, and will put down to try to take a look. Appreciate the info!

[@IWTBF]

Facts. He’s the goat

[@senpai_lol8171]

Akala is a legend and the reason you haven't heard him is because he speaks truth and the industry doesn't like that on top of the fact he owns his own masters so they get nothing for promoting him, The true fans are why hes still here years later :)

[@RodJReacts]

I hear you there and that's the same as here in the states, so much talent that gets pushed underground or doesn't hit the airwaves. We always knew the industry would become commercialized back in the late 80's, but it's great to see artists like this not going that route and dropping knowledge like hip hop really is and was back in the day. Good stuff for sure, thanks for watching and commenting.

[@senpai_lol8171]

@@RodJReacts Yeah man i agree completely and no worries great video I always do akala searches every week or so :) see who else joins he woke group haha

[@IWTBF]

Facts

[@IWTBF]

@@RodJReacts akala is the best. The flow, the word play PLUS the knowledge. That’s true rap and talent

[@jimkhana007]

Love seeing people react to Akala for the first time, especially Americans. Boy do they underestimate him, but it’s amazing to see how he wins them over with his flow, bars and knowledge. The boy is just different gravy!

[@RodJReacts]

Oh yeah, he is top level for sure and love the knowledge and flow...

[@IWTBF]

I honestly think this is the BEST ever freestyle ever.

[@Yelnats87]

Akala is such a legend here within the minorities in the UK. He spreads such knowledge and self worth about his own experiences and culture. His bars extend to any that are struggling to understand where they come from... or just where you've grown up. An amazing message of trying to deal with the heart aches pf your life without using pain and anger to drive you! His words are about embracing everything/ anything you've experienced... Hopefully, becoming something better at those broken places you find yourself! Big up to Rod J Reacts, for you reaction man! Akala, wa gwan brother... mad love from an Asian/british lad from the UK🤙🙏✌

[@RodJReacts]

Thank you and much respect, Akala is a force for sure and looking forward to going into more of his stuff here on the channel. Thanks for checking out the channel and video, and dropping the great comment! I hope to see you add more, Cheers!

[@bimwho]

"Why am I just hearing of this guy now his spitting truth and history" I think you answered your own question there.

[@RodJReacts]

Yeah, kind of meant here in the states but we know how these sounds have been silenced in the mainstream by most media. However, we do hear about some of the artists out of the UK in various media but definitely one that should have had a lot more press for sure.

[@freakindamnshiki]

Seeing people finding Akala for the 1st time fills me with so much joy i can't translate it to words

[@RodJReacts]

He is an awesome talent, thanks for checking out the reaction and I am looking forward to more of his stuff!

[@united46]

Akala fire in the booth part 2 is my personal favourite. I also love his track murder runs the globe. U might also want to check his talk on the origins of rap

[@RodJReacts]

Cool, thanks for the insight and will make a note to do so

[@IWTBF]

I honestly think this is the BEST ever freestyle ever.

[@ryandarbyshire6368]

My guy, live the reaction and your positivity. I’m from U.K. Huge akala fan. I grew up on pac big and nwa here in the U.K. I’ll send you a short akala freestyle. To react or just to watch alone and get a insight. Brother enlightens me every time. Peace and love from across the water my brother

[@RodJReacts]

Ryan thanks, and I definitely dig what he is doing. I am looking forward to checking out others, for me it's just about finding the time to do so. Feel free to hit me up on the freestyle at [e-mail] for sure. Peace from the states!

[@jmljamallmj4112]

Akala, Lowkey and Mic Righteous. The holy trinity of UK rap in my opinion. Edit: I really enjoyed your reaction!

[@RodJReacts]

Excellent and thank you, I have been told to check out Mic Righteous but will Lowkey as well. Appreciate the info and checking out of the video.

[@jmljamallmj4112]

@@RodJReacts I'm looking forward to it sir!

[@jmljamallmj4112]

@@RodJReacts Also really enjoyed your H. Mack reaction btw.

[@RodJReacts]

Thank you, much appreciated!

[@IWTBF]

Erm Klashnekoff ??

[@aaronflatt3525]

This is an excellent reaction video, really genuine, honest, clever, detailed without pausing constantly. Superb.

[@RodJReacts]

Thank you so much 😃, appreciate the feedback and glad that you enjoyed and appreciate you checking out my reaction! I hope to see you comment more!

[@tomfoolery9749]

I found Akala a few years back when listening to a podcast where he was a guest. I found his knowledge and energy mind blowing. Since then I've discovered his music and as a middle aged white man who hadn't really listened to rap since the 80's I'm completely captivated by this era of conscious rap. Akala's Carried Away and Find No Enemy are tracks that I come back to regulary and the video for Carried Away is still one of my favourite music videos and I wish more people could switch on to him. Good work Rod.

[@RodJReacts]

Jay thanks, and I will look to check out those two as well. I'm glad you have found his music to provide the enlightenment as it has. When I was in college in the late 80's and early 90's during what was seen as the golden era of Hip Hop here in the states, consciousness was on the rise and then it took a downturn following much of the commercialization and taking over of independent labels by the major ones. This for me is so refreshing to see this next wave that has taken place.

[@chipsthedog1]

Cannot go wrong with Akala, another suggestion for a UK artist that deserves to be way bigger is Mic Righteous he has 4 fire in the booths and all are great

[@RodJReacts]

Cool, I will add him to the list as well and look to bring in the channel too. Thanks for the input and sharing of details.

[@TheEclecticBeard]

Oh buddy, I could cobble a list of bomb UK artists that spit facts lile Akala. His Thieves Bamquet album is a musical feast

[@RodJReacts]

I do not doubt that homie, this gave me some new life back into hip hop as well…throughly enjoyed and took me back to what were seen as the golden years here before the commercialization which we knew would happen.

[@TheEclecticBeard]

@@RodJReacts Oh dude. Him, Lowkey, Logic, and others in the UK dont get near the recognition they deserve. They all spit truth and weave stories like old hip hop artists. These are the artist I wish I had more time for on my channel again.

[@RodJReacts]

Indeed, takes me back to my days growing up and later on the radio.

[@bimwho]

Hey E.B 👋 good to see your still watching the uk stuff, miss your uk rap reactions

[@TheEclecticBeard]

@@bimwho I just dont have the time unfortunately. I love the UK artists and still try to stay somewhat abreast of things. I'm glad my buddy Rod J reacted to Akala

[@wayneel8656]

Akala - Behind My Painted Smile Ft. Lowkey ( Live ) LOWKEY - AHMED

[@RodJReacts]

Wayne thanks, will look to check out as well!

[@chrisbalfour4701]

Nice reaction bro much love from the uk 🇬🇧

[@RodJReacts]

Chris thanks for the love, appreciate it homie!

[@markcreitzman8728]

Akala teaches at universities, has written a fantastic book, Empires, and delivers lectures. He is a very positive influence in the UK especially on other younger rappers. Please go to Fire in the Booth part 4 that is an extraordinary performance. New sub

[@RodJReacts]

Mark, thank you sir and yes, I will check out his other fire in the booths as well. They have been suggested as well as a few other things that he has done. Calling him super-talented is an understatement for sure. Thanks for checking out the video and welcome to the channel!

[@PlanetaryPlays]

Just gotta say this was an awesome video. Always enjoy seeing people discover UK rappers and you've definitely been on to some of the best! Hope to see more from you. Just to echo some of the others definitely check out Lowkey FitB pt 2! Mic Righteous pt 2 as well is amazing. Haven't seen anyone float Logic, but he's another highly underrated rapper from the UK. Behind Barz Logic Freestyle over on Link up TV is worth checking out even if it's only for your only personal listening. Thanks for the content, cheers!

[@RodJReacts]

Carver, thank you and have a good amount of these on my list to check out for sure. Appreciate the feedback, suggestions, and checking out of the video. I will look to work in those others for sure, for me, it's just finding the time as I have a few different channels and other social media projects that I probably have spread myself out too thin. But I am loving the UK scene and seeing the further growth of Hip Hop overseas and the different perspectives, and Logic is long overdue for me to check out here.

[@rachelbush7134]

Another great reaction much love from the UK 🇬🇧🔥 🔥🔥

[@RodJReacts]

Thank you again Rachel, hoping you check out more and appreciate the comments!

[@bigchristie]

Independence for Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@RodJReacts]

Here in the states we don't here as much on this but i remember years back when Scotland was seeking independence. Is this still a battle taking place?

[@bigchristie]

@@RodJReacts aye, i think it's now inevitable.

[@quick1two]

Just discovered you Rod, love your breakdowns... New sub 👍

[@RodJReacts]

Ed, thank you and much appreciated and welcome to the channel!

[@MrWestie1985]

I've seen so many reactions to this (and all Akala's fire in the booths) - this was one of the best! Check out the rest and also Lowkey's fire in the booths, they're also sublime ✌️

[@RodJReacts]

Adam, appreciate you and thank you for the kind words. Yes, definitely plane tp check those out as well!

[@IWTBF]

I honestly think this is the BEST ever freestyle ever.

[@RodJReacts]

It's damn good for sure.

[@ryandarbyshire6368]

Wonderful stuff here bro. Il just let you knkw. Akala is a poet, play writer, he has work shop educating underpriveliged kids in U.K. and in war zones around the world. He is an all in one, the real deal. He has a book called “natives, can’t remember the full title, but I have it infer my bed, read it numerous times. I’d literally mail it rob you feel of charge if you can’t locate it in the u.s I bought 3 copies because I’d get half way through and then just give it to any friend whom I felt was interested and needed that knowledge. Book is packed overflow of knowledge, whit truth and just everything brother

[@RodJReacts]

Thanks for the insight and I will have to check to see on the book. I am definitely findoing out how active he is and much props to him for doing so.

[@lazarus5609]

My G 11:00 you say WHY am I ONLY hearing about him now..a question you should ask YOURSELF..but the simple reason it AMERICA NEVER tuck an interest in UK Rap..thinking only AMERICA produce the best OR you knowledge of the UK is so limited you live in a bubble..this track was done WAAAAAY back.. But I'm glad of your reaction we All Are AND the DEEPER YOU DIG you will find nothing but fire we have so many WORLD CLASS rapper.i evny you seeing it 4 the first time.it.s old 2 us... enjoy he's next 3..the last one is pure FIRE...peace✌

[@RodJReacts]

Yeah, I don't doubt the interest here in America versus what is being done overseas and was surprised to see this was 10 years ago. Even now it remains so relevant making it still sound new which shows the greatness of the work. I'll loo to check out more for sure, Cheers!

[@grc9ball]

Definitely react to the other parts, (2,3 & 4), 4 is my personal favourite, but if you want a quick fix try his Daily Duppy from early 2020.

[@RodJReacts]

Good to know and will look to get the others in the mix...thanks for watching and commenting!

[@psilocyble3053]

@@RodJReacts Gotta do part 4 at least it's epic!

[@Emindre]

You have to do akala fire in the booth part 4, make sure to do both parts tho!, the rap and the spoken word poem at the end!

[@RodJReacts]

Definitely on the to do list my friend, and looking forward to it!

[@JulietteReacts]

Please tell me you'll do the other ones, especially part 4! Also Black by Dave at the BRIT Awards

[@RodJReacts]

Hello Juliette, I will do more for sure and have a couple of other videos to share but will look to add these to your list. I will say seeing these UK rappers have definitely brought back my fire to the genre which is just so over commercialized here for the most part on the radio. Thanks for the comment and i see you are doing a reaction channel as well, so I will check you out too!

[@skyebates246]

He is a national treasure in the UK we love akala. You should check out the others the number 4 is the best

[@RodJReacts]

Easy to see why, and number 4 is definitely the one being referenced the most for sure.

[@Laura-sg6ss]

I would like to add that daytime radio doesn't play his songs coz it is TOO REAL! So ofc marketing wise he does it all himself and so he's not in our faces all the time! Wish he was! He's great! He does talks, you should watch his Oxford one, it's really great! I'm sure you would enjoy in ur own time or whatever! Have a good day!

[@RodJReacts]

Laura, thank you and agree. That is what I miss about now versus the late 80's and early 90's when we had so many independent station, now too much is controlled by major media. I have heard about the talks and will look to check out as well. I am sure that I ould enjoy for sure. Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@IWTBF]

Akala the realest

[@RodJReacts]

Yeah, he brings the real fire for sure...

[@jezaspinall2051]

Dude! You know there’s three more!?

[@RodJReacts]

Lol, yes, I have definitely been made aware. Looking forward to those as well, but just haven't had the time yet to check out. I will though.

[@matejv2840]

I like your reaction - very mature attitude, subscribed

[@RodJReacts]

Thank you, much appreciated and welcome to the channel! I am looking for to adding a lot more soon!

[@ponego2821]

Please do all the Akala fire in the booth's you will be amazed 🔥🔥 you will not be disappointed #uncleakala. You will get to understand why they dnt play him on the radio #flowfather

[@RodJReacts]

Yes, I do plan to check those out as well. He fires the truth so not surprised he doesn't get the radio play as we have artists the same way here in the states.

[@krislaight5781]

Wretch 32 daily duppy 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@TheEclecticBeard]

^^this

[@RodJReacts]

Okay...

[@united46]

@@RodJReacts wretch 32 has 3 daily duppys Redemption 32turns32 Rapthology Redemption is my personal favourite

[@chipsthedog1]

@@TheEclecticBeard love your channel brother. Blessings from the UK

[@opticbiscuits]

Another one to check out is 'mic righteous' 🔥🔥🔥 his pain and passion is unmatched, he also has 4 fire in the booths and was part of a group with akala

[@RodJReacts]

Yes indeed, have him on the list to check out as well Looking forward to doing so, and thanks for also mentioning and watching. Cheers!

[@opticbiscuits]

@@RodJReacts no worries at all pal, keep doing reactions like that and you'll see a lot more viewers flooding in 🔥🔥

[@nunomelo1609]

knowledge reacting to knowledge. well done Sir.

[@RodJReacts]

Thank you, much appreciated and looking forward to checking out more of Akala's tracks. Thanks for checking out the reaction!

[@dominadors4795]

This was a great reaction. PLEASE listen to Part 4. He is amazing.

[@RodJReacts]

Thank you and much appreciated, definitely plan to do so! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@scottwatkins9693]

Would love you to see Dave black live at the brits 2020 new uk sub here 👊🏾

[@RodJReacts]

Scott, I had that recommended by someone else as well, so it is on my list to look at. Thanks for subscribing and suggesting as well.

[@scottwatkins9693]

Look forward to your journey we have some real good rappers here I'm old school too brought up on wu tang snoop llcoolj late 80s early 90s 👌🏾👊🏾

[@RodJReacts]

Nice, yeah I go back to the early days of Kool Herc, Bambaataa, and Flash doing their thing and from that point forward. Some of the commercial stuff became too much at a point, which is why it's nice seeing these other cats now.

[@edglue6138]

Akala is a gift

[@RodJReacts]

A true talent

[@edglue6138]

@@RodJReacts I'd have him as prime minister here in the UK. Great guy.

[@brucehenderson7397]

Kano fire in the booth 🔥🔥 or shogun - vulcan is 🔥🔥 u won't be disappointed bro keep up the hard work

[@RodJReacts]

Bruce nice, I will get them down as well...thanks for suggesting and watching!

[@RK-zf1jm]

knowledge is power hide it well

[@haid3r88]

Akala Lowkey Dave Wretch 32 They are legends for sure in UK

[@RodJReacts]

All have been pretty fantastic and looking at exploring more from them for sure!

[@IWTBF]

Impress me with knowledge , not guns and chains and girls . Akala smashes it

[@RodJReacts]

Indeed...

[@cosmicidentity8870]

Check out thieves banquet parts 1 and 2. Epic.

[@RodJReacts]

Already did part 1 here but need to do part 2 still: Akala The Thieves Banquet Reaction kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWWVlqypibBkqqc. 👍🏾

[@cosmicidentity8870]

Awesome.

[@byronstuart5732]

My suggestions, Dave, Black live at britz first, then Dave Psycho, Lesley, My 19th birthday, Dave panic attack, and heart attack, then Akalas fire in the Booth 2 3 and 4, Mic Righteous fire in the booths from 1st till 4th, Wretch 32 fire in the Booth part 3 and 5, And for real rap, Avelino ft Dave Cassius Clay. From there you cannot go wrong. Also Ghetts ranked one of the best in uk. Logic from UK is also good listen, his Fire in the booths is concious.

[@RodJReacts]

Byron, good stuff my man, and got them down to look to check out. Heck of a list, it may take me a bot though, lol, but definitely appreciated.

[@johnbroadley5191]

The truth is always silenced ma man.

[@RodJReacts]

Pretty much, or made to sound unbelievable.

[@carldufton1286]

I love rap, modern hip hop is lacking in this art, but there is a few who still have the gift, but due to the modern auto tune shit that hogs the charts artists like akala don’t get the recognition they clearly deserve.

[@RodJReacts]

Carl, yeah, and unfortunately this was something seen that we used to talk about in the 90s about how as hip hop became more crossed over that things would be lost. Good thing though is that Hip Hop like this can still be found but we just have to dig deeper for it.

[@IWTBF]

This is pure art

[@anikahearty6072]

Great reaction! I think you should check out Lowkey- Ahmed -Ghosts of Grenfell, his - Fire in the Booth 2 and -Obamanation to start with . I think you’ll love him 🔥💥

[@RodJReacts]

Anika thank you, and have Lowkey on the list too. Ahmed and Obamanation I hadn't heard about though so will make a note of them for sure. Thanks for suggesting and watching!

[@anikahearty6072]

@@RodJReacts they’re all Lowkey tracks he’s very much along he same lines as Akala no airtime or radio play because the content is too real and confronting , I’m sure you’ll have lots of requests to do those ones they’re the most popular.

[@bc2297]

He has part 2,3 and 4. They’re all good. React please!

[@RodJReacts]

They are all on the list to check out for sure, and will look to do so.

[@krislaight5781]

K Koke fitb1 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@RodJReacts]

Cool...

[@IWTBF]

Akala isn’t big in the mainstream for his tunes because of what he’s spitting.

[@RodJReacts]

Oh yeah, it was this way back too in the 80's and 90's in hip hop. Many of the artists were limited in radio play because of what they were saying.

[@bigchristie]

The only way you'll hear the best rap is by starting a reaction channel.

[@RodJReacts]

I think it may depend on the country as well, but radio is so-controlled by mass media mega companies that I do tend to agree. Some areas here have some outlets where you still hear good songs, but in teh majority of areas commercialization has taken over.

[@rtee8904]

If u want to get your mind blown react to Swiss daily duppy freestyle

[@RodJReacts]

Thank R Tee, got it down to checkout as well!

[@hnjmio]

Skip to part 4

[@RodJReacts]

You didn't like 2 and 3 then?

[@fizzbitt]

Don't skip... You need to see the progression. Do all parts in order. 👍

[@hnjmio]

@@RodJReacts I love 2 and 3 but 1 and 4 are the best ones

[@Frank-1978]

@@RodJReacts 4 is a classic. Probably the best fire in the booth of all time. It's not that 3 and 4 are not good it's more 4 is so outstanding 👏 👌 Great reaction ✌

[@RodJReacts]

@fizzbitt Gotcha!