Aki

about

Several artists use this name: 1. Aki, born Aleksi Swallow, is a Swedish rapper known for his socially conscious lyrics and storytelling rooted in his experiences growing up in the suburbs. He was a key member of the influential hip hop group Labyrint, which also included Jacco, Dajanko, and DJ Sai. Labyrint emerged as a significant force in Sweden's hip hop and reggae scenes during the 2010s, with music that often addressed themes of social struggles, life in the suburbs, and solidarity. Despite limited mainstream radio play, the group gained a loyal following with hits like "Fakkin fin," "Chilla Lide," and "Ortens Favoriter." After a decade of success, Labyrint disbanded, and Aki continued his career as a solo artist. Aki was born to a Finnish mother and an African-American/English father and was raised in Gottsunda, Uppsala. At 19, he moved to Alby, Botkyrka, where he connected with producers Masse and Salla and signed with Redline Recordings. His solo career has been marked by the same socially conscious approach that defined his work with Labyrint, and he achieved significant success with tracks like "När solen går ner," a collaboration with Kapten Röd that became a record-breaking hit in Swedish hip hop. In 2023, Aki released his fourth solo album, TACK, which reflects both his gratitude for hip hop and his personal growth. The title track, "Tack," is a tribute to the genre that shaped his career and features appearances by several Swedish hip hop icons in its music