Los Angeles rapper Aktion Jackson is Hip-Hop’s emerging artist to watch. The South Central native effortlessly shifts his voice and delivery into the beat so that it acts as an additional instrument within the track. His compositions contain soul piercing lyrics, energetic beats, and hooks that will stay stuck in your head for days. For artists, their music is their legacy. It is a piece of immortality that will stand forever. Aktion Jackson is greatly contributing to his legacy by releasing high quality, top notch music.
Yo Aktion Jackson! Before we get into it, how are you feeling today? How is life treating you?
I’m feeling blessed these days, extremely grateful for everything God has given me and the things I haven’t received yet.
How long have you been making music and who are some of the artists that inspired you to want to make music growing up?
I’ve been writing music since I was a kid. I related to 2Pac, Biggie Smalls and Snoop Dogg, but then I was also into Missy Elliott, Ludacris and Redman. These influences and more helped shape and mode me into the artist I am today.
How did you get your rap name Aktion Jackson?
Well, the legendary story of how I got the name “Aktion” was the day I was at the Soul Train Music Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in L.A. I snuck in an area where all the celebrities and artists were hanging out. I saw Erick Sermon and Redman talking. I jumped in between them and started spitting my best rhymes…. no questions! Redman asked me, “What’s your name?” I told him “Mista Meana” and he said, “Nah, your name is Action because you jumped out of nowhere with all the action” so from that day I was Action. I switched the AC to AK for “Also Known,” also known to act, do comedy, direct etc. My last name is Jackson so there you go: Aktion Jackson.
What projects are you currently working on as we speak?
Projects I’m working on now are with Snoop Dogg’s DJ and producer DJ Battlecat and 4x Grammy nominated producer/songwriter Mr. Incredible. I’m focused on hit singles I can write and direct too. I record the music and then create movie music videos to each of the singles. Also, I’m directing projects, documentaries, short films and music videos for mainstream artists, actors and up and coming talent.
What would you say has been your biggest accomplishment so far in your music career?
I’m actually proud to achieve charting #15 and #25 on Billboard for R&B/Hip Hop Digital Song Sales plus charted #9 on iTunes for Hip Hop/Rap Single with my song “DELETE,” produced by DJ Battlecat. Then I hit #1 on iTunes and #20 on Billboard with my single “New New” and #24 on Billboard with another single called “Diamonds and Gold.”
What is your label situation looking like?
When it comes to labels… I’m an independent artist and have been investing every single dime into myself. I woke up and told myself, “I’m not waiting on nobody to hand me my dreams!”
Let’s now focus on your overall swagger. As far as style, delivery and appearance what do you bring to the table?
My vision is street oriented with an animated creative twist. I was born in South Central, Los Angeles, raised in Foster homes and placements. When I was released from the juvenile hall court system I became homeless living in 67 different homes with friends and their families. My mom left me on a public bus and my dad abandoned me in an apartment never to come back. In order to cope with everything in my life I turned to TV where I studied the artform of entertainment: Music, acting, comedy, dancing, writing and directing.
You are not only an artist but a songwriter, actor, and director as well. What do you enjoy most and why?
It’s really hard to say which talent or art form I enjoy the most. I enjoy making magic! I enjoy creating something from nothing and watching it come to life. To see people amazed or influenced is a blessing. I want to be the voice of the unfortunate kid or adult that doesn’t see a way out.
Musically and business-wise, who do you look up to? Who’s that one recording artist and/or mogul you look up to and say, “I want a solo career similar to his?”
Jamie Foxx and Donald Glover are definitely on my list of people who showed me ideas I always had, really work.
What is your opinion about the music industry? What would you chance if you could?
The music industry is how it’s always been. I try not to get involved in all the politics of who deserves and who doesn’t. All I’m interested in is letting the world finally get a chance to see who Aktion Jackson is and from there I promise to bring a shift to the industry.
Who are some of the artists you’re listening to right now?
Right now, I’m listening to Redman, D Smoke, Nas, Mary J. Blige, Busta Rhymes, Jadakiss and not because Kiss killed Verzuz… nah… because he’s been nice and I understand real Hip-Hop and lyrical content.
Finally, where can people find your music and keep up with everything you have going on?
You can get at me at @AktionLAJackson on Instagram, YouTube at Aktion Jackson TV, TikTok at AktionLAJackson, Spotify at Aktion Jackson and my official website is Aktion5150Jackson.com.
