In an era where rap is about the glitz of “making it rain” and taking a blowtorch to a car costing more than $370,000 (like Jay Z and Kanye West did to their Maybach in the “Otis” video), Corn “Corn-fed Bred” Akins formerly of Kansas City, Kansas chooses to write about what his life is really about—in hopes its something music fans can relate to. Akins says that he, like other rap fans, wants to f
eel something that’s genuine and speaks to what everyday people experience. The average hip hop fan does not own a $370,000 vehicle and nor have they seen a car costing this amount, cruising in their neighborhood. Most, says Corn, “are probably struggling to pay their bills.” Songs off Corn’s freshman and sophomore projects, “Fed-Bred” and “Hunid Rounds” respectively, capture a raw sense of Corn’s frustration with authority figures and doubters alike. In a track titled “So Real” which is off the “Fed-Bred” album, the 27-year-old artist says: “I feel the pain/But I never shed tears/I reload the chop while my ni66as bang years/I’m not a new jack/I’ve been here for years/Yea you ni66as fake gangstas but my life is so trill.” “I’m definitely trying to bring real street music back,” said Corn. “Reality rap is missing.” Corn says that the current state of hip hop has pushed out more dance music and club music than rap reflecting on real-life struggle; “death of a loved one or friend or getting caught up on the wrong side of the law.” Corn moved from Kansas City to Wichita nearly eight years ago. He relocated in order to escape legal troubles, but has since dealt with those affairs. He now has energy to focus on getting his music career off the ground. He has shared the stage with several music artists like Tha Game, Nipsey Hustle, Bobby Valentino, Trey Songz, Messy Marv, and Rich The Factor. At the end of August, Corn will perform as an opening act for Young Money rap artist Gudda Gudda in Denver, CO. Corn says that performing outside of Wichita can sometimes be a better experience because it allows him to be better received by what he refers to as true hardcore-rap fans. “Wichita doesn’t support its artists the way they should,” said Corn. “You can promote, give them free music, and set up events for them to hear you perform, and they don’t show up.” He finds refuge in places like Denver and Kansas City, places he says allow him to showcase his talents to energetic people who are receptive and actually want to support ground-level artists. “Wichita is slowly getting better but artists still don’t get the support they need to go from being a local artist to becoming a major record label artist,” said Corn. Corn feels artists, fans of the artist, local DJs and local radio stations all play a vital role in promoting an artists’ music. “The fans have to call the radio station and request the music and get out to the shows,” said Corn. “And artists have to keep pushing good music people can relate to.” Some of Corn’s influences are sounds of ‘chop and screwed.’ His latest project, “Hunid Rounds (100 Rounds)” is his second go-round. Corn is currently in the process of shooting a video for a track titled “Go Away.” He also has a song titled “Money and Murda” which is a subliminal message from him acknowledging that the main reason his peers die is for money and by murder. “It’s like I’m out here on my own/Man my clique locked up,” Corn says, referring to a long list of friends who are serving five or more years in prison. While Corn’s ultimate goal is to be discovered and have a major record label contract, he admires that fellow Kansas City native Tech N9ne, is one of the most successful independent label artists of our time; thus keeping a large portion of the profit made from his music and concert shows, the rights to the music, and creative control. “Anybody knows it’s easier for an artist to be signed to a major label because they have more money to promote you and help you become a better known artist,” said Corn. “But even going the independent route is a good look, if the right people are involved.” To increase his chances of making it, Corn works on growing his fan base by hitting the pavement promoting his music and networking with industry artists. (Addicted To Grinding) recording group affiliation, he plans to elevate his standing as a viable music artist. For more information or booking, please contact Corn Akins on Facebook or email him at [email protected]. To hear his music, find “MrFedBred” on YouTube.—Ti’Juana “Mamarazzi” Hardwell
