Checking in with DJ Kool Akiem
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In libraries across Minnesota, COMPAS teaching artists perform for children's story time, create with older adults during weekly art-making sessions, lead hands-on workshops for kids during out-of-school days, and put on some killer celebrations of literature, arts, and culture.
COMPAS Teaching Artist DJ Kool Akiem recently led a 4-week workshop series about the Art & Science of DJing for Hennepin County Library as a part of its Library Vinyl Revival Series.
Kool Akiem is a renowned DJ of 20 years, as well as a music producer and pioneer of the Twin Cities Hip-Hop community.
As DJ and producer for the legendary Micranots, as well as DJ for MF DOOM, Kool Akiem has toured nationally and internationally, sharing stages with artists like Atmosphere, Public Enemy, KRS One, De La Soul, The Roots, Hieroglyphics, Grandmaster Flash, Jazzy Jeff, Mos Def, and many more.
Content Creator Ashley Lauren chatted with Kool Akiem about his creative journey and what he hopes participants take away from his workshops, which often take place in public libraries like Hennepin County Library.
When did you develop a passion for DJing?
“I was a graffiti artist first, so it’s more of a passion for hip hop culture, I’d say, and that probably started in ‘79 when I got my first Rapper’s Delight record.” From that moment, DJ Kool explained, he became interested in vinyl records. “I got my first equipment in maybe 1986 or 1987, and that’s while I was going to South High School.”
What do you want participants to gain from your workshops?
“One of the main things I want people to get out of it is to be creative. I show what I do as a creative process. I want to make sure that people continue to create art instead of a lot of times, what’s happening is art is being created for people and they just kind of go along with it. But with hip hop culture and myself as a DJ, I’ve always tried to push things further with modifications or techniques or styles, and to always try to think a little bit out of the box—being creative is part of something you can do to advance yourself even if it’s just for your own personal gratification.”
Why is it important for aspiring artists to learn the process and history of their artform?
“I teach about the history because if you understand the way people developed things in the past, you can use those lessons in the future to further develop your craft or business.”
What is one lifelong lesson you’ve learned during your journey?
“Always show up, even if you can’t be there on time. It’s hard to estimate, but I’ve done 7,000 appearances. I think it’s really important to be reliable when you have people counting on you.”
What is your advice for young artists?
“Study the history [of your artform], and try to be creative.”
Why do you work with COMPAS?
“COMPAS has supported me. One of things that COMPAS did for me was give me a shot. Being a teaching artist opens up a different lane for me to be able to teach, so I feel extremely supported by COMPAS.”
What is a value that COMPAS provides to educators, library staff, and others interested in offering creative programming?
“I think that being able to pull in the needed grant money is really important, and to involve artists and then put that into programming for youth. Because, if COMPAS wasn’t doing that, the grant money would go somewhere else, and we need it for our kids.”
