Chicago-based rapper Kai Akili shares a striking new single, “Almost Forgot,” a genre-blending track that effortlessly merges hip-hop’s rhythmic flow with the melodic sophistication of neo-soul and jazz. Driven by a delicate yet dynamic instrumental, the track explores finding confidence in the face of doubt..
With a smooth but textured approach to production, “Almost Forgot” doesn’t just blend genres—it builds a world. Jazzy melodies, warm keyboard tones, and shimmering ambient textures wrap around crisp drums, while Kai’s vocals float along tight rap verses. There’s a gracefulness to the way the song rises and falls, as the percussion swells in the chorus before giving way to more subdued, contemplative moments in the verses. This ebb and flow becomes both a literal and symbolic element.
Hailing from Chicago, Kai Akili draws from the city’s rich musical legacy, which includes everything from the gritty realism of drill to the soulful warmth of artists like Common and Noname. “Almost Forgot” feels very much like a product of this lineage—fiercely personal, community-minded, and spiritually rooted. There’s a Midwestern honesty in his delivery, and the jazz-inspired instrumentation recalls the rich tradition of Chicago’s live music scene.
If “Almost Forgot” is any indication, the future looks promising for Kai Akili. With his unique blend of jazz, soul, hip-hop, and storytelling, he’s poised to make waves well beyond Chicago. The single is now available across all streaming platforms and serves as a taste of what’s to come as Akili continues to build momentum and shape a sound that’s entirely his own.
