Pure Poetry and Raw Street Grit

Released: January 4th 2026

Recently, Aktu el Shabazz hit my radar like a meteor. As soon as his album, AS SEEN ON TV, was within sight, I simply couldn’t look away. Most people know I have a massive backlog of albums to get through for reviews and recommendations, but when I pressed play on a random song just to check the vibe, I knew this was a project I couldn’t wait to dive into. There is no better feeling than knowing you have something special ahead of you, and I was spot on—this is truly great music.

Aktu el Shabazz delivers a soulful and spiritual sound that feels rare in the current landscape. It is fitting that he included a sample of Huey from The Boondocks, because this album captures that same somber yet hopeful energy the show was known for. SIIMBA starts things off strong with a late-night Houston vibe that Aktu flows over perfectly, setting a high bar immediately. The title track, “AS SEEN ON TV,” uses the Huey dialogue to set the stage for the rest of the album. The first beat is jazzy and beautiful, allowing Aktu to enter a complete flow state while kicking all kinds of rhymes. Then, the beat switches and Traffik takes over the second half, delivering raw street lyricism over another stunning production choice.

“16PIECE LRG” is the next standout. The beat is hypnotizing, drawing the listener in as Aktu el Shabazz paints across the canvas. Hooks aren’t needed on every track here, and that works; it often feels like pure poetry over the production—not spoken word, but focused, rhythmic poetry. Those same feelings carry over to “MY LIFE,” where the piano and echoing choir create a “goosebumps” effect that stays with you.

I’m not going to break down every song because I genuinely want people to go listen and experience this for themselves. This is a top-tier 2026 release and one that will be incredibly hard for most MCs to top this year. It’s time to start spreading the word on AS SEEN ON TV and Aktu el Shabazz, because this is exactly the kind of Hip-Hop the culture needs.

Standout Tracks: AS SEEN ON TV, MY LIFE, 16PIECE LRG & PARLE VOUS

Album Rating: 👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑 (9.5/10)