Music
Press
"Los Angeles-based Ankore is fronted by MCs Akili and Nkrumah and lead vocalist Aanis. The singer is the daughter of George Johnson, one half of '70s funk duo Brothers Johnson. Fusing melodic R&B and streetwise hip-hop with insightful lyrics supported by guitar, drums, bass and percussion, impressive Ankore has already opened for the Roots, Talib Kweli, Dilated Peoples and Dead Prez."
- BILLBOARD MAGAZINE
"Ankore delivers an exceptional R&B-tinged hip-hop revue that comes on powerfully and doesn't quit until their rabid fans are drenched in sweat. Powerful, seductive and exhilarating, this group takes no prisoners. Totally original in arrangement and composition, their songs represent the hip-hop nation forcefully and admirably." - MUSIC CONNECTION Magazine
"Ankore shuttles between critically confronting serious issues in the community to spittin' rhymes
about wildin' out on the dance floor.”
"Who says activists can't have fun? And that's exactly what this album sets to prove. Empowering lyrics are
served atop infectious hip-hop beat for a delicious dish that does a body good.
This is a funky, lyrically sound album for all those tightrope walking
musical schizophrenics who simultaneously turn down the dial every time the Nelly's of hip hop come through the speakers, yet can't stop
nodding their heads to the Diddy beats.” - FUGUE Magazine
"The first night I drove down to Burbank to see Ankore practice, I knew they were special. As I opened the door and walked in, I noticed the family atmosphere; everyone joking, laughing and interacting with each other in a cool way that made me feel comfortable. I was greeted by Aanis, Akili and Nkrumah, who definitely gave off a cool vibe. As they practiced each new song I felt teased that I didn't get to hear the finished masterpiece. But what I did get to listen to is the album, "The People Said." It's one of those albums that you throw in and can't get past the first 3 songs; "Ankaduction", "KOS" and "Handle Me." I played those songs at least 10 times apiece. Not just for the excellent production or even the catchy hooks but for the jewels that were dropped into the body of their work. - CHORD Magazine
"Despite the ascent that Blue Mountain has embarked on, Ankore stands tall, three pillars of confidence who are absolutely positive that they'll make it. And judging by their successful independent efforts and acclaim, they're not in this thing alone. Akili made note of the numbers that have seen something in them and been down to help out. Their firm grassroots efforts have finally begun to take shape into something much bigger. They perform regularly to packed houses around Los Angeles, being duly noticed by enough heads to make their music their bread and butter." - WAV Magazine
Discography
The People Said
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
ANKORE (pronounced "encore") is an unsigned LA-based Hip Hop trio who are drawing comparisons to the Fugees and The Black Eyed Peas when they first started out. Featuring two male emcees and a female
vocalist, instead of performing with just a DAT or DJ, ANKORE rolls with an explosive 8 piece band.
They have a full length CD recorded and ready for marketing and distribution and a dynamic stage show that's drawing industry attention and creating considerable media buzz. In the past two years, they have already shared the stage with everyone from Ludacris, Ashanti, Ja Rule, Chingy and Xzibit, to the Roots, Talib Kweli and Dead Prez and headlined at the House of Blues, Key Club, Knitting Factory and Temple Bar in Los Angeles.
Their musical influences run the gamut - Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald, Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Brothers Johnson, Floetry, Jill Scott, 2 Pac, Common, Dead Prez to name a few.
With the album "The People Said" complete and currently selling online through CD Baby, more than 10,000 units sold through word of mouth, a dynamic live show and a strong grassroots groundswell, Ankore is ready to take their music and movement global. As artists, they feel a responsibility to give people hope and encouragement, particularly the youth who lack role models and need guidance and direction. It's a strong stand to take in a music industry today crowded with cookie-cutter knockoffs but Ankore is ready to fight in order to be heard.
Links
