AKIA - STUPID (EP) + 10 Questions
Atlanta’s AKIA closes the loop on her DUMBCRAZYSTUPID trilogy with STUPID, a confident, slow burning EP that confirms why she’s one of the most compelling new voices in contemporary R&B. Following DUMB and CRAZY and arriving hot off the heels of “Side Bitch SZN”, the final chapter feels polished, intimate and quietly fearless.
Across three tracks, AKIA leans fully into her signature mix of vulnerability and sensual self assurance. Opener “A Minute” glides in on warm guitar lines and restless percussion, before the tempo dips into the smoky, late night pull of “Love or Waste”. Closing track “How Much Can A Woman Take” lingers in atmospheric depth, leaving the EP on a reflective high note. It’s a tight, intentional release that says more by doing less.
With co signs from Jermaine Dupri and Stevie J, collaborations with GloRilla, and a recent Apple Music Freedom Songs moment spotlighting her during Black Music Month, AKIA’s momentum is unmistakable. Emerging from the same Atlanta ecosystem that birthed JID and EarthGang, and praised by WONDERLAND as a “force in modern R&B”, STUPID feels less like a finale and more like a statement of intent. AKIA is just getting started.
AKIA sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I didn’t always like to sing, I was actually really shy growing up. My mom and my granny used to always want me to sing for people, and I hated it laughs. My mom started making me sing at church every Sunday. I’d tell her, “Mama, my head hurts, ” and she’d say, “God gonna fix it.”
From there, I started doing talent shows, then going live on Facebook and posting covers. People kept telling me I should make my own music, so I finally did. I was 15 then, now I’m 23 and it’s definitely been a journey.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Honestly, I’d love to work with Monaleo. I watched her while she was coming up, and now she’s really getting her shine. Even if you don’t know her full story, you can tell she kept going and that’s what I respect.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
Right now, I’m just in the lab working. I’m cooking up good music and i'm really focused on creating.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Smokey and melodic. It might come off soft at first, but what I’m saying in the songs is kind of savage.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
Performing at Dreamville Festival this year. The energy I got from that crowd was immense, it really meant a lot to me.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Keep going. Even when you don’t see it, the progress is there. You just have to stay consistent.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
@Itsmstrim, @1101Tyson, @Girlfriend.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
DumbCrazyStupid, Still Over It, Full Moon, & Winter’s 4.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I love cooking, and I’m lowkey a homebody. I’m usually binge watching movies or TV shows.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Tea, Water, Food and snacks.