The Unauthorized Playlist
André Akinyele
With pristine vocal arrangements, this underground hip-hop, funk, and futuristic album takes cues from contemporary visionaries, such as Pharrell Williams, Erykah Badu, and D'Angelo, to create a distinctive consciousness.
A radical in his own right, reclusive musician André Akinyele defied stereotypical genres long ago to focus on his diverse musicality, a conscious rejection of mainstream conformism. Almost two decades into his music career, André Marcel Ajamu Akinyele remains a magnetic and viable presence in the music industry. With pristine vocal arrangements on top of an ol' skool vibe, The Unauthorized Playlist uses underground hip-hop, funk, and futuristic sounds to explore the madness of keeping secrets, the anger of friendship betrayal, and the rise of self-empowerment. A worthy contrast to his earlier works—including Metal Skin and Ivory Birds (2015) and The Potomac Syndrome (2012), as well as his jazz/funk efforts with his band Gemini Soul and rock band Looking for Lester—The Unauthorized Playlist takes cues from contemporary hip-hop, R&B, and "neo-soul" visionaries, such as Pharrell Williams, Erykah Badu, and D'Angelo, to create a distinctive consciousness. The Unauthorized Playlist is also sexy, direct, and intimate with songs like "After Dark," "Turnin' Me To Stay," and "Midnight," with the latter evoking R&B/Soul singer Maxwell. The Unauthorized Playlist backs away from the typical mixtape scheme and introduces a playlist concept. Put on your headphones and bounce, as The Unauthorized Playlist is one of André Akinyele's most electrifying, eccentric works.
Album Credits: Executive produced by André Akinyele with guest features by MV, LoLo, Big Mike, Lil O, DJ Glo, GDP, and FV.
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Give & Take 1:560:00/1:56
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What a Day 3:450:00/3:45
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After Dark 4:450:00/4:45
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0:00/5:21
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Jam All Night 3:130:00/3:13
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Sky's the Limit 3:460:00/3:46
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Alright Tonight 2:000:00/2:00
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0:00/5:10
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0:00/5:25
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0:00/2:25
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Sweet 4:230:00/4:23
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Up (feat. Fv) 4:250:00/4:25
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Need & Want 5:270:00/5:27