DJ Akademiks
DJ Akademiks launched his YouTube channel in 2012, quickly gaining attention for his coverage of hip-hop news and culture. He was born Livingston Allen on May 17, 1991, in Spanish Town, Jamaica. He rose to mainstream prominence with his detailed commentary on the 2017 Meek Mill vs. Drake feud, providing daily updates that attracted millions of views. Akademiks expanded his influence by collaborating with artists like Lil Yachty and 6ix9ine, and his channel surpassed 5 million subscribers by 2020, solidifying his role as a key commentator in the hip-hop community. Beyond YouTube, Akademiks has hosted the podcast “Off the Record” where he interviewed prominent figures such as Offset and Trippie Redd, offering in-depth discussions on rap industry dynamics. His early coverage of the rise of SoundCloud rappers like Juice WRLD and XXXTentacion helped bring underground artists to wider audiences. Akademiks’ real-time reactions and exclusive interviews continue to shape conversations around hip-hop culture and controversies.
Latest Stories
Akademiks Says Drake Was ‘Never Sad’ but Instead ‘Focused and Competetive’ During Kendrick Beef
The media personality has been revisiting the 2024 rap battle across recent livestreams, reframing Drake's involvement as strategic not personal.
Akademiks Claims Jay-Z Freestyle Targets Are Unbothered: 'He Needs Another Move'
The media personality has shared that be believes Hov isn't "getting the best response" after his viral Roots Picnic freestyle.
DJ Akademiks Argues Drake's First 3 Albums Are 'Valued More' Than Jay-Z's Entire Catalog
Akademiks makes a very Akademiks argument following HOV's Roots Picnic freestyle.
Joe Budden Responds to Claims Drake’s "Janice STFU" Is About Him: 'I'm That N***a'
Theories have been circulating online that Drizzy's chart-topping track is actually a diss aimed at the rapper-turned-podcaster.
Akademiks Says He Doesn't Regret Voting for Donald Trump: 'I Don't Care That I'm Black'
The hip-hop media personality believes Former Vice President Kamala Harris was a "worse" option.
Akademiks Chooses Dinner With Drake Over $1 Million, Shares Video of OVO Chain Moment
Check out the moment Drizzy surprised the streamer with a diamond OVO chain.
The 25 Best Streamers Right Now, Ranked
From Kick creators like Adin Ross to Twitch broadcasters such as HasanAbi to YouTube streamers like IShowSpeed, these are the 25 greatest livestreamers to watch.
Akademiks Tells Adin Ross How His Meeting With Drake Happened
Akademiks got an owl chain from The Boy.
Complex's Hip-Hop Media Power Ranking Is Ruffling Feathers: Here's What People Are Saying
DJ Akademiks tops the list this year, leading to a slew of reactions from other media figures.
DJ Akademiks Suggests Drake Congratulated Him on Topping Complex’s Hip-Hop Media Power Rankings
Akademiks, who placed at the top of the list, compared himself and the rapper to "Shaq and Kobe."
Hip-Hop Media Power Ranking: The 2026 Edition
Complex's fourth annual Hip-Hop Media Power Ranking is here. And in a year with no dominant stars and no breakout moments, the people shaping rap's conversation matter more than ever.
Akademiks on Megan Thee Stallion Split From Klay Thompson: 'She Thought She Was the 5th Ring'
Megan Thee Stallion announced her split from Klay Thompson after accusing him of not wanting to be monogamous.
Drake, Adin Ross, and DJ Akademiks Accused of 'Inflicting Harm' in New Gambling Lawsuit
The claim, which also names the gambling website Stake.us, is the latest in a series of lawsuits filed in other states.
Akademiks Says He Told Drake to Delay 'Iceman'
The media personality said Drizzy's haters have "Drake Derangement Syndrome."
Akademiks Walks Back Gucci Mane Defense, Says Pooh Shiesty Diss is Him Snitching
"Charleston White gotta step his snitching game up," Akademiks told fans after hearing Guwop's new track.
Ebro Claims 'the Algorithm' Works Against People Who Beef With Drake and Akademiks
Ebro has publicly beefed with both Drake and DJ Akademiks.
The Kid Mero Trolls Akademiks After Army Raises Enlistment Age, Says He Can ‘Absorb Some Rounds’
The feud between the Hot 97 morning show host and the streamer recently intensified.
The Kid Mero Rips Akademiks Live on Hot 97: ‘You Don’t Want No Smoke With Nobody, Especially Me'
Mero addressed Akademiks live on the air following a heated social media exchange over the weekend.