INTERVIEW: UK Hip Hop from AK CEEZ

AK CEEZ is rapidly rising as one of the most compelling voices in Scottish hip hop, a movement that’s long operated on the fringes of UK rap but is now finding its own voice. Hailing from the North East of Scotland, CEEZ documents, testifies and uplifts through a body of work that blends poetic flair with emotional insight. With experience coursing through every bar, his music often comes from pain, perseverance and an uncanny understanding of generational struggle.

His lyrics are crafted for those still grinding through life’s harder moments, “This is music for the ones left behind and for those still pushing forward,” he explains, a mission statement that guides his creative approach as he continues to shine within a scene hungry for impact. He’s already been making an impression with early support from tastemakers like Wordplay Magazine, Breaking Sound Radio and A&R Factory, who hailed him as “a UK rap titan in the making” and it’s not difficult to see why.

His tracks carry a weight rarely found in such early-stage discographies, filled with a lyrical quality that calls back to acts like Nas and J. Cole, yet remains regional and personal. In collaboration with his nephew Yung Kenz, AK CEEZ further expands his message, bringing together two generations of life experience under one unified banner. The pair made their entrance with the single “NE State Of Mind,” followed by their joint album The Origins which fully distilled their “Two Generations – One Legacy” ethos.

From that album, the track “Call Me” has gained attention for its heartfelt message and stripped-down delivery. Recorded in CEEZ’s home studio, the track reveals his DIY ethic with him handling every part of the production process himself, save for the beats, bringing a sense of closeness to the work. Drawing influence from the likes of Eminem and J. Cole, “Call Me” invites you in with a slick vintage sound filtered through CEEZ’s modern lens.

Set up by a voicemail message as CEEZ’s smooth vocals enter above the swell instrumentation, the beat kicks off the track as shimmering instrumental elements flutter around his laid back rapped flow. Propelled by a mellow groove and cut with soulful vibes, his vocal delivery floats above the immersive instrumental backdrop, resulting in a stunning display of his lyrical dexterity, sharp vocal performance and songwriting talent.

Wrapped in a hazy arrangement of silky instrumental dashes and peppered with memorable melodic flashes, “Call Me” offers a superb taste of AK CEEZ’s highly original and truly enjoyable sound. As he continues to go from strength to strength with each move, he’s sure to win over fans across the UK and beyond with his stellar hip hop output.

We caught up with AK CEEZ to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “Call Me” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with AK CEEZ below.

Hey AK CEEZ, how’s things?

I’m in a good place right now. Grateful to be doing what I love and finally getting the music out after all these years.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

Writing random raps in my early teens — just messing about with words, not really knowing what I was doing, but knowing it felt right.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

Definitely J. Cole, Nas, and Eminem. I try to carry the emotional depth and storytelling of Cole, the poetic intellect of Nas, and the raw technicality of Em — but always filtered through my own truth and lived experience.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Mainly from real life. I grew up in what you’d call “the hood” in a small Scottish town, surrounded by poverty, addiction, and a lot of pain. Music became my way of making sense of it all — turning struggle into something meaningful. My daughter and my family are my daily reasons to keep pushing.

What’s been your highlight for the year so far?

Without a doubt, releasing The Origins — my joint mixtape with my nephew Yung Kenz. Dropping a proper project has been a dream for years, and to do it with family made it even more powerful.

What do you love about the Scottish music scene?

There’s so much raw, undiscovered talent up here. But it’s not easy to get noticed — especially the further north you go. That underdog energy is real, but it also makes the wins mean more.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

Massively. When I started recording in 2012, I was all about 90s boom bap. I still love that sound, but now my focus is deeper — telling real stories, rapping with purpose, and trying to move people with what I say, not just how I say it.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

J. Cole — no question. Might sound like a big dream, but he embodies everything I strive for: substance, soul, and staying true to your path.

How did you find making your new single “Call Me”?

I really enjoyed it. The soulful sample on the beat sparked something in me, and I built the concept around always being there for someone. It’s rooted in my own experiences, and I poured a lot into it emotionally.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

That we all need someone — and it’s easy to forget that while dealing with our own battles. I wanted to remind people to check in with their loved ones and make sure they know they’re not alone.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

Connection. I want people to hear my story and feel seen in their own. If my honesty helps someone feel less alone or inspires them to keep going, then that means everything.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Just start — don’t wait for the perfect version of yourself. I let fear hold me back for years. The hardest part is sharing your truth, but once you do, it becomes your strength.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of the year?

I’m working on a solo EP and another collab project with Yung Kenz. The goal is to finish strong, hit the road, and keep building something lasting — for my daughter, my fam, and everyone who’s ever felt overlooked.

Listen to Call Me below