The final winner of The Who’s Next/DJ Drewski Heat Of The Week contest is Akilah Divine!
As our grand prize winner, she won a 1 on 1 session with DJ Drewski, $1000 cash, and $2000 in HOT 97 marketing to promote her single. It was an intense few weeks for Drewski, who hand-selected Akilah Divine alongside the living legends, The Heavy Hitters. Drewski spoke on the process, he said,
“We had so many great submissions so it wasn’t easy, but once I heard and then seen what she was doing I knew instantly she had the potential to be a star!”
Akilah shared the exciting news online and said,
“OMG I WON the DJ Drewski MVMT V.I.P One-on-One listening session & video Interview, $1000 cash, & a marketing campaign valued at $2000 on HOT 97. Thank you so much Hot 97 Who’s Next for believing in me and assisting me on my journey as an artist. I’m so grateful and honored. This means so much to me ! I’m so excited right now.” Take a look:
Get to know everything about Akilah Divine:
Describe your sound: A fusion of R&B and Hip Hop.
Who are the top 5 artists (dead or alive) that inspire you as an artist: James Brown, Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar, Erykah Badu, J.Cole
How did you know this was something you wanted to do? I developed my love for music as early as the age of 5. Thinking back to when I would use any object I can grab as a microphone, I would sing inside the house for hours at a time. I noticed then that music was something I was extremely passionate about. I used my thoughts and feelings to help me deliver messages to people from all walks of life. When I’m performing, it’s almost as if I’m having an out-of-body experience. It feels like home.
What is the name of the first track you ever recorded? The first track I’ve ever recorded is called “What was the first show you have ever gone to? The first show I’ve ever been to was a Beyonce Concert and it was absolutely amazing.
Tell us about your first performance: The very first time I’ve ever performed was at an elementary school talent show. I was in the 3rd grade and I wrote a rap I wanted to perform. I was so nervous because I wrote it with an old school flow AND I was talking about my crush in the rap. It was something about the feeling of being on stage and giving a piece of me that I loved. All my teachers and peers were cheering me on and I gained confidence in my skills and abilities.
What has been your favorite quarantine hobby? My favorite quarantine hobby has been teaching myself how to do roller skating tricks and writing new music & poetry.
What made you submit to Who’s Next? I believe in investing in myself and my craft. I want to be successful and I want to thrive in my music career. I have to put the work in and it requires dedication, hard work, and commitment. I saw the opportunity and I knew I couldn’t pass it up. I always tell myself that the worst thing someone can say to you is no , so why not take the leap of faith and see where it leads.
Let us know why YOU are next! I am next because I aim to be an experience that resonates with people and to give them something they can connect with and feel. I study those that came before me and the art and foundation of it all. I’m committed to my craft and I want to constantly grow and evolve into the best version of myself. I am ready to manifest and attract all the blessings and opportunities coming my way.
Check out her latest single, “TRIBE:”
“Tribe” backstory: “TRIBE” was accepted as an Official Selection in TEN film festivals: Columbus Black International Film Festival, Las Vegas Black Film Festival, Sabiff 2020- San Antonio Black International Film Festival, Rapport Festival:Black Film Festival, Los Angeles Black Film Festival, Baltimore Next Media Webfest, and Twin Cities Black Film Festival, Made In Baltimore Short Film Festival, Gary International Black Film Festival, Baltimore International Black Film Festival. “Tribe” also won the best music video award from Sabiff 2020- San Antonio Black International Film Festival and Columbus Black International Film Festival.
Instagram | Twitter | Link to music |All Streaming Platforms: Akilah Divine
Feeling like you have what it takes? We are running a new Heat Of The Week contest starting this week! All you have to do is submit your track on our web app and if your song gets rated high enough to the Top 20 Leaderboard, DJ Drewski may pick your track as his “Heat” of the week (one artist and song). Each weekly winner will qualify for the GRAND PRIZE, and receive what Akilah Devine did. You got that heat, right? Submit your music now!
We also have an opportunity for music lovers to help us rate tracks. Your feedback helps unsigned artists plus just for rating tracks, you have a chance at winning $500 just for being a music expert. Sign up NOW!