Episode #249: Akinola Pedro

In Episode #249, Akinola Pedro returns to the podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on music. They discuss the importance of having support at a young age to pursue a career in music, the recent decline in hip hop popularity, the challenges of being a multi-genre artist, and more.

Akinola Pedro began his career in 2016. Born in Washington, D.C. to Nigerian parents, he carries a rich heritage of West African and Afro-Brazilian roots that shapes his artistry. In 2019, he released his demo album SURREALISM, and later that year was named one of ten winners of the inaugural 2K Beats Contest, created by Steve Stoute’s UnitedMasters. His breakout single Traffic.jam {BARGAIN} was hand-picked by Kevin Durant and Stoute for the NBA 2K20 soundtrack. In 2021, his debut album Children of Immigrants! earned him back-to-back placements with 2K Sports. Most recently, on February 10, 2025, Pedro released his sophomore album POMEGRANATE?, followed by a tour to bring the project to audiences across the country.