Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, the Grammy-winning producer and 2025 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, is expanding his Alienz Alive roster with a bold new voice. Haitian American rapper Aklesso, a rising figure in faith-driven hip-hop, has officially signed with Jerkins’ imprint.
The announcement arrives alongside the release of Aklesso’s latest single, “Prodigal!,” a track that sets the stage for his upcoming album, Still Lonely. The project continues the narrative he began on 2024’s Lonely, and signals a pivotal chapter in his career.
Aklesso enters this moment following a standout appearance on Lecrae’s Reconstruction album, where his feature on “Too Much” captured attention for its urgency and conviction. For the Miami-born artist, aligning with Darkchild carries significance beyond music.
“For me, growing up with bread, then being on food stamps after my dad left as a jit, and now stepping into being a father myself, this moment is bigger than music,” he shared. “Signing with Darkchild and Alienz Alive is a legacy move. It’s where faith, talent, and impact meet to create something that’s going to remain for generations to come.”
Jerkins, whose production catalog stretches from Michael Jackson to Beyoncé, sees Aklesso as more than a rising rapper.
“Aklesso’s story, his culture, and his sound all carry a weight that this generation needs to hear,” Jerkins said. “From Miami to Haiti to the global stage, he’s not just making records, he’s making an impact. At Alienz Alive, we’re about building legacy, and Aklesso embodies that. I couldn’t be more excited to walk this journey with him.”
Alienz Alive, founded in 2024, reflects Jerkins’ desire to create a label where artistry and conviction intersect. Rooted in faith, the imprint seeks to empower artists dedicated to living renewed lives while making music that resonates beyond radio play. With an ethos centered on truth and transformation, the label positions itself as a movement that connects personal testimony with cultural influence.
Aklesso’s addition sharpens that vision. His music blends raw storytelling with a global outlook, shaped by both his Haitian heritage and his Miami upbringing.
Through “Prodigal!” he channels themes of redemption and resilience, echoing a narrative familiar to many listeners searching for hope. The forthcoming Still Lonely is expected to deepen that message, expanding on the emotional terrain he first explored in Lonely.
With Aklesso on its roster, Alienz Alive strengthens its identity as a home for artists determined to leave lasting impact. His signing underscores Jerkins’ commitment to nurturing voices that can inspire while shaping the sound of modern hip-hop.