A.K. -S.W.I.F.T.

The artist known as A.K.-S.W.I.F.T. is the vocalist Burnell Keith Herring, Jr., originally from Chicago. His pseudonym is an acronym meaning Asiatic Knowledge Swinging With Incredible Force Totally.

His musical training is classical, including the practice of violin, viola, cello, and double bass. He joined his school’s symphony orchestra in just six months, securing first and second chairs there, participating in three national competitions, and giving over a hundred school concerts.

In 1983, after being introduced to hip-hop culture, he joined a Frankfurt-based breakdance crew called “Floor Masters,” learned the DJ trade, and honed his writing and rapping skills.

After a stint in the army infantry, he began releasing records starting in 1991. He achieved some success as a member of the group Magic Affair, with whom he won the German ECHO Award in 1995, before leaving the group to embark on a solo career.

In 1997, he released his first solo track, Light In Me featuring Mike Marshall. The following year, he collaborated with Rico Sparx, Alley Cat, and Greg McCoy to produce the single The Professional. At that time, he opened for Usher’s concerts, receiving rave reviews in various newspapers and magazines.

In 1999, another single was released on Booya-Music, titled It's On (feat. Craig Smart & Mazaya), which reached number 75 on the German charts. A track named Do you wanna die was planned for mid-May 2000 but ultimately never saw the light of day.

In early 2001, he signed a contract with the “Bookmark” label of the company In-Motion AG. He then finalized a project with “S. Oliver” and the “BBL Allstars” (Basketball Bundesliga) around the song You Know The Names. This was followed by a long hiatus in his activity.