Features : DJ and Musician Slinky Drops Powerful Reggae and Hip-hop Fusion Single, “Self”

Artist, manager, entrepreneur, and DJ Akeem Haynes—otherwise known as Slinky—releases “Self,” a powerful single reminding listeners to focus on their potential. The multitalented artist combines his Trinidad background with reggae and hip-hop elements to bring listeners a new sound. “My music isn’t normal. “Expect the unexpected whilst being in my lane. I’m coming, and I’m versatile.”

“Self” is the first track on Slinky’s EP, He Has Risen, released at the end of April. “It’s about who I am, how I’m moving, and my self-respect for me,” shares the artist. “The message to listeners is ‘just do you.’ It’s a track about focusing on oneself. Focus upon no one else but what you got to do, and make sure you’re right before you focus on anyone else. Sometimes it’s easier said than done. I have a big heart, so for the people with big hearts—that’s who this song is relating to.”

Slinky wrote his first rap track at the beginning of high school. Feeling very accomplished about his first composition, he decided to find ways to accumulate money by DJ’ing and found ways to capitalize on music since no one at that time thought of doing so. He then pursued managing artists and DJs. Besides being musically talented, Slinky also has an electrical background which helped him to buy a house for his mother and to take his family out of the ghetto. “I wanted to help the people around me before moving up myself,” says Slinky.

The Brooklyn-raised musician attended school in Trinidad and the U.S. as a child. As a result of his multinational upbringing, Slinky was exposed to a wide range of sounds growing up. He learned to play many instruments at an early age, including the drums, steel pan, and piano. “I grew up around music and was exposed to Carnival bands. 

“I got my first break when an engineer didn’t show up to an event, and the promoter threw me behind the mixing board. I fell in love right then,” explains Slinky of how he got started. He went on to launch his DJ career under the stage name “DJ Starboy Slinky.”

As his career progressed, Slinky founded the record label “Kaist Music Group LLC” for Soca and reggae/dancehall artists. After years of managing the career of other artists in dancehall and reggae, Slinky realized he wasn’t focusing his efforts on his own art. “I took it upon myself to start doing me and no longer pushing other people,” adds Slinky. “I want to show the world I got it. Everyone should focus on themselves at times.”

“Self” began as “just a vibe” and gradually developed into a complete song. “The beat then followed suit when I found the right beat to fit it,” adds Slinky. When creating additional pieces for his EP, Slinky worked alongside two producers, one from Trinidad and another from Barbados. “The EP was a mix of producers with a Caribbean background. Now, I’m transitioning more into a hip-hop bass sound, East/West Coast sound.”

Slinky has learned many life lessons throughout his journey thus far. “People always knew me as doing what’s right for others and pushing other people upward. But now it’s time for me. There’s no better time than now. My energy is up at 1000. I want to keep pushing and focus on creating more music.”

This year, Slinky is looking forward to releasing more music for his fans. “I want to drop another single by September and another EP or mix tape by my birthday on December 9 to close out the year,” shares the artist, who is also looking to perform live shows soon. For now, his EP, He Has Risen, is available on all streaming platforms.

Make sure to stay connected to Slinky on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.