Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, the Grammy winner and 2025 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, has officially welcomed a new voice to his Alienz Alive family. Haitian American rapper Aklesso, a rising figure in faith-centered hip hop, is the latest artist to sign with the imprint, marking a major move for both his career and Jerkins’ expanding vision.
The announcement arrives with the release of Aklesso’s new single “Prodigal!,” a record that lays the foundation for his upcoming project Still Lonely. The album will continue the story he began with 2024’s Lonely, pushing his narrative forward and cementing his growth as an artist.
Aklesso is stepping into this moment after earning wide attention for his feature on Lecrae’s Reconstruction album, where his performance on “Too Much” stood out for its passion and lyrical conviction. For the Miami-born rapper, signing with Darkchild is more than a business move, it is a milestone that ties together his personal journey and musical calling.
“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,” Aklesso said. “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.”
With Jerkins’ legendary production background and Aklesso’s drive to inspire through music, the partnership is positioned to make a lasting mark both inside and outside the culture.