Breaking Down the Controversy: DJ Akademiks' Complex Relationship with Hip-Hop's Biggest Stars
DJ Akademiks' time in the spotlight has been filed with drama. Here is a break down the internet personality's most controversial moments.
By D.M.March 27 2024, Published 5:26 p.m. ET
YouTube personality DJ Akademiks has never shied away from public controversy.
Akademiks, born Livingston Allen, has built a name for himself as a hip-hop commentator. He has also garnered a massive following on Twitch and YouTube, becoming one of the most recognizable figures on the internet.
However, along with his popularity, Akademiks has attracted significant controversy over the years due to his outspoken opinions and inflammatory statements. Here's a rundown of some of his most contentious moments.
DJ Akademiks offered Meek a podcast deal after their explosive feud.
DJ Akademiks replies to Meek Mill's post on X.
When producer Rodney Jones filed a lawsuit against Diddy in 2024, he claimed that a Philadelphia rapper who dated Nicki Minaj was involved with the music mogul’s transgressions (per TMZ). DJ Akademiks later named Meek Mill as the rapper in question, reigniting their feud.
On March 16, Akademiks appeared to have a change of heart, offering the rapper a podcast deal after he expressed interest in joining the space. “I'll offer you a million dollars upfront for you for 52 episodes,” Akademiks tweeted.
DJ Akademiks got dragged for his comments about underage girls.
DJ Akademiks appears on 'Off The Record.'
DJ Akademiks has a checkered history with women. The viral star has faced mounting criticism over the years for his thoughts on dating, women, and consent.
In June 2022, an audio recording of the Akademiks discussing Tyga and Kylie Jenner’s relationship resurfaced and landed the DJ in hot water. In the clip, Akademiks seemingly suggested that a romantic relationship between a minor and an adult was no big deal.
“There's not much difference between a [20-year-old] or a [17-year-old] or a [21-year-old] and a [17-year-old],” Akademiks said.
“I never f***ed with Erykah Badu." — DJ Akademics
Erykah Badu is one of the most beloved singers in the R&B community. DJ Akademiks learned that the hard way when he spoke ill of the songstress. His comments came years after their 2017 introduction.
“I never f**ked with Erykah Badu after she came on my show and she was trying to be funny,” Akademiks said, referencing the GRAMMY winner's appearance on Everyday Struggle. Fans of Erykah were not happy with Akademiks’ remarks.
“It's been YEARS! Like girl, it's still brewing in you,” one person tweeted.
That time Vic Mensa told Akademiks he wanted to slap him.
Vic Mensa appears on 'Everyday Struggle.'
DJ Akademiks is sometimes confronted for his antics in person, and the result is always controversial. In 2017, Vic Mensa appeared on Everyday Struggle and blatantly revealed that he wanted to slap Akademiks for producing The War in Chiraq.
“I wanted to slap you in your face, honestly,” Vic said. “And I’m just seeing you here. I’m like, this is a tame environment, so I will keep it to my word.”
They squashed their beef in 2023, with both taking the blame for their part in the feud.
DJ Akademiks has doubts about the Tory Lanez verdict.
Tory Lanez was convicted of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in 2022, but DJ Akademiks still has doubts about the verdict. In 2023, DJ Akademiks sat down with DJ Vlad and caused a firestorm with his thoughts on the trial.
“I thought [Tory Lanez] didn’t do it,” Akademiks said. “I’m still kinda a little doubtful, but the verdict is the verdict.”
