B-Side Guys

Akanimo builds his escape route from electronic and organic materials. “Relaxation Electric” functions as exactly what its title promises—a space carved out for unwinding that runs on current rather than nature, finding tranquility in synthesized sounds instead of retreating from them. The Charlotte rapper’s second EP DISTORTION marked a turning point, with this track becoming one of his most successful songs to date alongside “Feelings Change,” proving that his “something for everybody” approach can yield genuinely resonant moments.

The production opens with ethereal synth work that establishes a dreamlike quality before settling into defined rhythmic structure. What makes the track work is how Akanimo navigates between his hip-hop foundation and the electronic/EDM elements without letting either dominate. His flow remains sharp and eccentric—qualities that have defined his work since his July 2020 self-titled debut mixtape—but here he’s deployed them in service of something more introspective than aggressive. The RnB influence surfaces in the soulful melodic choices, adding warmth that keeps the electronic components from feeling cold or distant.

Lyrically, Akanimo explores themes of escapism and seeking solace amid daily chaos. His vocal delivery carries both introspection and uplift, acknowledging the need to unwind without pretending relaxation comes easily or naturally. There’s intelligence in how he frames this pursuit—not as passive retreat but as active creation of space for peace. The chorus hook captures that tension between needing calm and needing energy, encapsulating relaxation as something that can feel electric rather than sedated.

Since bursting onto the scene with music ranging from hip-hop and RnB to acoustic and EDM, Akanimo has refused to be boxed into single-genre constraints. His first EP “Where There’s Smoke” (December 2020) earned him placement on Vocalo’s Poised To Breakthrough Playlist with “I’ll Give You That,” followed by his second mixtape “Good Luck” in July 2021. The acclaim comes from his ability to create witty, sharp lyrics paired with hypnotic melodies that appeal across demographics and ages.

“Relaxation Electric” arrived in December 2021 as proof that Akanimo’s boundary-crossing approach can yield tracks with staying power. Four years later, it remains one of his defining songs—evidence that sometimes the best way to find peace isn’t by unplugging but by finding the right frequency to tune into.