From Kick creators like Adin Ross to Twitch broadcasters such as HasanAbi to YouTube streamers like IShowSpeed, these are the 25 greatest livestreamers to watch.
KhalDJ Akademiks
DJ Akademiks launched his YouTube channel in 2012, quickly gaining attention for his coverage of hip-hop news and culture. He was born Livingston Allen on May 17, 1991, in Spanish Town, Jamaica. He rose to mainstream prominence with his detailed commentary on the 2017 Meek Mill vs. Drake feud, providing daily updates that attracted millions of views. Akademiks expanded his influence by collaborating with artists like Lil Yachty and 6ix9ine, and his channel surpassed 5 million subscribers by 2020, solidifying his role as a key commentator in the hip-hop community. Beyond YouTube, Akademiks has hosted the podcast “Off the Record” where he interviewed prominent figures such as Offset and Trippie Redd, offering in-depth discussions on rap industry dynamics. His early coverage of the rise of SoundCloud rappers like Juice WRLD and XXXTentacion helped bring underground artists to wider audiences. Akademiks’ real-time reactions and exclusive interviews continue to shape conversations around hip-hop culture and controversies.
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DJ Akademiks tops the list this year, leading to a slew of reactions from other media figures.
Trace William Cowen
Complex's fourth annual Hip-Hop Media Power Ranking is here. And in a year with no dominant stars and no breakout moments, the people shaping rap's conversation matter more than ever.
Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Complex’s annual Hip-Hop Media Power Ranking returns for its third year, spotlighting the most influential figures in rap coverage, from streamers to podcasters to critics.
Dimas SanfiorenzoLatest Stories
DJ Akademiks Wears Judge Costume as He Covers Lil Durk's Murder-for-Hire Trial
The hip-hop media personality put on a judicial wig and stepped into a robe to detail the trial's proceedings.
Jaelani Turner-Williams17 hours ago
Lil Durk Seeks to Admit Akademiks Interview Clip to Counter Murder Theory
Durk's legal team has filed a motion about the 2023 interview, where Durk denied taking 6ix9ine's trolling "serious."
Jaelani Turner-Williams18 hours ago
Lil Durk Trial: Akademiks Alleges Kanye West and Drake Are Among Those Funding Rapper’s Defense
The hip-hop media personality claims the rappers are covering Durk's legal fees in his murder-for-hire trial.
Jaelani Turner-Williams23 hours ago
Lil Durk Trial: 6ix9ine Says He’ll Throw a 'Going Away Party' If Rapper Is Found Guilty
6ix9ine called into DJ Akademiks' livestream to extend the invite as OTF Jam's damaging courtroom testimony dropped.
Trey Alston4 days ago
Marc Lamont Hill Shuts Down Akademiks' Drake-Roc Nation Story: 'I Just Don't Care'
Hill rejected claims that Roc Nation ties or fear are behind his lack of interest in the story.
Mark Elibert11 days ago
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The Game Seemingly Takes Aim at Kendrick Lamar on New Album: 'I'm the LA Monster'
With the arrival of 'The Documentary III,' the Compton rapper appears to have made it very clear which side of the Drake-K.Dot beef he stands on.
Joe Price11 days ago
6ix9ine Says Lil Durk’s Arrest Proves Him Right: ‘I’m Smarter Than Y’all N****s'
The "FEFE" rapper argues that Durk's legal troubles vindicate his stance on internet clout.
Alex Ocho13 days ago
Lil Durk Trial: Feds Want to Use 6ix9ine/Akademiks Interview as Evidence (UPDATE)
The final hearing before the trial starts had a surprising mention of Ak's show 'Off the Record.'
Shawn Setaro14 days ago
Did Drake Diss Lil Yachty By Saying 'I Hate Boats’?
Yachty previously said that he wish he hadn't spoken about Drake's beef with Kendrick Lamar.
Trey Alston23 days ago
DJ Akademiks Says West Coast Rap Has 'Zero Motion' Despite Kendrick Lamar Success
The media personality believes West Coast hip-hop is "dead" outside of the 'GNX' rapper.
Jaelani Turner-Williams24 days ago
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DJ Akademiks Says Cardi B and Maduka Okoye Have 'No Chance' as a Couple
The media personality said Bardi is "an expensive girl" and the soccer star's salary wouldn't cut it.
Alex Ocho36 days ago
Daphne Joy Tells DJ Akademiks She's 'Very Scared of Love' After Previous Relationships
The model and actress, newly single, reflected on her dating patterns and why she gravitates toward high-profile, busy men.
Trey Alston49 days ago
DJ Akademiks Brought a Honey Pack to Daphne Joy Dinner, Says He Spent $4,000
He also revealed that they didn't actually eat anything.
tara mahadevan64 days ago
DJ Akademiks and Daphne Joy Finally Link Up for What Appears to Be a Date
All of their flirting has seemingly led up to a romantic meeting.
Trey Alston65 days ago
Charlamagne Tha God Flips the Script on DJ Akademiks' Jay-Z Claims: 'You Have an OVO Chain'
The 'Breakfast Club' co-host has theorized about why Ak might be "supporting and defending" Drake against Hov.
Jaelani Turner-Williams66 days ago
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Charlamagne Tha God Trolls Akademiks At Jay-Z Pop-Up With 'Employee Discount'
Akademiks had suggested the Breakfast Club host was getting paid by Jay-Z's Roc Nation.
Trey Alston67 days ago
Daphne Joy Says She'd Go on a Date With DJ Akademiks: 'He Made Me Laugh'
The model and mother of 50 Cent's son had previously said she was "attracted" to the media personality's attraction to her.
Jaelani Turner-Williams73 days ago