South Side rapper Akonixx just released his newest EP, Torn, and with it he shows his maturation as an artist by stepping more into his own lane and defining his sound. At 21 years old, Akonixx (the “xx” is silent), has started to establish himself within the Chicago scene, but true to his age his real impact can be found online, with his fan base growing around the world. The EP is his second release and it is a sonic leap from last year’s AKSZN with heavily autotuned hooks and darker beats than his debut. The overarching theme of Torn is love, with tracks like “The L Word” and “Love Yourself” addressing the insecurities that come along with love in the internet era. Even the album art shows Akonixx at a crossroads, with his hands folded resting on his knees and his bowed face covered in shadow. The project is a great representation of what it’s like to be 21 years old and pretty sure of where you’re going, but still trying to figure out how to get there. Check it out below.