Akademiks is celebrating 10 years of the brand’s success and intelligence with an Ultimate 10 Tour which begins for fall 2010 in New York City. This first installation of the tour will be seen in the Akademiks ad campaign placed in national magazines this fall. Akademiks started over 10 years ago by showcasing the next key individuals in the industry and as evidenced in the Ultimate 10 continues to stay ahead moving forward.

The first tour includes NYC talent such as Nic Harris, linebacker of the Buffalo Bills. Kiante Sneaker Mann regional TV segment host. Akon’s new artist Qwes Kross on 50/50 Konvict Music. Corte Ellis, new artist on Universal Records who’s debut album includes appearances by Busta Rhymes and Jadakiss. World renowned club and radio DJ’s including DJ Self, DJ Skribble, DJ Suss One and DJ Mike Ness. Carlos Rodriguez of Revokt.com. Producers Bless and K-Mack of the Soul Diggaz who have produced tracks for Missy Elliot, Beyonce and O.D.B. Celebrity barber Anthony Cruz. Bulldog Bikes founder Jimmy Mac, along with rider Desmond Rhodes. Celebrity and industry photographers Jared Ryder and Shareif Ziyadat. And debut artist on Duckdown records Illmind.

Hit the jump for pics

Akademiks had sponsored Duck Down productions for a hip hop showcase in NYC during CMJ week. Boss Lady from Dr.Jays.com interviews some of Duck Down artists such as Kidz in the Hall, Skyzoo, and Torae and find out their past influences, where they think hip hop is going and where they will fit in, as well as if they remember wearing Akademiks back in the day.

Ink Made Me A Monster is presented by Akademiks, The Press Play Show, illRoots and Xclusiveszone and boasts an incredible lineup of accompanying MC’s and producers. With features from Little Brother, Freeway, U-N-I and production from Streetrunner, 9th Wonder and illmind, Monsters Ink showcases what’s great about hip hop and sheds new light on these emerging artists.

Monsters Ink consists of Dynas, Lex One, Mike Beatz and Streets Buchanan. The track “Epic” is produced by Mike Beatz and features the entire group lyrically. This song is featured on the upcoming mixtape “Ink Made Me A Monster” which is mixed by Mick Boogie and Terry Urban.

The album will be released on Tuesday July 21st thru illRoots.com, XclusivesZone.net, OnSmash.com, 2dopeboyz.com, the305.com, HipHopGame.com, and DJBooth.net

Akademiks is celebrating its 10 year anniversary with the recent sponsorship of Bulldog Bikes. The two brands form an innate connection through a strong focus on positive youth originality and individualism with a street edge. With the reshaping of the Akademiks brand, styles such as slim denim fits and aggressive washes lead to a genuine match with the Bulldog riding team.

The AKDMKS Ladies Summer 2009 Collection is anchored by bold denim pieces that are effortlessly cool and modern. AKDMKS supporter Rye Rye, to artists like MIA and Santigold, reflect the aesthetics behind the line.

In addition, the AKDMKS Ladies Summer 2009 Collection offers a diverse range of fine denim with forward silhouettes in excellent fits and unique washes.

Select pieces of the AKDMKS Ladies Summer 09 Collection are now available on 80spurple.com

If you’re in the West Hollywood area next week, I’d recommend you check out the Akademiks Fall 09 Preview event happening on Tuesday, June 9th from 3pm – 7pm at Sur Lounge.

Not only will you be able to preview Akademiks’ Fall 09 Collection (and enjoy some free cocktails and appies too) but you’ll also get to see the launch of Nine Days, a new denim collection by AKDS that was inspired by ninety-six people, who in 1730, overtook their captors, with not one captor injured, and sailed back to their native Sierra Leone over the course of Nine Days.  The Nine Days collection will feature a series of new denim styles and exclusive experimental washes that take originality to another level.

Don’t miss out on this event:  RSVP to NineDays@PitchcontrolPR.com