by Shawn Nowlin
Imagine someone saying this when describing what you do for a living, “Truth be told, we are talking about a one-in-a-million talent. The combination of technical skill, unique style and overall impact is second to none.”
That is what Kendrick Lamar, one of the greatest musicians of all time, said of producer Ruchaun Akers in the weeks leading up to the 68th Grammy Awards. According to Nielsen data, more than 14 million people tuned in to watch this year’s ceremony, which took place on Feb. 1 in Los Angeles.
When “Luther” won Best Melodic Rap Performance, Akers, known professionally as Scott Bridgeway, joined Lamar, SZA, composer Kamasi Washington and Lamar’s longtime collaborator Sounwave onstage. Akers appeared on stage again after “Luther” won another Grammy for Record of the Year.
Competition for the event’s top honor included Billie Eilish (“Wildflower”), Chappel Road (“The Subway”), Sabrina Carpenter (“Manchild”), Bad Bunny (“DTMF”), Rose & Bruno Mars (“APT”), Doechii (“Anxiety”) and Lady Gaga (“Abracadabra”).
Since 2021, Akers has lived in the City of Angels. In addition to “Luther,” he also co-produced “Squabble Up” and “Peekaboo.” The former hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Singles chart while the latter has already surpassed 48 million streams on Spotify.
When Jaylen Smith listens to Akers’ music, he says it does something to his soul.
“From his early work with Baby Keem, you can tell that his commitment to the craft has been consistent. Sometimes, the most incredible art is not immediately associated with its creator,” Smith said. “With the national stage that the Grammys provide, people all over the nation now know who Scott Bridgeway is.”
Born in Roanoke, Akers lived in the Star City until he graduated second grade from Westside Elementary. That’s when he moved with his mother, Sherri Davis, to Charlotte, North Carolina. Every summer, he would return to Roanoke to spend time with family and friends, a tradition he still maintains to this day.
The Grammy trophies mark a major milestone in a career that began to flourish after Akers’ stepfather purchased him a portable music production console, known as an MPC, when he was nine. Countless hours were spent in his bedroom creating beats and playing with samples on drum machines and computer software.
For some people, hip hop music is a phase. For Akers, it’s been a life calling. The next time you hear a new Kendrick Lamar or SZA song, there is a real possibility that it will include the creative genius of Roanoke’s own.
