PRESS
— Eric Alvarez, WFAA Channel 8 News
08.17.2019
“This Texas teacher left the classroom for the rap stage, but continues to inspire students. DALLAS — A Texas teacher dropped the chalk and walked out of the classroom to pick up a mic and rap on stage, but she continues to inspire students. Lyrik, the teacher-turned-Christian rapper, performed for students at the back-to-school party at Emmanuel New Life Fellowship Church in East Dallas Saturday. Before she began performing under the name "Lyrik," she was a teacher for 10 years, and knows how important it is for kids to go back to school excited and ready to learn. Dallas ISD serves more than 155,000 students, and all return to the classroom Monday. "Attitude is also equally as important as school supplies," Lyrik said. "It’s just as important they carry the right energy in their growing hearts and minds. Just getting them excited about their education, and about the new ventures that they’re going to encounter during the school year, to bring them together in a positive atmosph”
— Elizabeth Jenkins, The Gramblinite
10.22.2016
“Lyrik stepped out onto the stage full of energy setting the crowd on fire with her "rap-style" Gospel, expressing that everyone has a different way to praise. "This was my favorite part, I liked the flow, who knew I would like Christian rap until now. She had the crowd and me too crunk, " said Cassie Activille.”
— Paul Bottoni, Terrell Tribune
02.07.2015
“Akiela Jacobs Eighth-grade teacher, Furlough Middle School “[She] is not only a great content teacher, but she is a great mentor and leader for many of our young ladies and gentlemen. She brings genuine excitement, engagement and a culture for students to appreciate the learning in the classroom.” — Juan Solis, principal of Furlough Middle School”
— Mike Elswick, TISD teacher, coach uses rap to connect with youth
09.16.2014
“Lyrik is her stage name. But students at Terrell’s Furlough Middle School along with friends and family members who have watched the local native grow up know her better as Akiela Jacobs, or coach Jacobs. She teaches reading at the middle school and has coached a variety of sports. The release of her first CD – “Get in the Game.” She has performed in New York City, at Fair Park in Dallas and other venues throughout the region. While Jacobs does not know what the future holds, she feels her talent for reaching young minds through the combination of poems and rap music could play a role. “For the future I’m looking for big things from God,” she said. “Right now, I’m having fun and enjoy what I’m doing.” Jacobs said she feels her rapping is a gift. “I’m excited about it and have been given a vision – I plan to run with it and see what happens,” she said.”