Al Nuke

Curtis Franklin, better known by his stage name Al Nuke, is a musician, actor, director and community activist from Detroit, Michigan.

Al Nuke entered the hip hop scene by releasing his debut album Lifestyles of the Rich and Infamous in 1996. For Al Nuke, life has always been full of excitement. Whether it was a tumultuous childhood, growing up on the streets of Detroit, or launching a successful rap career, Nuke’s accomplishments have proven that tenacity and talent are the key ingredients to achieving your dreams.

Nuke began creating music at the early age of 13. After many years of developing and honing his skills, he decided it was time to put them on wax. He released his debut album “Lifestyle of the Rich & Infamous”, first single “Out Da Door” made an immediate impact selling over 10,500 records out the trunk of his car throughout Metro Detroit.

The release of his second album “Under Pressure” featuring the single and undisputed street anthem “My People” garnered Nuke a nomination for Best Artist of the year by Pearl Music Awards Association. It also yielded two hits, “Ain’t No Playa” and “Ball, and earned him underground respectability thus sealing his reputation as a legitimate artist in the mid-west hip hop community.

Nuke’s third album “My World” sold a respectable 11000 units and laid the groundwork for his fourth album “Bigg Bizz” executive produced by himself. This amalgamation of gangster, dance and r&b provides something for everyone.

Singles like “Me n U” & “Ballin” featuring Badd Azz and Yuckmouth, provide a vivid portrayal of gangster life for the hard-core audience, “Party Non Stop” and “Nukie” are both bouncy and upbeat for the krunk club crowd while “Promises”, featuring Keith Washington reveals an even greater depth.

Al Nuke has participated in numerous shows and concerts including the Aaliyah Tribute. A multi-faceted artist, Nuke produced and directed “He Hot”, a DVD of his music videos. His guest artist’s outings include the remix of Jay Z’s “Excuse Me Miss”, which received 70 spins a week on Detroit radio stations.

In 2005, he formed All World Enterprises, and Entertainment Company dedicated to nurturing artists in various mediums. As CEO of AWE, Nuke has created for himself an outlet to express all forms of his artistic abilities.

Al Nuke’s tenacity and talent continue to pay off. In 2005 he received a unique honor – local rappers nominated him for the Detroit Music Award for lifetime achievement. For Al Nuke, life has come full circle. He has exhibited longevity in a volatile industry and continues to set his sights on higher goals.

His most recent collection titled “Where Nuke At”, demonstrates a new maturity in a long and rich career. Constantly able to recreate himself, Nuke has produced a work that will attract new listeners while keeping longtime fans satisfied. His personal favorites “Take it There” (featuring Proof of D12) and “Baby Girls”, a love letter to his daughters, exhibit an elevated level in subject matter as well as overall musicianship.

Another recent project is the mix tape “Stars and Stripes”, which sold over 15,000 units underground, with hit singles such as “Don’t Play Me Like Dat” and the underground remixes Cop from Me and White Tee.

As an actor, Al Nuke co-starred in the 2006 film 17000 Block and starred in the documentary Street Life, which features other artists such as Method Man, Layzie Bone, Lil' Flip and many others. He is currently working on his nightly television show, Nuke at Night, which appears on cable television in Detroit and surrounding areas. Now Al Nuke has 3 beautiful daughters Azahe (15), Kayla (13) & Ava (3).

Films

 * 2001: Gangstresses (co-star) Gangstresses
 * 2003: Street Life (co-director) STREET LIFE
 * 2004: MVP (actor)
 * 2005: 17000 Block (Director) 17000 BLOCK
 * 2011: "Joy Road" (Producer/Actor)
 * 2012: "Birds of a Feather" (Director)

Television

 * 1998: Video Vibes (host)
 * 2008: 106 & Park (Freestyle Friday contestant)
 * 2009: Nuke at Night (Executive Producer)

Albums

 * 1996: Lifestyles of the RICH & INFAMOUS
 * 1997: ''Under Pressure
 * 1999: ''My World
 * 2003: ''Bigg Bizz
 * 2007: ''Where Nuke At

Mix tapes

 * 2004: ''Stars and Stripes
 * 2009: ''Prez Nuke Prez Nuke
 * 2009: ''Welcome To The White House
 * 2010: ''Supa Nuke SUPA NUKE
 * 2010: ''Nuke Nation