The character of Hakeem initially received mixed reactions from viewers and critics . '' Life Times '' described Hakeem as a " love to hate " character . Jozen Cummings from '' Billboard '' declared Hakeem as the least likable character in the series . Cummings gave a scathing review of the character . " The hate for Hakeem knows no bounds . He does n't have any redeemable qualities to speak of ... . He may be fictional , but my disgust for him is very real . " '' Complex '' magazine described Hakeem as the show 's answer to " Tyga and Kid Ink . " The character immediately stirs up controversy when he verbally attacks President Barack Obama in the press . Of the character 's growth and acceptance of his mother , '' Los Angeles Times '' said " we can put the brooms away ; he 's finally acting his age , not his shoe size . " Sadie Gennis of '' TV Guide '' said the character had taken Jamal 's place as the " anchor " during the second season of the show . Gennis described Hakeem as the " constant amidst the chaos " of the season . He is " something real to hang onto . " Gennis said her investment in Hakeem stemmed from the character 's motives being so easy to understand and his intriguing dynamics with the other characters — specifically his parents ' and brother Jamal . For the 2015 Teen Choice Awards , Gray was nominated for the " Choice TV : Breakout Star . "
2015 Teen Choice Awards
2015 Teen Choice Awards
Hakeem Lyon