Pheeroan akLaff (born Paul Maddox; January 27, 1955) is an American jazz drummer and percussionist.

He debuted with saxophonist Bill Barron in 1975, followed by a tenure in Leo Smith's ‘New Dalta Ahkri’ (1977-1979).

[4] akLaff developed a longstanding association with saxophonist and poet Oliver Lake starting in 1975, which included writing for their fusion ensemble, ‘Jump Up’.

His extensive work as a session musician includes collaborations with prominent jazz musicians Geri Allen, Andrew Hill, Cecil Taylor, Anthony Braxton, Don Byron, Julius Hemphill, Henry Threadgill, Mal Waldron, Sonny Sharrock, Anthony Davis and Reggie Workman.

With Geri Allen With Oliver Lake With Henry Threadgill With Jay Hoggard With Craig Harris With Ray Anderson With Don Byron With Baikida Carroll With Anthony Davis With Julius Hemphill With Uwe Kropinski With Roscoe Mitchell With Amina Claudine Myers With Sonny Sharrock With Wadada Leo Smith With Mal Waldron With Reggie Workman With Yōsuke Yamashita