Looking for the latest in underground hip-hop? Check out the newest release by Akrobatik, Absolute Value.
Boston-born MC Akrobatik (real name Jared Bridgeman), in conjunction with indie record label Fat Beats, has finally dropped his most recent album, Absolute Value. The highly anticipated release is his second full-length album (the first was entitled Balance and was released in 2003, winning him numerous awards and a lot of respect).
This energetic new project further establishes Akrobatik as an emerging leader in the underground hip-hop scene. Guest appearances legitimize his standing and include such legendary hip-hop greats as: Mr. Lif, Talib Kweli, Chuck D, B-Real, Big Pooh and Phonte.
Great Rhymes, Even Better Production
The production on Absolute Value is generally upbeat (featuring the likes of the late great J Dilla and the much heralded 9th Wonder, just to name a few). Akrobatik's delivery is often hard; but his topics span everything from modern love stories to political commentaries to the history of slavery. Ak's battle-style rhymes, coupled with his political consciousness perfectly complements his fast, sometimes bass-heavy and always carefully, though not over-produced beats.
Ak Rhymes About a Broad Range of Topics
The single "Put Ya Stamp On It," featuring Talib Kweli is perhaps the most fun track, as the 2 MC's rhyme over a funky loop put together by none other than J Dilla, may he rest in peace. But one can't discount the rugged yet melodic "Be Prepared," which features Little Brother greats Big Pooh and Phonte.
Then there's the the somber "Kindred," a track introduced by the ledgendary Chuck D, which relates the story of an African slave in America as he struggles to escape to the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina and its effect on the surrounding black communities. One of the most touching versus: "It took me 6 years to get up the courage to run and only 6 hours to find myself facing the barrel of a gun…" In fact, listeners would be hard-pressed to find a track on the album they didn't like.
Catch Akrobatik on Tour
If you like what you hear, be sure to check out Balance and Ak's other project, "the Perceptionists". And, if you're so inclined, Akrobatik and the legendary Mr. Lif (with guest Terminology) are currently on tour. Tickets are only $15 on ticketmaster.com and they're going fast. You won't want to miss these guys.
