Music, on both an independent and mainstream level, is experiencing somewhat of a creative drought. Despite this lowering of standards and quality, veterans such as Beantown spitter Akrobatik soldier on, as he delivers the sequel to his highly acclaimed album Balance from 2003.
While in previous years Akro may have appeared to some as one in a sea of many faceless ‘underground’ rappers rebelling against mainstream conformity, he has always had a knack for crafting coherent and highly listenable Hip Hop, placing him above many of his contemporaries. Cuts like the rock solid anthem Be Prepared, where he is joined by the equally capable Little Brother, along with Hezekiah’s sinister, organ flavoured banger Step It Up, should silence any doubt detractors may have had.
Apart from proving himself, Akrobatik also elevates his game to a higher level holding his own alongside vets like Bumpy Knuckles (Freddie Foxxx) and Talib Kweli, on If We Can’t Build and Put Ya Stamp On It respectively.
The strongest testament to Ak’s skills though would have to be the conceptual gem Kindred, as he channels the spirit of an African slave on the first verse and a working class father living in a third world country on the second verse. The iconic Chuck D (Public Enemy) plays the narrator of the track, while newcomer Brenda Gethers lends her smooth vocals on the hook; meanwhile Akro’s lyrics and delivery make him come off like the new school KRS-One.
The fantastic track Rain may be a politically and socially motivated anthem; however its excellent synth-laced production, courtesy of the gifted Illmind, adds a certain element of crossover appeal to it as well. Ak also shows his more tender side on the closing cut Back Home To You, as he laments about life on the road and thanks his family for their love and support, wishing he could be home more.
It is a rare occasion when a recording artist lives up to their lofty statements, but with his second LP Akrobatik lives up to the title, delivering listeners Absolute Value; it is the type of album that can appeal to both Hip Hop novices and old school heads alike. Absolute quality!
Available through Fat Beats Records
