Akrobatik crashed the rap scene in 1998 with his grimy single "Ruff Enough," which was followed by an EP titled The EP in 2002. A year later, the Boston native dropped his first full-length, Balance. Balance was a brilliant debut, but in a year that also witnessed the arrival of Cassidy and 50 Cent, Akrobatik got lost in the shuffle.
He disappeared from the scene for years, limiting his contribution to group projects. With the recent success of fellow rudimentary MCs like Lupe Fiasco and Common, the timing for Akrobatik's comeback couldn't have been better timed.
The Message
Absolute Value seeks to move Akrobatik past the also-ran column.
Insightful and eloquent, Ak tackles serious issues like societal imbalance and gang violence on "Rain" and "Front Steps Pt. II (Tough Love)" as good as anyone since Chuck D. His storytelling excels on "Kindred," which features some spoken word marvel from--yes, you guessed it--Chuck D. Ak's rhymes cascade over somber flutes and piano licks, as he weaves a common thread through the struggles of African slaves and Katrina victims. The topic is nothing new at this point, but the approach is heartfelt and unique.
The Music
Of course, Absolute Value would be flawed if it was all downers and no anthems. Feel-good bangers like the Talib Kweli-featured "Put Ya Stamp on It" and the uplifting "Be Prepared" (with Little Brother) balance the album's socio-political undertones.
Ak demonstrates his range by taking on a variety of issues. But he also demonstrates a good taste in beats by selecting contributions by Illmind, 9th Wonder, and J Dilla. Besides the occasional corny boardsmanship, Absolute Value lives up to musical expectations.
'Absolute Value' Delivers on Its Promise
Rescuing hip-hop fans from their ringtone pop diets, Akrobatik has managed to craft a spirited narrative session, bolstered by a fluid blend of soul and pound. Ak can now rest assured that he's accomplished his goal of delivering nothing short of Absolute Value.
Standout Tracks- "Rain"
- "Put Ya Stamp on It"
- "Be Prepared"
