By Kimberly Turner
Feb 11, 2008 - 1:41 AM

Words are weapons and in Boston native Akrobatik‘s case, pack the devastating force of a high powered assault riffle. Mr. A to the mother effin’ K is on a murderous mission to rid hip-hop of wack MC’s and apathy with his latest release Absolute Value, to be released Feb. 19 on Fat Beats Records. Given the pathetic state of mainstream hip-hop, this could prove to be a cumbersome task. So he’s enlisted fellow Perceptionist Mr. Lif, B-Real, Talib Kweli, Little Brother and Chuck D to help clear the bodies and carnage.

Akrobatik begins his 14 track rant with “A to the K.” B-Real’s trademark nasal vocals and a smooth Motown-ish funk melody build the album’s momentum. On “Front Steps Pt. II” AK examines and attacks the mentality that being smart and having a legit business is selling out. Like a disgruntled parent, he’s only bitching because he cares. Besides if he doesn’t “kick the truth to the young black youth” the rapper asks who will? 50 Cent? Lets hope not. While Akrobatik displays his story telling skills on “Kindred,” narrator Chuck D sounds like he’s introducing an episode of Masterpiece Theatre during black history month.

Although the lyrical content of Absolute Value is definitely not for the brain cell deficient, it doesn’t come off as being too preachy. Tracks like “Soul Glo” and “Beast Mode,” which features Mr. Lif, would get a soul train line going at any party. The bass lines and drum beats provided by J. Dilla, 9th Wonder, Beatminerz, J-Zone and others are simple but highly effective. Part activist, motivational speaker and party rocker, this daytime radio DJ has created an album underground hip hop heads will covet.

Click here to preview Absolute Value on the Fat Beats Records website.

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Kimberly Turner is a 23-year-old graduate of San Francisco State University. When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling, going to concerts and digging through the used CD bins at Rasputin Music. If she wasn't a journalist she'd be a pastry chef.