“AK B Nimble” – Review Of Akrobatik’s Absolute Value
ALBUM REVIEWS By TSSCrew on February 26, 2008 at 12:03 pmWords By Patrick M.
Hailing from Boston, Akrobatik’s got the east coast swagger and attitude you would expect combined with a quick wit and intelligent lyrics. Most impressive is his command of the microphone; the intensity he puts into each verse he spits in baritone does just as much to convince the listener of his ruggedness as ten lesser MC’s tired gangster posturing. The opener, “A to the K,” hits forcefully, taking a Cypress Hill sample referencing a gun was a weapon and flipping it to reference his purpose. On “Soul Glo,” Akrobatik mellows his tone, but his words are no less commanding as he gives the listener back story.
“I’m just a kid you heard about through word-of-mouth
Who grew up in the gutter but avoided the murder route
While other cats were pulling the burners out
I was on the field playing fullback running a mean corner route.
The line of scrimmage got me focused on a finer image
Smoke an oogie? Nope I got a fucking rhyme to finish
I got my whole life to smoke weed, but for I know what the people need (Give me some Soul)”
Akrobaitk’s name implies dexterity and flexibility. While his menacing voice on the mic is in no way soft, the moniker fits due to his ability to vary flows, styles and subject material. He can tell a story, somberly tying the plights of a runaway slave and a displaced Katrina victim on “Kindred.” On “AK B Nimble,” he murders a beatbox backbeat by doubling his pace and displaying top-notch breath control. “Back Home to You” is the fresh closing track – a poignant description of life on the road and the woman he has to leave behind.
Akrobatik’s broad artistic range makes him a great collaborator, and the collabos on Absolute Value rank as the best songs on the album. Not many can keep up with Kweli on the mic, but Ak sounds like a natural foil on “Put Your Stamp On it.” “Be Prepared” is a monster of a track with Little Brother guesting and 9th Wonder on production. It’s one of those songs that has potential to be on year-end lists. Listen to these tracks and Akrobatik’s phrasing, how he adapts his flow to mirror Pooh and Talib.
It’s rhyming talent like this along with a clear vision and focus that makes Absolute Value a success. Cop it and catch him on tour.
For more info, visit www.myspace.com/therealakrobatik.
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, GENERAL, MUSIC, STRAY SHOTS
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24 Comments
Great review man, I copped this joint last week and I must agree it’s dope from start to finish. It’s a close contender to the Nicolay & Kay album.
If you buy an actual copy of this album the artwork in the cd booklet is pretty ill as well; each picture represents the song to some degree.
Nice review. I remember an Ak record I used to spin on college radio a lot…”Say Yes Say Word”. Anyone got that on mp3?
solid review, co-sign go cop this, really is a good album. i’m liking how much attention ak is gettin now, I been fuckin with him since he started out and its been nice seein this dude grow. i’ve met him and i’ve seen him live and he rips the mic, puts a lot of passion in when he spits…funny dude also.
boston stand up!
word of mouth/murder route is played… ak sounds alright no crooked i
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=CZ43KWZG
Akrobatik Absolute Value
@DJ Trackstar:
Akrobatik – Say Yes Say Word
http://rapidshare.com/files/95133714/Akrobatik_-_Bean_town_slayer_-_Say_Yes_Say_Word.mp3
I got the 12″! Shit is dope.
@ Amp :
if you want to know who kay is :)
http://www.rappersiknow.com/
can’t recall who was looking for the Jake One joints a while back, but here’s a mixtape from about 10+ yrs back…
http://www.mediafire.com/?fszzxbtnljh – side a
http://www.mediafire.com/?bnbplxudwwt – side b
Jake One – Sign Language
side a
goodie mob – cell therapy
jemini the gifted one – return of the funk soul
kool g rap – it’s a shame
showbiz & ag – you know how (remix)
az – rather unique
artifacts – dynamite soul (remix)
d&d all stars – 1,2 pass it (shadow blend)
mobb deep – trife life
finsta bundy – bomb shit
jay-z – in my lifetime
lotug – what i’m after (remix)
mad skillz – sills in 95
krs one – mc’s act like they don’t know
side b
junior mafia – player’s anthem
king tee – freestyle ghetto
faith evans – you used to love me
souls of mischief – show for real
keith murray – this that shit
walking large – reaching for my people
q-ball & curt cazal – war out here
biggie, pudgee the fat bastard, lord tariq – think big
mad skillz – nod factor (jake one mix)
crooklyn dodgers – return of the crooklyn dodgers
das efx – real hip hop (pete rock mix)
jeru the damaja – when i flow
this is a tape rip using a boombox headphone jack linked to my laptop mic input. that’s the only setup i could come up with.
Anybody see that Moment of Truth episode? Slut totally ruins herself on TV in front of her husband for a couple 100k and ends up losing it all on a stupid question.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Hop-749bxtc
interview coming soon!
Pacific – Respect!
Still lookin for…
Jake One – AR mixtape series 1-4
DJ Bedz/Digital Underground – Scratchwutchyalike Mixtape
Bloom – writing your address label as I read these comments sir.
can someone up lupe fiasco – the cool..? please!
Any tony touch from from the 90’s? Tape 50-55 greatly appreciated.
http://fatlacemagazine.rawkus.com/?p=1221
Who will Lil’ Jon sign with?
http://www.divshare.com/download/1161943-833
some track, some shit!
Yea the Akrobatik lp is too too illl from start to finish, def needs to be checked out by every hip hop head!!!!
dude is nice…
my city so you know I’m goin to co-sign this review…
Mannnn someone must have those Jake One tapes!!
late pass…
accurate review
show in brazil very good
represent the hip hop