Words 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.

4 CIGARETTES

For more info, visit www.myspace.com/therealakrobatik.