Mr. Lif - Mo Mega
Label: Def Jux
Grade: B+
Highlight: Brothaz
Overview: This is the second official solo project from Boston’s rising star, Mr. Lif. It’s been a good four years since “I, Phantom” put Lif on the map, firmly entrenched as one of the brightest independent emcees to hold a mic. Since then, he’s released two EPs and a collaboration album as part of the Perceptionists crew (with Akrobatik and DJ Fakts-One). El-P mans the boards on eight of the eleven new tracks, with “Brothaz” and “Ultra/Mega” serving as the standouts. The heavy drum sequences you’ve come to expect from El-P are more than evident throughout this production. Guest producer Edan lays down the hilarious”Murs Iz My Manager,” which pays homage to BDP’s classic “Super Hoe.” Guest appearances include the aforementioned Murs, Aesop Rock, and Blueprint and Akrobatik, who lend their vocals to the dope title track, “Mo’ Mega.”
Lyrically, Mr. Lif brings back conscious commentary hip hop, while speaking on topics from Darfur and Katrina, to the corrupt fast-food industry on “The Fries.” While generally a serious straight-shooter, Lif can also drop the humorous word play as evident on the Caribbean-infused “Washitup,” which touches on the ultra-important topic of female hygiene. All in all, this album is very good and should definitely be in your current rotation. It might not be the classic that “I, Phantom” has become, but it will not disappoint.
