Mr Lif
Mo' Mega
Inertia

Thank God for indie hip-hop artists such as Mr Lif. Ever since he exploded from the Boston underground scene in the mid-'90s, he has become one of the most revered lyricists in the independent hip-hop scene. With the trivialities of modern hip-hop today, it is so refreshing to be exposed to hip-hop that is real - true of the world today, something that one can relate to, both on an international and personal level.

Mr Lif is an MC, lyricist, rapper, poet and social commentator all rolled into one; and you can appreciate his talents throughout his productions, and 'Mo' Mega' is no exception. Teaming up once again with long time collaborator and Definitive Jux founder, El-P (formerly of Company Flow), he has come up with another album that helps define what great hip-hop music is all about.

'Mo' Mega' opens with the bone crunching Collapse, with El-P's trademark gritty productions of rippling guitar riffs and heavy beats, filling the background of Mr Lif's personal account on what life is really like as a musical artist. He then attacks the hyper-consumerism of America with Ultra Mega and The Fries, and calls his fellow African-Americans in Brothaz to stand up to the poor treatment they have received under the current Bush administration. Mr Lif also shows that he too has a humorous side with the satirical Murz Iz My Manager, featuring fellow Def Jux member Murs, and Washitup! The poignant Lookin In outlines Mr Lif's struggle of not having a paternal figure in his life, and the heartfelt For You (produced by Sydney's own Nick Toth) is a personal ode to his biggest inspirations - his children.

Other notable appearances in the album include Aesop Rock, Akrobatik and Blueprint.

Not since the likes of KRS One, Chuck D and Rakim has hip-hop seen a true story teller and social commentator as Mr Lif. His intelligent, profound, and cleverly orchestrated lyrics, coupled with the gritty and earth-shattering productions of El-P, elevate this album far beyond other ho-hum hip-hop releases, and has seen Mr Lif continue to rise as one of the true modern voices of hip-hop culture today.

Leo Varona