Perceptionists

The tension lingering below the surface of this collaboration between Boston hip-hop veterans Mr. Lif, Akrobatik and Fakts One is tangible from the moment you press play. While ostensibly a party track, "Let’s Move” has a latent ominous energy. The thinly-veiled shots at the US government on the claustrophobic El-P produced "People 4 Prez” only confirm this and then "Memorial Day” leaves no doubt as to where this crew stands. "Where are the weapons of mass destruction?” the trio bluntly ask, with Mr. Lif and Akrobatik assuming roles reporting on the conflict and the persona of a confused soldier in Iraq respectively. A full-frontal sensory attack could be expected at this point. However "Love Letters,” a track that recalls the insecurity and humility of Pharcyde’s "Passin’ Me By,” immediately follows. It’s true that Mr. Lif and Akrobatik savagely deconstruct the media, mass apathy and the appropriation of black culture with soundbombing intellect, but they don’t forget to change up their flows, approaches, scenarios and musical styles to ward off tuning out. By the time the record ends with the post-work vibes of "5 O’Clock” and the exploring of unlimited potential on "Breathe In The Sun,” which sonically oppose the record’s tense opening, the inherent theme of questioning authority and assuming autonomy undoubtedly still resonates.