Akrobatik: "Kindred" feat. Chuck D
03.03.2008
"Crying for what the helicopters never dropped us, the stench of bodies in piles is evident for miles, broke with little hope, laid off with little income"
The Song:
On "Kindred," Akrobatik directly explores the racially derived hardships that African-Americans have faced throughout history. Public Enemy's Chuck D's booming monologue opens the track and then Akrobatik follows with the first verse, containing his interpretation of what a black man may have endured being a slave in the early years of America's history; ("the stings from the welts in my back make me wanna attack and be a martyr for blacks but then the whip cracks..."). The second verse delves into the subject of Hurricane Katrina and the intense hardships that New Orlean's less fortunate experienced during the tragedy: "Crying for what the helicopters never dropped us, the stench of bodies in piles is evident for miles, broke with little hope, laid off with little income." Akrobatik's connection between these two distant, yet inherently related subjects makes for a poignant glimpse into the universal African-American consciousness.
Underlying this emotional exploration is a laid-back, flowing beat made up of a jazzy flute line over appropriately simple drum and bass lines. The chorus features a female vocalist singing a melodic line about the nature of the kindred individual. Chuck D puts his stamp on the track with the introduction and outro monologue, endorsing Akrobatik's interpretation of past and present-day examples of institutionalized racism.
The Background:
Known globally as one of Boston's finest, Akrobatik beasted his way onto the scene at the start of the new millennium with Rawkus Records and a series of scathing singles. In 2003, he released his first full-length LP, Balance. The album won Ak a slew of awards in his hometown in addition to a first prize at the heralded International Songwriting Competition for "Remind My Soul," a track regarded by many critics and fans as one of hip-hop's finest compositions to date. Akrobatik is perhaps best known as one-third of The Perceptionists alongside Mr. Lif and DJ Fakts One, whose 2005 Def Jux release Black Dialogue was the only indie rap album on The Rolling Stone's Top 50 Records Of The Year list.
Akrobatik is continually surrounded by hip-hop's elite. Having toured with Eminem, The Roots, Edo G., and Guru, his 2008 LP Absolute Value features Talib Kweli, Chuck D, J Dilla, Little Brother, B-Real, and of course The Perceptionists. Akrobatik's work has also been featured on HBO, on ESPN, and in NBA Live '06. Bostonians can tune in to JAM'N 94.5's Morning Show for Akrobatik's freestyled, daily sports recaps.
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Streams:
"Kindred" featuring Chuck D
http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Akrobatik/Akrobatik-Kindred.mp3
"Be Prepared" featuring Little Brother
http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Akrobatik/Akrobatik-Be_Prepared.mp3
http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Akrobatik/Akrobatik-Be_Prepared.asx
"Put Ya Stamp On It" featuring Talib Kweli
http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Akrobatik/Akrobatik-Put_Ya_Stamp_On_It.mp3
http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Akrobatik/Akrobatik-Put_Ya_Stamp_On_It.asx
Bio, pictures, and streams available here:
http://www.audibletreats.com/download/Akrobatik/
Akrobatik's MySpace page:
http://www.myspace.com/therealakrobatik
Akrobatik's imeem page:
http://www.akrobatik.imeem.com/
Please contact Michelle if interested in talking with Akrobatik.