Emergency Rations

Emergency Rations

Mr. Lif's latest mini-album, <I>Emergency Rations</I>, contains in-depth political analysis and has a fine grasp of America's role in international affairs. Plainly, we're far from the urban party zone occupied by most contemporary hip-hop icons. More polemicist than documentary maker, Mr. Lif comes on like a next-generation Chuck D on this frequently marvelous album, or Noam Chomsky with two turntables and a microphone. On "Home of the Brave," this hyper-articulate Boston rapper nails America's long and oil-dominated interest in Afghanistan and the scare tactics employed at home in the wake of 9/11. "When they realized we don't support their attack," he forcefully argues, "they needed something to distract--anthrax." Raging, conscientious, tofu-espousing, incredibly well-informed, and perhaps a little paranoid, Lif is in good company with the mighty El-P and Cannibal Ox at the Def Jux label. <I>--John Mulvey</I>