Sound: El-P’s murky, gloomsday beats meet Mr. Lif’s stoned and congested alien flow. There are a couple Mr. Lif produced tracks, too (one funky, “Murz Is My Manager” and one reggae-flavored, “Washitup!”) that provide a break from all the doom.
Lyrics: As usual, Mr. Lif takes some scathing shots at the Bush administration and others in positions of authority. He also outlines the negative effects of technology on the left-behind hood and details several of the pressures/difficulties of surviving in the music biz.
Heavy Rotation track: “Washitup!“
Medium Rotation tracks: “Murs Iz My
Manager” (featuring Murs); “Brothaz“; “Long Distance“
Recommended: The marriage of El-P’s apocalyptic production and Mr. Lif’s pointed political and social soapboxing can become overbearing. Lif’s commentary is better showcased over funky and soulful beats, and on Mo’ Mega he peaks on his own productions. The MCing is strong across the board (including the guest spots from Aesop Rock, El-P, Murs and Akrobatik), unfortunately the music feels mismatched half the time.
Grade: B-