by Silver Garnier from NobodySmiling.com
His rhymes are filled with references to his hometown as if he was trapped in a cocoon, and never traveled outside the city limits, even though the same Massachusetts metaphors have brought him all around the globe. This one-third of the trio known as The Perceptionists can usually be spotted wearing something that lets the anyone who comes in contact with him know exactly where he’s from, via New England Patriots or Red Sox jerseys. With his full beard, trademark dreads, a 
physical stature resembling a linebacker more than an MC, and his conscious way with words—he can easily be thought of as the anti-Christ of commercialism and an A&R’s worst nightmare. But luckily for you, he’s not the type to give a damn about what you think. He first came to prominence back in 1998 and by 2000, his sociable content and his ability to pronounce words properly caught the attention of hookah-smoking rebellious college students everywhere through college radio. By 2003, his first album released, Balance, and he had placement for his material on shows like HBO’s The Wire. With five years removed from his first project, he returns in 2008 with Absolute Value. And the title fits the LP that boats a lineup that would make any artist salivate, mainstream or not. During this conversation he assures those that choose to read it why he has no plans on changing to secure a spot with the “in-crowd,” and how a safety net is not needed for his tight rope act, because he doesn’t plan on falling down anytime soon.
Nobodysmiling.com : What’s good with you these days Akro?
Akrobatik : It’s crazy, it’s been unbelievable for like over a month right now, and it’s staring to catch up with me. But physically I’m geared up right now, so I’m good.
Nobodysmiling.com : Are you still feeling any effects from the Patriots hangover? [Laughs]
Akrobatik : Oh we going right to that huh? [Laughs] Yeah it was a tough one man, definitely. It was a tough game to be at, but it was a fun trip. Like everything leading up to the game was a good time, I can’t really complain. It would’ve been nice if the boys pulled it out, but the reality is—they’ve already given us three Super Bowl victories and that would’ve been the icing on the cake. But we’re still a good squad, and we’ll be back next year.
Nobodysmiling.com : So what’s the difference between 2003’s Balance and 2008’s Absolute Value?
Akrobatik : On this album, I feel like I had more of a focus on just keeping it funky, man. I didn’t necessarily have too many conceptual songs on this record—I just wanted to have fun. Just to put out some quality Hip-Hop. I feel like that is what Hip-Hop is missing man, just having fun with some dope rhymes. Everybody is so focused on just coming up with a formula, to sell something. So I figured that if I just put out a quality CD, it would speak for itself.
Nobodysmiling.com : Why such a long layoff in between albums?
Akrobatik : Well there were groups projects that took a lot of time and energy, and plus we were touring. I spent a lot of time on the road. And also I had to take the time to secure the project because there are so many people on it. There were so many different things I had to get. Like people had to write their verses, and I had to get-up with so many different people. There was a lot of legwork involved.
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