Mr. Lif

Mr. Lif is one of the best "conscious" MCs and producers of the 21st Century. He did have some releases in the mid to late 90s, but he didn't really begin to gain more widespread recognition in the underground hip hop spotlight until Enters The Colossus in 2000. Earlier that year he was featured on the famous and highly respected Deltron 3030. He later gained even more recognition with Emergency Rations and then I Phantom, where he skillfully showcases his storytelling laid over slick beats. If you can get a chance to see him perform live, he will not let you down. His stage presence is very humble, but he will definetely entertain the toughest crowds. "He came to the studio laid back, then proceeds to blow a hole in the track." If you are unfamiliar with Mr. Lif, check out Sleepyheads >> Unreleased and Hard To Find. It's my favorite album of his, taking you on a journey all the way back to early on in his career in 1995 with the jam Madness In a Cup. This track is not featured on any other album and it is as fresh as anything today. Other gems including Elektro (1998), one of his best productions,can be heard on this album as well. Yes, I did say production - he is a top notch producer that lays down some of the sickest beats and lays his own Mr. Lif flavored lyrics over the top of them. In case you haven't got my point yet, Mr. Lif is top notch.