Evolution Fight

This is a criminally underrated project and one of my favorite hip-hop releases of all time. When I reviewed this initially around five years ago, I understated Akin's contributions to the record to prop up Cise Starr (which is, ironically, something I hate that happens when people discuss OutKast and act like Big Boi is some scrub that Andre 3000 carried along for the ride and not one of the 25 greatest rappers to ever pick up a mic). Cise is one of my favorite MCs ever, but Akin is every bit as good as him on this. The two trade incisive, socially aware lyrics, with additional considerations of faith, family, and the very art of rapping. Speck & Enoch do a killer job on the production, with several incredible beats that range from upbeat to melancholic. It's a beautiful backdrop for two tremendous lyricists. Time Being is great and Water For Mars is as well, but there is a truly special feeling that comes from listening to Evolution Fight. It is the peak work of a rap quartet that deserves to be in discussions with the greats.