Mr. Lif

Through much of Mega, Mr. Lif sounds as if he's being whipped to bits by producer El-P's discordant funk, which is oddly appropriate given America's political situation at the time of the record's release. "The Bush administration is worth nothing/ F*ck 'em," Lif raps on the bleak anthem "Brothaz." Even when Lif's politics aren't explicit, such as on "Collapse," there's still a windswept, war-fatigued vibe both angry and exhausted. Not as cohesive as 2002's I Phantom, yet more cerebral than 2005's Black Dialogue , Mo Mega ranks as one of 2006's most bleak releases.

When world death threatens, don't expect El-P's beats to lift anyone's spirits for the struggle ahead ("Brothaz," "Murs Iz My Manager"). (Grade - ***)