Akrobatik – Kindred ft Chuck D

On "Kindred," Akrobatik directly explores the racially derived hardships that African-Americans have faced throughout history. Public Enemy's Chuck D's booming monologue opens the track and then Akrobatik follows with the first verse, containing his interpretation of what a black man may have endured being a slave in the early years of America's history; ("the stings from the welts in my back make me wanna attack and be a martyr for blacks but then the whip cracks..."). The second verse delves into the subject of Hurricane Katrina and the intense hardships that New Orlean's less fortunate experienced during the tragedy: "Crying for what the helicopters never dropped us, the stench of bodies in piles is evident for miles, broke with little hope, laid off with little income." Akrobatik's connection between these two distant, yet inherently related subjects makes for a poignant glimpse into the universal African-American consciousness.
Underlying this emotional exploration is a laid-back, flowing beat made up of a jazzy flute line over appropriately simple drum and bass lines. The chorus features a female vocalist singing a melodic line about the nature of the kindred individual. Chuck D puts his stamp on the track with the introduction and outro monologue, endorsing Akrobatik's interpretation of past and present-day examples of institutionalized racism.

I am still noddin' my heads to this fantastic song so yes, this one deserves a thumbs up! Although its been over three months since it was given a 'Thumbs Up' here at MusicRemedy. This is a somewhat 'older' joint but still very tight. A lot of people have given their thumbs up and so should you. Click on the 'play'-button and enjoy!

I give it 3 of 5 stars.