There was a interval within the early aughts when Definitive Jux (nee: Def Jux) appeared prefer it was going to be the way forward for hip hop. Whereas the label featured loads of experimental, boundary-pushing, and politically minded acts, Lif stood out as essentially the most “acutely aware rapper” within the conventional sense. It was clear although, that label head El-P envisioned that as an essential a part of Def Jux’s identification, as the primary report it put out was 2000’s Enter the Colossus EP, from Lif.
Mr. Lif’s follow-up was 2002’s Emergency Rations EP, a form of place setter for the full-length I, Phantom simply a few months later. It opens with a skit about Lif lacking, apparently having been kidnapped by authorities brokers. In 2002, Pitchfork urged the bit was “unfortunate and sophomoric.” In 2026, it appears alarmingly prescient in a time when masked brokers are disappearing suspected undocumented immigrants, prosecuting political opponents, and banning established news organizations from the White Home.
Even when the opening skit feels a bit ham-fisted, the remainder of the EP is sufficient to overshadow it. What follows is seven tracks of fiery political raps, surprisingly catchy hooks, and flawless manufacturing that runs the gamut from gothic underground, to basic boombap, and futuristic synth meltdowns.
What retains the relentless, rapid-fire dystopian lyricism from getting too tiresome is the free idea wherein Lif performs the position of a revolutionary attempting to arrange an rebellion within the face of an oppressive police state. “Let me nutshell-tell my life story, however I obtained to rush up, and kick it, ‘trigger the Feds are lookin for me,” he raps on “Jugular Vein,” which serves because the EP’s mission assertion. It hints at his revolutionary beliefs whereas relishing in some significantly nerdy boasts, like “You need to use Eddy, now I’m Dr. Bosconovitch,” referring to a tough-to-unlock character from Teken 3.
I’d argue, although, that the Edan-produced “Closely Artillery” is the place the album actually kicks into gear. The relentless army march of the drums, online game explosions, and low drones create the form of chaotic backdrop that Lif’s pressing raps demand. On “House of the Courageous,” Lif will get extra particular, calling out insurance policies of the Bush administration, the Afghan struggle, and America’s thirst for overseas oil.
So People cheer whereas we kill their harmless households
And what higher place to begin a struggle,
However construct a pipeline, to get the oil that they’d wished earlier than
America supported the Taliban to get Russia out of Afghanistan
That’s how they obtained the arms in
They’re in a struggle in opposition to the Northern Alliance
And we are able to’t construct a pipeline in hostile environments
He spits these lyrics over his personal beat, that melds sharp gated drums with synth struggle horns. Calling out corrupt politicians and American hypocrisy is nothing new, however within the fast aftermath of 9/11, dissent was usually shouted down rapidly and typically violently. Lif wasn’t alone it taking the Bush administration to process, however he was one of many earliest, together with Sage Francis. (Later rappers like Immortal Technique, Eminem, Mos Def, Jadakiss, and extra would turn out to be extra outspoken, however usually veered into conspiracy theories.)
“Pull Out Your Minimize” is an old-school funk-infused tribute Lif’s favourite rappers from Wu-Tang Clan, to Ultramagnetic MCs, and KRS-One. However it’s additionally an indictment of poisonous masculinity, means earlier than such issues had been common.
Dudes are appearing macho and so they don’t know why
A well-known never-written motto is that “boys ought to by no means cry”
Hold all these feelings bottled up – now what’s up?
You may’t talk when you grew to become an grownup
“Get Sensible ‘91” sees Edan hop again behind the boards and on the mic, whereas “The Unorthodox” is a stuttery boombap piece.
The entire thing culminates in El-P’s lone manufacturing credit score on the album, “Phantom.” A synth bassline dashes about, bustling with rage as echoes of Lif’s musings on struggling underneath an unfair system swirl within the background, mirroring the smothering nature of capitalism. It’s additionally an early instance of El-P studying find out how to bend his post-apocalyptic, noisy, and futuristic beats into one thing anthemic, as Lif closes out his case in opposition to the established order with a name to the folks:
Single mom, who’re you? (I phantom)
Workplace employee, who’re you? (I phantom)
Caught up within the system, who’re you? (I phantom)
Tryin’ to earn a dwelling, who’re you? (I phantom)
Depressed and uninspired, who’re you? (I phantom)
Laborious-workin’, broke and drained, who’re you? (I phantom)
Seekin’ schooling, who’re you? (I phantom)
Can’t get forward it doesn’t matter what you do? (I phantom)
Sadly, with the disintegration of Definitive Jux, Mr. Lif’s Emergency Rations may be arduous to return by (so is I, Phantom, for that matter). You will discover it, unofficially, on YouTube and on Bandcamp, but it surely’s not obtainable on main streaming platforms.