Micall Parkinsun – Me, Myself & Akai

Behind the puntastic name lies a rapper with a tasty, Silver Age hip-hop flow, keeping it loose and elastic on tracks like Return of the Blaow! Coming on Jehst's YNR Productions, this is a confident and polished selection. Parkinsun uses some odd rhythms – the wonky, stumbling beats of Me really suit his verses, as he spits about weed, food and his talent.

It's fairly standard braggadocio with a hint of weird imagery, a slight letdown after the psychedelic, drug-soaked storytelling of Kingdom of Fear. Parkinsun is very focused on his duties as a father and husband – his rhymes are well-written, but it's not the most fascinating topic. Grade & Liquor is a dark-edged, hedonistic standout with a crunk lean. If Parkinsun had explored the theme of Akai beatsmithery in his rhymes a bit more, this could have been a classic. As is, it's competent, and shows promise.