Mr. Lif @ CMW 2006

Hometown: Boston, MA

Background/Composition: Playful but conscious rap that doesn't take itself too seriously.

Grade: 78

Comment:Mr. Lif is the perfect counterpart to his more intimidating Def Jux label-mates. His stage presence is more Cookie Monster than Cannibal Ox. Don't let his benevolent appearance fool you, though, this Bostonian can throw down and knock you on your ass with the rest of 'em.


Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: E 
Pronounciation: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: G
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:  As Mr. Lif bounded onstage — shorter than expected, clad in a bilious green hoodie, dreadlocks akimbo — the crowd lost themselves. Lif is perpetually animated and always smiling. He was obviously having the best time of the entire Def Jux crew.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E 
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: G
Audience Participation: G
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:  Lif prowled the stage with surprising presence for such a little dude. And the man can rap — low and deep, with a syncopated bounce completely unlike the rat-tat-tat verbal assault of other Def Jux MCs. Lif also shared the limelight extraordinarily well, working seamlessly with cohorts Aesop Rock and El-P back-and-forth on the mic.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: S
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: G
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: S
Nods To Disposible Fashion: S
Cool Equipment: S
Level Of Inebriation: G
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:  "Too many MCs, not enough Lif" was a mantra that seemingly echoed as the crowd broke post-show. Lif was indeed almost too much of a team player, and occasionally seemed overshadowed by the personas and reputations of his Def Jux buddies. That' a pity; he's tons of fun and deserves as much time in the spotlight as he can get.