Coming into the game as a protégé of Jeru, Afu-Ra dropped a very impressive debut LP (Body of the Life Force) and a so-so sophomore piece (Life Force Radio). On his third go-around, the BK mic warrior sounds refreshed and rejuvenated, flirting with a variety of production styles (including dancehall and retro metal) while still spouting the conscious-but-streetwise wordplay we‘ve come to expect. Sporting solid beats from Premier and PF Cuttin, plus rowdy collabos with Masta Killa and Royce Da 5‘ 9″, State Of The Arts bangs throughout, a triumphant comeback record ideal for summer block-rocking.