Since the boom of philosophic, politically conscious rap in the late ‘90s, many members of the hip-hop intelligetsia have gone in different directions. With Anticon. MC Sole moving on to production under the Mansbestfriend moniker, Atmosphere’s Slug pushing a more cynical approach to his relationship neuroses, and Mos Def acting alongside Bruce Willis, it seems as though the wave of intimate-rap has taken a new course–or lack thereof.

Sage Francis, however, has staid the course. One could say the only change that’s taken place in this artist is that he’s become more poetic–especially with the release of his sophomore release for Epitaph, Human the Death Dance. Sure, he’s on the same label that pushes post-Fall Out Boy haircut-core, but that hasn’t stopped Francis’ urge to dispel his demons.

On HTTD, the bearded MC delves into topics as broad (and extremely personal) as sex addiction, his classic-contempt for the 9-to-5 cubical lifestyle, and the always-classic relationship drama. But Sage has never been known for indulgence. It’s safe to say he’s more focused and honest on this album, mixing in lyrics on the impact hip-hop has had on his life and having a little less contempt than what’s present in his back catalog.

Starting with two dates at Boston’s Middle East and two at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City, Francis, with fellow beatniks Buck 65, Alias, and Buddy Wakefield, hits the road, in search of introspective blood.

Human the Death Machine is out May 8 on Epitaph.

Tour Dates:
05/23 Boston, MA: Middle East
05/24 Boston, MA: Middle East
05/25 New York, NY: Bowery Ballroom
05/26 New York, NY: Bowery Ballroom
05/27 Long Island, NY Crazy Donkey
5/29 Philadelphia, PA: Trocadero
5/30 Baltimore, MD: Ottobar,
5/31 Washington, DC: Rock and Roll Hotel Theater
6/01 Chapel Hill, NC: Cat’s Cradle
6/02 Atlanta, GA: Masquerade
6-04 Orlando, FL: Firestone
6/06 New Orleans, LA: House of Blues
6/07 Houston, TX: Warehouse Live
6/08 Dallas, TX: Granada Theater
6/09 Austin, TX: Emo’s
6/11 Albuquerque, NM: Launchpad
6/12 Phoenix, AZ: Clubhouse
6/13 Tucson, AZ: Congress Hotel
6/15 Los Angeles, CA: Henry Fonda Theater
6/16 Pomona, CA: Glass House
6/17 San Diego, CA: Soma
6/19 San Francisco, CA: Fillmore
6/20 San Francisco, CA: Fillmore
6/22 Portland, OR: Roseland Theatre
6/23 Seattle, WA: Showbox Showroom
6/24 Bellingham, WA: Night Light Theater
6/25 Bend, OR: Pavillion,
6/27 Boise, ID: The Venue
6/28 Salt Lake City, UT: In The Venue
6/29 Denver, CO: Gothic Theater
6/30 Denver, CO: Gothic Theater
7/02 Omaha, NE: Sokol Hall
7/03 Iowa City, IA: Picadero
7/05 Chicago, IL: First Ave
7/06 Chicago, IL: The Abbey
7/07 Chicago, IL: The Abbey
7/09 Grand Rapids, MI: Intersection
7/10 Detroit, MI: Magic Stick
7/11 Pittsburgh, PA: Mr. Smalls
7/12 Providence, RI: Lupo’s