Absolute Value is the second studio album by Boston rapper Akrobatik.[11] It was released on February 19, 2008 by Fat Beats Records. The album features guest appearances by hip hop artists Talib Kweli, Chuck D, and B-Real, as well as production by 9th Wonder, Illmind, J Dilla, and Da Beatminerz. Despite receiving rave reviews, the album sold about 600 units in its opening week.[12]
Marisa Brown of AllMusic gave the album 4 stars out of 5, saying, "Absolute Value has a few requisite tracks -- the melancholy 'Rain,' the sweet 'Back Home to You' -- but it also has a lot of sharp, thoughtful, fun material that knows how to keep the audience moving, both in body and mind."[3] J-23 of HipHopDX gave the album a 4.0 out of 5 and said, "you won't find anything on this album that will have you reaching for the skip button."[5]
Andrew Martin of PopMatters gave the album 7 stars out of 10, calling it "a strong representation of Ak's versatility as an emcee."[8] Max Herman of XLR8R gave the album a 7.5 out of 10, saying, "the MC leaves the greatest impression when he balances his hard-hitting approach with focused subject matter as he does on the Little Brother-assisted 'Be Prepared,' a soulful examination of the rap game."[10]
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