What kind of Mac Lethal will show up at the Frequency on Dec. 7? The hardened battle MC from Kansas City? The blazing-fast rapper from the Internet? The happy fellow with the charming, self-deprecating sense of humor who appeared on 2011's Irish Goodbye? It's a crapshoot, though crowds should hope to catch glimpses of all three. In an attempt to quantify this versatile MC's impact, let's take a look at his work by the numbers.
26 million
As in views of the 2011 viral video that featured Lethal rhyming at warp speed over Chris Brown's "Look at Me Now" beat - while making pancakes. It followed several smaller Internet hits - in which YouTubers label him "pale," "white" and "nerdy" - that displayed his gift of rapid-fire gab. It also made him seem like an overnight success, which isn't entirely true.
11
As in years that have passed since a young Lethal blew minds at the Scribble Jam MC battle. He went on to win the competition a few times, release three studio albums and start his own label, Black Clover Records. Lethal's pancake video may have catapulted him into the national consciousness, but he seems primed for longer-term success than the fleeting fame the Internet tends to offer. It's clear that he's worked hard for it.
300
As in the words per minute in his viral hits, like this year's screed on the importance of knowing the difference between "your" and "you're." This alarmingly fast rate is really only good in small doses, though. In other words, it's a relief to hear the much more relaxed pace Lethal adopts on his albums.
$9.13
As in his asking price for Irish Goodbye in a homage to the area code of his hometown, Kansas City, Mo. He pays fond tribute to the city on "Royals Cap (Number the Stars)." But it's nowhere near as sweet as his ode to his grandparents, "Jake + Olive." This tune is pure love and more than balances out songs like "Slut."
