Pak X Emh is a hip-hop mystery, but maybe not for long after 'Highly Overdue'

Society always celebrates the records that top the Billboard 200 album chart. Back of The Billboards is a Music Times weekly segment that looks at the opposite end: the new record that finished closest to the back of the Billboard 200 for the previous week. We hope to give a fighting chance to the bands you haven't heard of.

Week of 04/11/2014
WHO: Pak X Emh
WHAT: Highly Overdue
SPOT: 185

Pak X Emh is among the most mysterious acts to have broken into the Billboard 200 this year. For those who haven't heard of Pak X Emh: It's a supergroup formed by rappers Merk and Justin Lucas, along with producer Frace. For those who haven't heard of any of the aforementioned parties: Don't worry. You're not alone.

Highly Overdue marks the trio's first foray as a group, an EP dense with condensed rhymes and competent flow. Much like B.o.B., Pak X Emh (Mystery Two: What the hell does the group's title signify?) seem to be torn in two directions by its inner compass. The rapping duo seems torn between using its knack for clever wordplay on inner turmoil ("Hard to Believe") and more street cred-eligible topics ("Who Got The Keys?")

The latter track, for all its lingering on diamonds and new Benzes, is also the obvious single for the EP. Frace provides a cold 808-backed track for his emcees while they rap about their rise, and then succinctly flips into a simple and accordingly catchy hook ("Who got the keys to the jeep, beep-beep").

Another similarity to B.o.B: "Hard to Believe" features vocals from Paramore front-woman Hayley Williams. So no one else knows these guys, but they know Williams? No matter. Highly Overdue highlights a group ready to make a dent. Pak may soon pack venues near you.