The title of the new release is a deliberate amalgamation of the words "life" and "lie," a theme that Francis tackles on the album.

Li(f)e marks an evolution in Francis' music; the rapper now has his own backing band that consists of producer Brian Deck (Iron And Wine, Modest Mouse), and Jim Becker and Tim Rutili of the Chicago experimental post-rock band Califone.

Francis' latest effort features collaborations with musicians and songwriters who have never worked with a rapper previously. Solo artist and ex-Grandaddy frontman Jason Lytle provides the instrumental behind the song "Little Houdini," and Death Cab For Cutie's Chris Walla contributed the music for "Three Sheets To The Wind." Other collaborators include Tim Fite, members of Calexico and DeVotchKa and Sparklehorse's Mark Linkous, each of whom provides a canvas for Francis thought-provoking rhymes about hypocrisy, organized religion and American culture.

Tour Dates For Sage Francis:
02/09 - Minneapolis, MN - First Ave (Benefit For Haiti)
02/27 - Providence, RI -Jerky’s