Black Dialogue

The Perceptionists | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 22, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Definitive Jux
• ASIN: B00070G74G
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #231,492 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Achieving perfection, May 5, 2005

By 

Alan Pounds "Minnesota Hip-Hop Fiend" (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Black Dialogue (Audio CD)

I had to buy this album after falling in love with Mr. Lif's "I Phantom". That, and Definitive Jux was pimping out the CD pretty hard on the front page of their web site. I listen to, and review TONS of underground rap CDs. And, I usually find that my favorites are solo efforts (one emcee and one deejay, or someone that can do it all). Collaborative efforts can be hit or miss. Sometimes the chemistry between two charismatic emcees just isn't their. A good example would be the Slug and Murs album "Felt". The album was good, but not spectacular like their solo albums. The Perceptionists are Mr. Lif, Akrobatik and DJ Fakts One (there are also beats by El-P, and newcomers Cyrus the Great, Willie Evans, and CamuTao). I'm familiar with the work of Lif and Fakts One, but this is my first outing with Akrobatik. The chemistry problem apparent on some albums, is definitely not the case hear. Mr. Lif and Akrobatik work absolute magic on the forefront of DJ Fakts One's dope beats. These rhymes, beats and cuts are simply air tight. The afrocentric duo each possess extremely tight flows. They weave in and out of each others rhymes with such precision and timing, that it's hard not to show props for this stuff. My jaw was dropped in pure amazement after my first listen. This stuff is doper than dope. Not only are the cuts and rhymes phenomenal, but these two emcees have a lot of great things to say. Say what you will, protest rappers are among my favorite. They both possess the need to express ideas, and facts in the form of education for the listener. I read that Mr. Lif and Akrobatik have a long history together. Well, that definitely comes through in their perfectly executed delivery.

Although it may be more apparent on other Def Jux releases, I will continue to say that my love for progressive rock attracts we to this type of hip-hop. It is definitely a progression from the norm. One of my favorite classic progressive rock bands is Kansas. I nearly blew my load when I heard them prominently sample the end of "Closet Chronicles" from their 1977 album "Point Of Know Return" (on track 4 "Memorial Day"). It sweetly backed battle rhymes directed at George W. Bush's administration - "Where are the weapons on mass destruction / We've been lookin' for months and ain't found nothin' / Please Mr. President, tell us somethin' / We knew from the beginning that your a$$ was bluffin'". Like I said before, these beats are just sick and tight. The first cut, "Let's Move" serves as a commanding intro to the album, with some heavily distorted samples. The next two cuts "People 4 Prez" and "Blo" are equally satisfying. The latter featuring a pretty futuristic beat. But may favorites are "Memorial Day," "Frame Rupture," "What Have We Got to Lose?!?," "5 0'Clock," (featuring Little Brother's Phonte) and "Breathe in the Sun". There certainly aren't any dull moments in the album's 41 minutes in length.

Overall, I liked this album much than than I expected. I knew Mr. Lif was extremely talented, and now I know the same about Akrobatik and DJ Fakts One. I think these guys make killer music together, and I'm hoping that they will continue to do so.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Perceptionists - Black Dialogue, January 15, 2006

By 

Constant - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black Dialogue (Audio CD)

Black Dialogue's debut album "The Perceptionists" (2005) is a solid release from the Boston trio of Mr. Lif, Akrobatik & DJ Fakts One. The first real standout for me is Memorial Day- The Perceptionists talk to the President asking "Where are the Weapons of Mass Destruction?" while doing their own narrative of being soldiers in Iraq, calling out the politicians and dropping some very memorable lines. This track is powerful, and worth listening to whatever your stance on the war is. The Perceptionists then flip things delivering the laidback "Love Letters" an outstanding and intelligent track about looking for love. The Perceptionists shine again on the title track "Black Dialogue" getting political and repping black culture while calling out the fakes and talking about the ignorance they see in today's culture. Midway not feeling some of the tracks, two more standouts finish off the album the first of these is the exceptional "5 O'clock" feat. Phonte of Little Brother, an ode to enjoying life after work, making a plan about life and business, and focusing on where you want to be- this whole track is full of quotable lines. The album closes off with the chilled out "Breath in the Sun". Recommend checking out "Black Dialogue" if your looking for something different. 3.5.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars great at times, January 9, 2006

By 

slappywhite - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black Dialogue (Audio CD)

The problem with most of these 5 star reviews is that they don't take in account the album as a WHOLE. This album is absolutely incredible at certain times, mostly good the rest of the time, with a couple fairly weak tracks.

With that said, this is a very good album overall, with the standouts being the title track "Black Dialogue" and "Love Letters". "Frame Rupture" and "5 O' Clock" (featuring Phonte of Little Brother) are also very good.

The production is very good most of the time and lyrically there is really no problem at all, as usual with most underground hip-hop. Very political at times, but very versital as well, The Perceptionists have produced a good album.

Very good album with a couple mishaps. Worth your money.