Customer Reviews

Black Dialogue

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

First, I should say this might be the best hip hop album I have heard in the last six months or so, but I unlike most of amazon.com I reserve 5 star reviews for classics. Therefore a new release cannot get 5 stars.
this is a dope album with a nice mix of subject matter, some real serious political commentary and some humor mixed in. Tight beats from EL-P and Fakts One, and a nice guest suprising guest shot from Shock G.
I thought Guru's guest spot was a little lazy-sounding and weak, but this is a very worthwhile, dope album.

Chances are that if you're looking into buying this, then you know who Mr Lif, Akrobatik, and DJ Fakts One are already. So there's no need to get into how tight these Boston cats are. The album itself is very well put together and has guest appearances from Humpty Hump (aka Shock G), Guru, Phonte (of Little Brother), and Camutao. Very few albums out right now have the perfect blend of tight beats and dope rhymes, but Black Dialogue is the total package. I think the versatility of the album is what makes it stand out most. They tackle many topics and blend them all seamlessly. "Black Dialogue", "What Have We Got To Lose", and "Memorial Day" have a political edge to them with neck breaking beats. "5 O'Clock" gives Phonte appearance credit even though I didn't hear him on the song....is that him singing? Anyway, it's a feel good summer jam that I tend to put on repeat. "Love Letters" and "Breathe In The Sun" have a more romantic feel to them while "People 4 Prez" and "Party Hard" have a dance vibe. It also does my heart good to hear DJ Fakts One scratching on this album since turntablism is slowly becoming a lost art in mainstream rap.

There are maybe one or two rough spots on the album. "Let's Move" has dope lyrics, but the beat is jarring to the ears. And while "Blo" isn't wack, it's sort of boring. I find myself skipping both of those songs. That's about it though. The good thing about it is that those songs are two of the first three joints. It's all smooth sailing from there.

The Perceptionists have a message that's worth getting out to the masses. The tracks are dope and the rhymes have meaning without coming off too preachy or boring. Though it's only 12 songs deep, it's still worth the money you'll pay for it. Cop this disc, you won't be disappointed. I highly reccomend this LP.

Standout Tracks: Career Finders feat. Humpty Hump, Memorial Day, People 4 Prez, Breathe In the Sun, Black Dialogue (My Favorite), 5 O'Clock feat. Phonte, Party Hard feat. Guru & Camutao, and Love Letters

This is one of the most refreshing hip hop contributions that I have heard in a minute. The lyrics are meaningful, relative, definitive and true knowledge. The production is tight, clever tracks, beats that resignate. Memorial Day is quite inventive, each of the tracks can stand on their own but together they are a force to be reckoned. Much appreciation and gratitude for these indivdually talented artist to combine their gifts to bring this offering. I am quite pleased.
Much Love.

Career finders in particular is wonderful satire - one of the great political rap albums since PE.

I was a bit skeptical when my friend told me to listen to this cd. I wasn't really sure if political rap was going to be that good. But wow was I wrong. I seriously recommend this to anyone, and I mean anyone. I would give this 10 stars but the rating system dosen't go that far. Just listen to "Blo". You'll see that these guys are for real. The beats are ill. This has got to be the number 1 album of 2005. Akrobatik and Mr. Lif drop some sick lyrics. Don't even second guess buying this. GO GET IT NOW.

I saw this album on my recommendations list and read some of the reviews and figured "what the hell, why not" so i picked it up and lets say that DEF JUX has a new fan. I've never heard Mr. Lif's music but I had always heard good and I am very impressed with him and Akrobatik. I just starting to scratch the surface of underground hip hop and albums like this just keep pulling me further and further in.

The production on the album was done very good. Every beat had me bobbing my head and ready to here more after each track. All fans of hip hop need to check out these guys and pick up this album.... my favorite tracks were Blo, Memorial Day, Love Letters, 5 O'Clock...feat Phonte, and Breathe In The Sun.

Every track was good but those are my favorites.... GREAT PRODUCTION, GREAT FLOWS, and GREAT LYRICS = The Perceptionists... a must have for REAL Hip Hop fans

One of the best of 2005 (along with Common's "BE")

this album is strong arm steady. both mc's bounce off of each other with clear and concious lyrics. its really refreshing to know real hip hop aint dead yet. buy it and get these boys name out there!