Customer Reviews

Live at the Middle East

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4 star:		(1)
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I saw Mr. Lif a couple weeks ago performing alongside Aesop Rock in Minneapolis. Needless to say, that was simply one of the most mind-blowing concerts I've ever seen. Both emcees were nailing every verse on point. That was enough for me to somewhat complete my Mr. Lif collection with "Live at The Middle East". The first thing that should be pointed out, if you don't already know, is that this was not recorded "in" the Middle East. "The Middle East" is a nightclub in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Lif makes it clear in the liner notes, as to what this album is all about - "This is not a live album...It's one show, presented in the rawest possible form, mistakes and all." Quite a gutsy move for a guy making his debut to the world. But on the other hand, how unique. The album is all over the board, chronologically speaking. He performs jams from his old unreleased material dating back to 1997, to jams in their rawest form from his forthcoming full-release, "I Phantom" (one year before it's release). It's true, that live albums are not regarded as being valued as much as a full release. But that's not the case here. This works as a fine introduction to Mr. Lif. This album, more than others, gives you a deeper look into his character, sense of humor, and his exciting on-stage persona. Mr. Lif isn't your average hip-hop artist. The fact that he is subjecting new, unrecorded material to a live audience is unheard of in hip-hop. It took me by surprise when I saw him live a couple of weeks ago. I got to hear a bunch of material off of his forthcoming 2006 full-release. His incredible live performance, unlike many others, holds your attention to it's fullest, which merits huge respect points.

Mr. Lif is truly a working class b-boy. The subject matter, messages, and lyrical approach is very reminiscent of Blastmaster KRS-One, and Chuck D from Public Enemy. He's a true protest rapper who has endless ideas on how to approach hip-hop as an art form, and a teaching tool. Whether he's delivering messages of 9 to 5 hell on "Live from the Plantation", rapping about nuclear war on "Earthcrusher", or rhyming about how he beat his DJ in Nintendo on "I Beat Ak in FIFA 98", Mr. Lif always come off as engaging and exciting to listen to. Most importantly, this album shows how intelligent Lif is. His style is unmatched, even in the underground. And regarding the production; it's good. With live albums (especially an underground rap debut like this), you want to capture the true essence of a live show. In that respect, he has succeeded. The lyrics are easy to understand and sound very clear, along with the beats and cuts. The "live" part doesn't muddle his message in the slightest. The only complaint I have about the album, is that the music stops a lot. Although I find Lif's commentary interesting, there is a break after (or in the middle) of every song. It's still a charming listen, but loses a little momentum for repeat listeners.

All in all, this album is worth every penny. If skills sold records, Lif would be going platinum with this one. But unfortunately, this gem will most likely be overlooked, even in the underground. A large part of that will be due to the "live" part of it. It will most likely be a cult classic that owners of studio released Mr. Lif will discover (like myself). But rightly so, I would have to recommend "I Phantom" or "Emergency Rations" first. But if you are already into one of those, you should find "Live at The Middle East" quite the rewarding listen.

I usually don't pay attention to live albums, but this one is better than most I have ever listened to. Lif does a nice job here, and definitely sounds different live than he does on his albums. There are places where singing is absent and Lif tries to bring the audience into his world, and extended periods where there are little "skits" of sorts. However despite this, the album flows well, and these interludes make the singing even more memorable. The album overall is well put together, from the 2nd song/sketch Get This Paper, to the intesting mix of the rockwilder song on Inhuman Capabilites. With a few unreleased songs and material and even tight 13 min freestyle near the end. I recommend this to any Mr. Lif fan

Yo, Lif is like one of them cats that has more word genius than the dictionary, and just hearing him LIVE reminds me of why he's on top of things, not just rap wise, for if you listen to his lyrics and understand them, you know he's not your average cat, i mean this kid is inteligent yo. the rhymes are nice, the beats are nice, and the title that he gives to this album has so much meaning. i'm saying yo, he's poetic, funny, politically attentive, and best of all, he's the NICEST.

im a true mr lif fan. i hate live discs but live at the middle east is has the best of mr lif and some new tracks that he hasnt released yet and it sounds phat as hell. im serious when i say i dont like live cds, i can make an exception to this one. the only thing is you get sick of the talkn but thats what a concerts really like. and if you like live stuff, you have to have this album!!!

First of all, I have to say this is Lif's best album. So that's an endorsement in and of itself. His voice is different, clear and loud as opposed to the nasal tone he usually has. I like that nasal style too, but this sound is definitely better. It's a mystery to me what happened to his voice... But that's kind of the theme of this whole album. It's just ALIVE. This is the freshest, most original, easily enjoyed yet creative hip hop.

The lyrics are confident but free of any posturing. In that respect, Lif's style is so genuine and inspiring on this album that it actually makes all his other (very good) stuff look kind of contrived! Lyrically it's excellent, you wouldn't expect any less of course since Lif is a lyrical master. The tracks have just the slightest old-school flavor. Just enough to give it texture, but definitely not enough to anger you because if you wanted to listen to something from 1992 you would. Most artists don't seem to get that!

The only complaint is all the talking on the album, but you'll have to live with that. This thing is just a goldmine of artistry.

This is smart, and a very good live album....has some rare songs, a freestyle ft. Akrobatik as well...Insight is on here also...dope azz beats!!some talkin and stuff on here to for u big Lif fans like me...real rare songs.nice buy.gotta gice it 2 listens to like, unlike the rest of his cds where they grab u automatically.but the rest for sure.peace.