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The Perceptionists – Black Dialogue (2005)

July 20, 2010
*Definitive Jux Records, Akrobatik, Camu Tao, Guru, Mr. Lif, Phonte, Shock G, ^Cyrus the Great, ^El-P, ^Fakts One, ^Willie Evans Jr.
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The Perceptionist are comprised of Mr. Lif, Akrobatik and DJ Fakts One on the beats.  This has that eastcoast raw but with intelligent lyrics making it a nice lil hip hop package.  I really like the distinct difference between Akro & Lif’s voices.  You can always tell who is speaking and they both bring a different style of rapping to the table.  Mr. Lif is a little more smooth and flowing while Akrobatik hits you hard with his strong voice and forceful flow.  This album has some quality social commentary and they take some time out to joke around about all the fakes, phonies and posers walking around these days.  This album is just fun to listen to on all different levels and overall is pretty empowering.

Production:  Camu Tao, Cyrus The Great, El-P, Fakts One, Willie Evans Jr.

Features:  Camu Tao, Guru, Phonte, Shock G

Label:  Definitive Jux

Full Preview:  Black Dialogue

Website:  http://www.myspace.com/theperceptionists

 The Perceptionists – ‘Black Dialogue’

Bahamadia – Kollage (1996)

May 27, 2010
*Chrysalis, Bahamadia, Guru, The Roots, ^B.O. Joe, ^Da Beatminerz, ^DJ Premier
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Oh my god Bahamadia has flow for days.  Her flow is sooooo smooth…this album  just glides from beginning to end.  She reps Philly and has in’s with Gangstarr (RIP Guru) and Army of the Pharoahes.  Production on this album comes from DJ Premier, Guru, Da Beatminerz and a few others.  Not every track on here is absolute classic material but as a whole this is such a solid offering.  And the standout songs are well worth the effort.

Production: Da Beatminerz, DJ Premier, Guru, N.O. Joe, The Roots.

Features: The Roots

Label: Chrysalis

Preview: Kollage

Website:  http://bahamadiamusic.com/

Bahamadia – ’3 The Hard Way’

 

Digable Planets – Blowout Comb (1994)

December 1, 2009
*Pendulum Records, Digable Planets, Guru, Jazzy Joyce, Jeru the Damaja, Sarah Anne Webb
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Digable Planets should be in the dictionary next to the word ‘hip hop’.  They are hip hop pure and simple, from their amazing beats to their refreshingly creative lyrics.  When I first heard this album it felt like someone dove into my brain figured out exactly what my definition of hip hop was and then made an album to match it.  This is seriously an album that will forever change your standards of what good music should be/could be.  I mean in a way it almost ruins half of what you listen to now…you might feel the urge to delete half of your music library because not many people can compete on this level.  The only bad thing I could ever say about Digable Planets is that they let stupid egos ruin a GREAT thing…everyone and their fuckin desire for a ‘solo’ album.  Sheesh, ain’t nobody wanna hear your solo ish, we wanna hear you as a GROUP, that’s where the magic is at, the whole IS more than the sum of its parts.  Naw but it does make me sad when good talent goes to waste.  At least we got a few dope releases from them to cherish forever.  Thank you Butterfly, Doodlebug, Ladybug & Silkworm, I will always have mad love for you all.  Oh and for all you out there like “What about Reachin?!?!”  Yup that’s one hell of a dope ass album too…You really should have them both on constant rotation.  I just happen to be listening to Blowout Comb right now, so there you have it ;-) .

Production:  Digable Planets

Features:  Guru, Jazzy Joyce, Jeru The Damaja, Sarah Anne Webb

Label:  Pendulum Records

Full Preview:  Blowout Comb

Website:  http://www.myspace.com/digableplanets

Digable Planets – ‘Graffiti’

 

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