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Mr. Lif

Mr. Lif – Mo’ Mega (2006)

August 11, 2010
*Definitive Jux Records, Aesop Rock, Akrobatik, Blueprint, Mr. Lif, Murs, ^Big Nose, ^El-P, ^Nick Toth
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Mr. Lif is on a level lyrically that is unattainable by 99.9% of rappers.  It’s not only intelligent but it is put together in a way that is so creative and organic.  You will have these tracks on repeat like crazy just tryin to pick apart his lyricism.  This album is doubly dope because on top of dope lyrics you have El-P providing some of the beats and you have top-notch features from the likes of Blueprint, Akrobatik & Aesop Rock.  If you have never experienced El-P’s production before than you are in for a hip hop treat.  His beats bang and are so interesting to listen to.  Lif  has a grip of good albums and this one does not disappoint.

Production:  Big Nose, El-P, Mr. Lif, Nick Toth

Features:  Aesop Rock, Akrobatik, Blueprint, El-P, Murs

Label:  Definitive Jux

Full Preview:  Mo’ Mega

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

Mr. Lif – ‘Brothaz’

Grieves – Irreversible (2007)

August 7, 2010
Helen Chance, Kublakai, Mad Son, Mr. Lif, P. Smoov, Rik Rude, Symmetry, Type
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Grieves is forever amazing me with his poetic nature.  I swear back in the day when I was in high school looking at all these skater looking skinny ass white boys I never in my life would have thought they possessed the type of thought that Grieves has.  High five to him for breaking some of my own bullshit stereotypes.  Anyways this album brings some wowness factor to the table.  I think people sometimes forget of the poetic nature of hip hop.  I mean that is what rap is…just sped up poetry.  And this concept is oh so apparent with this album with metaphors and subject matter that are golden indeed.  This is Grieves first ever album and to be honest there are a couple of tracks that show his inexperience but the dope tracks make up for the more lackluster offerings.  Some of the topics on this album are pretty dark and somber but you know life isn’t always rainbows and teddy bears so you take the bad with the good.  All I know is if you are a fan of Atmosphere, Sage Francis, Aesop and etc then you will probably be down with Grieves.

Features:  Helen Chance, Kublakai, Mad Son, Mr. Lif, P. Smoov, Rik Rude, Symmetry, Type

Label:  Black Clover

Full Preview:  Irreversible

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

Grieves – ‘ Scar Gardens’

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’

Deltron 3030 – Deltron 3030 (2000)

December 6, 2009
Beans, Brad Roberts, Damon Albarn, Del The Funky Homosapien, Hafids Huld, Mark Ramos-Nishita, MC Paul Barman, Mr. Lif, P. Wingerter, Peanut Butter Wolf, Sean Lennon, Verna Brown, ^Charlie Clouser, ^Dan the Automator, ^DJ Kid Koala, ^Mario C
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Production wise this album owns thanks to Dan the Automator.  Then add Del The Funky Homosapien’s funky ass rhyming abilities and have DJ Kid Koala put it all together and BAM there you have it.  One of the most interesting and tightly produced hip hop albums of all time.  People get all high and mighty and try to clown this album for being ‘nerd rap’.  Well if its nerd rap then give me some big black rimmed glasses, a pocket protector and a calculator and sign me the fuck up because I’m down with it.  Deltron 3030 takes you on a journey into the future into the year, you guessed it, 3030.  They explore the possibilities of the whats gonna be goin on in about 1000 years from now, droppin some futuristic rap on ya.  Dan the Automator has to be one of the most creative hip hop producers to ever do it.  And I still can’t believe Del is Ice Cube’s cousin.  No disrespect to Cube because I love him too but Del is straight genius-level.  If you consider yourself a hip hop fan at all then this has to be in your playlist.  I can’t wait for the day when they drop another gem on us.

Production:  Charlie Clouser, Dan the Automator, Mark Bell, Mario C

Features:  Beans, Brad Roberts, Damon Albarn, Hafids Huld, Mark Ramos-Nishita, MC Paul Barman, Mr. Lif, Sean Lennon, P. Wingerter, Peanut Butter Wolf, Prince Paul, Verna Brown

Label:  Hieroglyphics Imperium Recordings

Full Preview:  Deltron 3030

Website:  http://www.myspace.com/deltron3030

Deltron 3030 – ‘Mastermind’

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