| | Perceptionists Black Dialogue CD Perceptionists Discography of CDs
 (6 Customer Reviews)
As early-2000s torchbearers of Boston hip-hop, Akrobatik, Mr. Lif, and DJ Fakts One appeared on each other's solo records for years before officially teaming up as the Perceptionists (a dream collective first hinted at on the Mr. Lif single "Avengers"). Not surprisingly, a deep familiarity between the three rappers abounds on their official debut, BLACK DIALOGUE, as the trio creates an album that lives up to their lofty moniker. Here the Perceptionists address matters both elevated and lighthearted over lush, resounding beats that recall DJ Premier during the halcyon days of fellow Bostonians Gang Starr.
The title track lays down the band's multi-hued philosophy, ending in name-checks that underscore their unpredictability, exalting views from Huey P. Newton to Stevie Wonder. Whether deploring distant war ("Memorial Day") or reveling in inner peace ("Breathe in the Sun"), the Perceptionists keep their minds moving at an invigorating pace, with rhymes that unfold complexly, overflowing with parenthetical comments. The Perceptionists are equally powerful on the vulnerable seduction of "Love Letters" or calling out hip-hop cliches with sharp wit on "Career Finders" (featuring the unlikely, but welcome, return of Digital Underground's Humpty Hump). BLACK DIALOGUE is the abundant fruit of a distinguished collaboration and the perfect kick-off for the Perceptionists.
Band Is Mr.Lif,Akrobatik,DJ Fakts One.
Audio Mixer: Bob Nash.
Recording information: Def Jux Studios; Knockout Studio, NY; Wonka Sound.
Photographer: Maya Hayuk.
The Perceptionists: Fakts One, Akrobatik, Mr. Lif (rap vocals).
Personnel: T. Smith, Camu Tao (vocals).
Additional personnel: Guru (rap vocals).
Spin (p.92) - "In typical Lif fashion, the album bares sociopolitical teeth..." - Grade: B
Entertainment Weekly (No. 813, p.67) - "[T]his Boston trio's debut has an earnest collegiate vibe..." - Grade: B+
Alternative Press (pp.128-130) - 5 out of 5 - "With its verses kicked back and forth as playfully as hacky sacks, the album brims with old-school positivity..."
The Wire (p.72) - "BLACK DIALOGUE is the loud and righteous sound of Hip Hop's conscience." Perceptionists Black Dialogue Songs | 1. | Let's Move |
| 2. | People 4 Prez |
| 3. | Blo |
| 4. | Memorial Day |
| 5. | Love Letters |
| 6. | Black Dialogue |
| 7. | Frame Rupture |
| 8. | What Have We Got to Lose?!? |
| 9. | Party Hard |
| 10. | Career Finders |
| 11. | 5 0'Clock - (featuring Phonte) |
| 12. | Breathe in the Sun |
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Black Dialogue Music Review Average Rating: (4 out of 5 stars)   List All Reviews Not Bad at all
The hype just wasn't lived up to. I expected the production to be straight up fire and it wasn't. I felt the warmth ya know, but just wasn't set ablaze. Lyrics tight as always, they delivered on that end. You can tell that they were just having fun doing this album. I'm not angry I bought it at all, it's still worth a few rotations from time to time.
Submitted by CJ_316 (Baltimore, MD)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No
Culture naming those 10 albums in 05' that are better...
Sean Price 'Monkey Barz', Big Pooh 'Sleepers', Blueprint '1988', 9th Wonder & Buckshot 'Chemistry', Common 'Be', MF Grimm 'Scars & Memories', C-Rayz Walz 'Year Of The Beast', Legacy 'Project Mayhem', Away Team 'National Anthem', Count Bass-D 'Begborrowsteal'......these 10 albums in 05' are easily better than the Perceptionists 'Black Dialogue'.
Submitted by Culture Returns (Queens, NY)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No  Straight fire!
Culture, please name me the 10 albums off the top of your head that are better than this in 2005. This album is straight fire, and definitely one of the top albums of 2005.
-Thugologist
Submitted by Thugologist (San Diego, Cali!)
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nice, but HIGHLY over-rated...
It's a nice little album. Mr. Lif & Akrobatik are tight emcees, but the production was below average. And with all the hype behind this release I expected WAY more than what i heard. It's just not as great as everyone claims, I can name 10 albums of the top of the head in 2005' that are better than this. Sorry.
Submitted by Culture (Queens, NY)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No Easily one of the best CD's of the Year!
The Perceptionists, put out a nearly flawless CD. Everything is hear from subject matter to ryhmes. Akrobatik and Mr. Lif are great together. This CD is short but sweat, and only gets better with age. Fav. Tracks "People for Prez", and "Career Finders". but all of them are hot. Cop it NOOOWW! Support the Realness!
Submitted by Lauren (Dominican Republic, Moca)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No List All Reviews | Have you heard this album? |  |
Purchase Black Dialogue CD To buy, Click on price to add to cart | One Be Lo S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M. CD (2005)
Black Dialogue album
 $11.95   
Keeping tabs on the actions of Ypsilanti, MI-based MC One Be Lo hasn't been a snap. Known previously as OneManArmy, he was part of Binary Star, a group responsible for 1999's Waterworld. An excellent underground rap album, it was hard find outside the Detroit area, until it was overhauled, retitled as Masters of the Universe, and re-released with national distribution. Binary Star then split. The former Raland Scruggs, who took the name Nashid Sulaiman after converting to Islam, switched his stage name from OneManArmy to One Be Lo for a 2002 solo album that didn't do his skills justice. Three years later, he resurfaced with S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M., his first release to be issued with major-label backing. He has a three-album deal, but you're left to believe after one play-through of this disc that he's letting loose with all that he has, as if it's his last chance to be heard. The album is 79 minutes in length, yet there's an absence of padding. The second half of the album is as strong as the first. If S.O.N.O.G.R.A.M. does have a fault, it's that there's too much to digest. One Be Lo is a deep thinker; the details and complex wordplay within his rhymes often take several plays to fully comprehend and appreciate. Similar in effect to X-Clan's Brother J, his words can be righteous, but they're always delivered with casual assurance, like he's talking to an acquaintance at a bus stop. He observes with the wisdom of a father who's been through prison, raises a lot of issues, has almost as many solutions, and never sounds overbearing or preachy. ...
| | Blueprint 1988 CD (2005)
Black Dialogue CD music
$11.59
"Fresh for '88, you suckas." KRS-One said it on "My Philosophy," and MC/producer Blueprint repeats it 17 years later on "Anything Is Possible." Blueprint samples, quotes, or pays homage to Doug E. Fresh, Run-D.M.C., Stetasonic, and other old-school artists on this tribute to the golden age of hip-hop. He isn't really trying to break new ground on this relatively accessible collection of concise, melodic songs, but he is trying to add something to his influences instead of settling for a nostalgia trip. DJ Rare Groove's cuts and scratches fit the throwback vibe, while Blueprint's beats tweak old-school ideas, whether he's working with a Billy Joel piano fill on "Big Girls Need Love Too" or Doug E. Fresh-style beatboxing on "Fresh." The only guest MCs are Aesop Rock and CJ the Cynic, who appear on one song each. Blueprint provides some cunning rhymes and changes up his delivery to fit the album's diverse ...
| | Lyrics Born Same !@#$ Different Day CD (2005) Bonus DVD
Black Dialogue music CDs
$10.29  
Jumbo (of the underexposed Lifesavas) gets the action started with raw beats and quirky melodies on the consecutive remixes of "Hello" and "Pack Up." (The latter track features the incomparable KRS-One dropping by to drop some philosophy.) Some of the re-inventions are in the straight hip-hop vein (Young Einstein's take on "Do That There"), while others go further afield (the chaotic reworking of the politically charged "The Last Trumpet," featuring sharp scratching from DJ Shadow). New tracks include the hilarious "I'm Just Raw" and the bare-bones blues tune "Over You."
This remix CD/DVD contains five new songs and eight remix tracks that are similar to the originals only in name. Featured are stellar collaborations with artists including KRS-One, Evidence, Casual, and E-40 with production by Dan the Automator, DJ Shadow, Morcheeba, Chief Xcal, Jumbo the Garbageman, and Young Einstein.
On his years-in-the-making debut, LATER THAT DAY, rapper Lyrics Born scored a critical conquest, showing off a dizzying wit delivered in a measured, gravelly, bluesy style (check out his incredible turn on R.L. Burnside's A BOTHERED MIND for further proof). ...
| | Dream Theater - Score - 20th Anniversary World Tour DVDs (2006)
Black Dialogue songs
 $19.39
Recorded live at Radio City Music Hall on April 1, 2006, this concert is the culmination of the band's 20th Anniversary Tour, featuring two full sets and over 30 tracks.
To ...
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| | Rick Harrington You Can't Just Sit There CD (2008)
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Rick Harrington’s debut album will leave you anything but bored. This eclectic assortment of well-crafted and superbly performed songs covers nearly all the musical bases. The title song, "You Can’t Just Sit There," is a folk-rock portrayal of the true-life adventure of Larry Walters (the man who one day decided to see if he could be lifted by a host of weather balloons tied to his lawn chair). "Ain’t Life Grand" is a fun blues-rock tune about being content whatever your circumstances. Emily’s bluesy vocals and Rick’s lead guitar really stand out on this one. Steel guitar and mandolin are featured in "Bertram Harris," a kind of new grass/country/jam song addressing the cruel consequences and regrets of a life of addiction. "Sleeveless" is a rock-jazz portrayal of the tragic pride and carelessness of youth. This song features some excellent saxophone and conga playing as well as a very strong vocal performance by Emily Truncellito. The "Tractor Song" is an amusing, pure country, statement of the reliability of a tractor over a woman. The steel guitar work is a real highlight on this track. "Mister Smooth" is an instrumental, smooth jazz piece showcasing some impressive saxophone, guitar and piano interplay. "Reach for Me" is a delicate love song, assisted by subtle finger-picking guitar and tasteful piano. "Midnight Highway" is a driving rock song featuring some tight breaks and nice lead guitar work. Inspired ...
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