Black Dialogue:The Perceptionists

Title: Black Dialogue

Label: Def Jux

Genre: political hip-hop

Rating: 6.3 of 7

The Perceptionists have been around since ’97, but success has been at a minimum; in fact, the members’ solo careers have been much more lucrative. Mr. Lif created a cult status as a quick-spitting, socially conscious Def Jux rapper, Akrobatik released an impressive debut on Coup D’Etat and Fakts, the DJ/producer, is currently working on his debut solo outing, but has appeared on all the aforementioned albums. As the Perceptions, the Bostonians use old school tactics to produce songs that are club-worthy but also have something to say. I am not much for political hip-hop, but this is definitely worth a listen. The politics don’t weigh down the music and it’s subtle enough for the listener to miss the message completely if they wish to. Guest producers include Def Jux godfather El-P, a talented Brandeis U. under-grad named Cyrus and up-and-comer Willie Evans Jr. For the most part this is quality hip-hop with something to say… and that’s rare at the moment.

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