Search - Pete Philly and Perquisite :: Mindstate (Dig)

So silky smooth

J. Saffle | Texas | 05/30/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"pete philly and co. drop some of the jazziest, most laid-back albums since the days of de la soul and tribe called quest. This album is so refreshing to listen to, and you can always find something to fit your mood, even if you have multiple personality disorder. Pete philly gets busy on a number of classical, jazz, and funky melodies, but all of the beats pack a little sizzle and will make you want to dance by yourself. Talib Kweli guest stars to make one of the most original and relaxing hip hop albums in a decade. Be the first on your block to know about Pete."

Pete Philly and Perquisite, What Is It?

Michael Ford | 02/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ladies and gentlemen, what we have here is incredibly good and orignal hip hop. This album is a breath of fresh air when comparing it to 99% of other hip hop music today. The beats are layed back and laced with jazzy overtones, and the flows are melodic and inspired. Harmonies and real instruments are laced throughout the entire album, making the end result incredibly entertaining, for fans of music in general, not just hip hop. Don't get me wrong, this album is by no means soft. The flow on this album is very layed back, but by no means does it ever slow down, or conform to stereotypical sounds. The end result, in my opinion, is a masterpiece.



Sadly, this album is a needle in a haystack. Most fans of real hip hop will never find it, but if you are reading this review right now, consider yourself lucky to have stumbled upon it. Get this album right now, and when you are bobbing your head up and down, letting PetePhillys flow melt your skull, and Perquisite's beats tingle your spine, you will be "grateful".



The cream of the crop (Top 5):



1. Mindstate (Probably one of my all time favorite hip hop songs)

2. Eager

3. Paranoid

4. Lazy

5. Hope (feat. Talib Kweli)"

Smooth fusion of jazz, rap & soul is refreshing

A. Whitney | Silicon Valley, CA USA | 07/27/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 17-song debut album is an excellent fusion of multiple genres and influences that comes together in a seamless and thoroughly enjoyable release. It's sexy, thought-provoking, booty-shakin' and melodically stirring all at the same time. When I first heard it, I thought about the Digable Planet's first album, "Bugpowder Dust" from Bomb the Bass and the Miles Davis', Doo-Bop. All of which combined jazz and hiphop, but I think Mindstate does a far better job of the fusion. It could draw jazz fans towards hiphop and vica versa.



Each song explores different states of mind such as "Grateful", "Motivated", "Paranoid", and "Lazy". In addition, each song has a different beat and structure that keeps the album refreshing. "Cocksure" is about being confident and self-assured and has an assertive beat that sounds like new Jamaican dancehall. "Amazed" has an excellent melodic brake with strings, bongos and guitar. "Relieved" harkens back to 90s acid jazz, while "Conflicted" pairs rapid-fire rapping with jazz-style piano comping. "Eager" is infinitely sexy and a bit naughty. The real standout on the album is "Insomnia" which has an infectious, laid-back beat and really utilizes Pete Philly's unique voice and phraseology. Throughout the CD, Pete Philly isn't afraid to depart from the typical MC role to actually sing, which adds to the variety of the album. The entire album is in my iTunes and I am eager to see their live show if it comes to the US as I've heard it is equally impressive. If you're even remotely curious, sample some of the songs and prepare to be convinced. [from my review for Scoot! Magazine]"