The Perceptionists: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert
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- Опубліковано 26 жов 2017
- Oct. 20, 2017 | Abby O'Neil -- Mr. Lif and Akrobatik are two emcees whose names rock bells among true hip-hop heads. The duo of Boston natives first teamed up as The Perceptionists in the early aughts to release Black Dialogue on El-P's Def Jux label in 2005. Their side project went into indefinite hiatus soon afterward, but now Lif and Akrobatik are reunited on their new LP, Resolution. While Lif has been touring and writing with downtempo icons Thievery Corporation for the greater part of the last seven years, Akrobatik's last solo album (2014's Built To Last) rightfully received a warm reception from critics and connoisseurs.
Their conscious ethos is perfectly encapsulated by Ak's lyrical run on "A Different Light," where he raps: "But I'm above all of the melodrama / When they go low / We go high / Michelle Obama." The song tells the story of Ak's near-death experience with a pernicious aortic dissection, as well as the betrayal of a close friend during his convalescence. Akrobatik took the high road, and that ironclad stoicism lights the path for this crew. On the same track, Lif laments love lost while rhyming his way to healing catharsis following an unmanageable heartbreak.
With sharp, heartfelt lyricism, The Perceptionists critique the current political climate on "Out Of Control" and rhyme about the symbiotic human relationship with technology on "Lemme Find Out." In a world that often appears to be spiraling out of control, their Tiny Desk set provides a much-needed breather.
Set List
"Out of Control"
"Lemme Find Out"
"A Different Light"
"Early Morning"
MUSICIANS
Tommy Benedetti (drums); Van Gordon Martin (guitar); Lean Thomas (keyboard); Ashish Vyas (bass); Jeffery Haynes (vocals); Jared Bridgeman (vocals)
CREDITS
Producers: Abby O'Neill , Bronson Arcuri; Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Bronson Arcuri, Morgan Noelle Smith, CJ Riculan, Maia Stern; Production Assistant: Aleli May Vuelta; Photo: Christina Ascani/NPR.
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The bassist is spinning out of control. In a good way
Full tilt.
🌪🎸🍃🙌
Check out Thievery Corporation if you like him and Mr. Lif
He on it lol....good vibes
Fadhli Farsi FACTS!!
Ak and lif are legendary been listening to these cat's 20 plus years big ups
How does this only have 107K views? What is going on in this world. Most Tiny Desk episodes crack 1M views, small time bands get 50K, These dudes are living legends (not literally like the other group but like literally).
Agreed
It's because unfortunately most ppl are just name chasing philistines
Lif and Ack always been underground, wish more folks liked 'em but it is what it is. In a certain sense, it's better this way; I might not like them as much if they had mass appeal.
I've been a fan of Lif for years and I just came across this. Lif and Ak are both top tier emcees.
We want Ak and Lif with a live band ALL the time! This show is fire!
"Our differences shouldn't make you want to hunt me when in reality all fruit came from one tree" So true :')
The bassist is Ashish Vyas, he's also the bassist of Thievery Corporation. And he's always feeling the groove!
Awesome performance from all of them. I love those Tiny Desk Concerts!
Thievery Corporation is DOOOPE!
Thanks for the info. TCorp is top!
might listen to them then
Nice, didn't realize he was their bassist - A very dope group as well with some amazing tunes.
And what a choice of bassist to have for this epic concert 💚
I don't usually post comments, but I gotta say, NPR's Tiny Desk Concert series has literally changed my life. There's nothing out there quite like it - powerful, intimate, inspiring. Thank you NPR for giving these amazing artists a wider platform, and exposing your viewers to new perspectives, both from artists we know, and ones we've only just met.
Yeah Javier, I couldn't agree more. The Tiny Desk series has gotten me to be more reflective. It's been inspiring on my own artwork and has really helped me find my own place. NPR is a big part of my life now because of Tiny Desk.
Same here! Please keep it up NPR
I couldn't say it better this helps hard times cant wait for good times this listening to this is hailing
Absolutely! Nail on head
Oh yes!
That bassist reppin for all groovy bassists everywhere!!
Mr. Lif and Akrobatik telling it like it is right behind those desks!
You're spoiling us NPR!
"courage comes from within"
Thank you so much NPR and the Perceptions. This is where real music is at.. food to my soul.
"like endorphins..."
this is unbelievably soulful. it was like seeing an old friend when saw Tommy B back there. and that bassist is a beast, i love the energy. he makes me feel less alone cuz i feel my playing
EVERY MEMBER IN THE BAND - HAIR GAME IS STRONG!
tonystarkfan even the drummer bro?
Especially the drummer ! ;)
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
He also did bass for Thievery Corporation, its a complete pleasure listening with some good headphones that pick up the bass.These both are not just two musicians but two wonderful human beings and its very evident in their Body Language!
"How did we go from children who were brimming with vast imagination, filled with fascination, to fueling this world of fabrication?" - Mr. Lif
Just scrolled down to read the comments about that bassist :v
Tania III4 me too lol
me too! LOL
Y'all are crazy, lol!
To know these brothers personally makes me proud. I love true to the heart emcees on their element.
Awesome!! I discovered so many awesome artists trough this channel thanks alot!!!
No kidding! Whoever is in charge of digging up and inviting artists is doing a great job.
Holy shit that sounds awesome!!!! I envy you in the most postitive way =)
Dude i had almost the same expirience wayyy back then with Volbeat when they played in Linz (Austria) didnt knew them, was dragged by a friend and was blown away so i can relate man, those are the BEST THE BEST unexpected awesome evenings ever! good stuff and we had no Blizzard :D
Abara yep... this channel saved my musical life. I'd been depressed with the current state of music. So many trash ass artist, but on here it's quality artist and music.
The bass player is GETTING. IT.
2 Boston legends keeping poetry alive.
Glad to hear Perceptionists keep it soulful.
Damn that bassist!
Check out Thievery Corporation if you like him and Mr. Lif
Excellent dancing in most recent KEXP Thievery Corporation set
Think he also plays with or at least used to play with Congo Sanchez. Which would make sense since that's Jeff Franca's side project.
These are the real hip hop heads we need. I can feel this so deep in my soul. Takes me back to my youth listening to Mos, Kweli, Dilated Peoples...
How these thoughts escape my brain!? that thievery bass combined with the prowess and deep-text written by Lif and Akro
NPR, thank you so so much cuz you've made me discover so many great artists since I've started listening to your channel! Much love!
I clicked on this initially cuz dude in the blue shirt is fine, hey boo! But then the music was mad dope! Thanks NPR for always introducing me to fresh sounds. "Goes to purchase album"
I'm not Akrobatik but I got a blue shirt on right now, am kinda handsome also so, hey boo to you too!
Bassists name is Ashish Vyas AKA Hash plays with thievery corporation, even more into it on stage !
This is epic. Loving the old school jazzy vibes and slick delivery. Sooo goood.
This is so well done and rehearsed. The way they know exactly when to overlap vocals and place adlibs is perfect. There isn't a single "uH' or "yeah" thats out of place. Perfectly warm delivery too. So good
YOOO, I'm so happy I stumbled upon this. I used to listen to Mr. Lif all the time in HS, decided to search him on youtube and got this gem
“The purpose of our life is just to serve the economy,
They misinform our minds to paint a picture of harmony,
But if you’re listening you’ll hear that shits outta tune, cause the purpose of our life is just to work and consume”.....MR LIF....
Ak and Lif have always been impeccable live performers and still B-Boyin love it
Bassist is JAMMING!
the digable planets / de la soul vibe is strong in these ones. also Perceptionists is a solid name for a group :)
Good ear fam...
True
There's a Spotify playlist called '👅Native Tongues of the Future' that features all these artists
These chill and wise men are responsible for one of the most amped tracks ever made : The Perceptionits - Let's move
The first song is such an ear and soulgasm...my god, thank you NPR! Thank you Perceptionists!
Bubbles McRainbow thanks bro
At first I thought the bassist was way to into it.. by the end i thought the rest of the group was not into it enough at all..
Ruby Funn Lmao, yes!
THE BASSIST also plays for Thievery Corporation; his name is Ashish Vyas. Wonderful band, and music.
Oh my goshhhh. NPR, keep this up!
Perceptionists: i'm feeling you. Love this.
Beautiful Kings!!! Love it!
I didnt know lif was in a group he was one of my first favourite mcs. This is gold
NFS Most Wanted (the good one)! 'Lets Move' lit a fire in my brain, I'd never heard anything quite like it before. Two MCs in sync to the point where they could finish each other's lines.
This is a treat right here.
Such positive vibes, they're such a strong combo
The world is spinning out of control...so true today. Music heals.
Love all of this! Lyrics are thoughtful the band is so fuckin tight! And these guys all have other projects! Love the positive energy!
thanks TD for making me discovery so much new (to me) music.
This is Hip Hop!
Dope! All of it! Musicians, Lyricists. OUT OF CONTROL🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
I thank you guys for getting real deep with it, that's tuff to do.
So good! 2 masters right here
Amazing live performance with a live band - Makes me wonder how did I not hear this before? HUGE thanks for the upload.
I think there could be some room for a bongo percussionist on some tracks, just a thought - Very dope nonetheless.
i fell in love with them when i first heard 5pm. these guys are poets and social commentators who happen to be really good at rapping. thanks npr! love this series
I hope everyone listened to the mixtape before this performance. Epic most slept on mixtape of last year.
Powerful stuff. And the coolest bassist I've ever seen.
listening to this on june 1, 2021 and loving it
LIVE FROM THE PLANTATION FOREVER
ALL LIFE LOVE , MR.LIF WORKS .one fan from MADRID LOVE´S
2 GOATS. Thanks Lif and Akrobatik
tight band GOOD Lyrics love this
the bassit, got the looks haha love it!! Awsome NPR!
"White Cube" on guitar
Great stuff btw. Mr. Lif and Akrobatik - brilliant
:)
Pouco tempo pra coisas boas assim ...Mr Lif & AKROBATIC ...
Nice vibes, chilled out with a little bang bang!
NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert keeps my playlist up-to-date and relevant. Favorite UA-cam channel for sure. I'm always surprising people with who I know. Anyone who thinks real music is dead should subscribe.
Love you guys!
damn, i didnt even know mr lif was still out there making music! good shit!
Pure hiphop . Thx NPR Music
So Good !!!
Thank you
I come back to this one on a bad day
Love it!!!
Can you imagine the bassist in the club, legend!
One word....dope
So. Very. Good. Thank you.
Wow! Yes!!!!?
Niiiiiiiiiiccccceeeee flow of consciousness!!!!!!
Incredible! Never saw this one
Everyone is very chill except for that bassist who’s going hard
amazing real music!
Akrobatik is one of the best MCs EVER.. and he brings it stronger with Mr. Lif around..
The Indian bass makes you excited about reading these comments!!! Always loved these dudes though. Always refreshing to hear anyone who came out AFTER the golden era that kept real hip hop fluid.
Never heard of these guys but remind me so much of ATCQ'S new album man
this is so dope
Thanks for this. 👍🏾👍🏾
Always uplifting 🙏
Woooo, thanks for sharing!
these guys are spreading good vibes.
That bass and the bassist are fantastic
Favourite TD
You don't have pocket if you don't groove like this bassist
2 + years later, more true than ever.
Forever Legends
This feels like a sunny fall day in '93...
those guitar mini touch at the end
Anthony Fantano on the drums
*Sidethony Gigtano
kendrick put on weight and playing kets 2
It's Tommy Benedetti from John Brown's Body
This is dope! Is that the bassist for Thievery Corporation? Thanks to NPR for setting this up . real Hip Hop
Woaah this is cool, Im gonna have to watch all your videos now. This is some nujabes type good shit.
Hip Hop is alive and well with mr. Lif and Akrobatik.
Hell yes! A to the K and Lif back at it!