The reference to a fondly remembered '80s sitcom notwithstanding, there's nothing dated about Perfeck Strangers. The pairing of two seemingly disparate MCs is nothing new to the genre, but Canadian hip-hop solo vets Dan-e-o and Promise make it sound fresh and unexplored at the same time. There's a palpable vibe of urgency permeating Series Premiere, born of the duo's sense that their respective time is now and hip-hop in general has been missing a more classic aesthetic. Despite their dissimilar styles, the chemistry between the two is well defined. "Come Back Home" (featuring Justin Nozuka) has a jazzy vibe that recalls the '90s, with a contemporary twist, "Ghetto" goofs on materialism gone wild over the timeless Phyllis Dillon sample, while "Gonna Make It" is a frank and honest look at career trajectories and expectations years removed from Rap Essentials Volume One and mainstream record deals. Throughout it all, heads stay nodding and there's an overriding sense that Series Premiere is intended as the first episode, with more to come.
Read an interview with Perfeck Strangers here.
(Urbnet)Read an interview with Perfeck Strangers here.
