dead prez is one of the most abrasive acts coming out of Rap music. Their album covers feature bandanas and music videos that play out like the nightmares of White America. Those still unfamiliar with the group might recognize their music from the bass-heavy anthem “It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop” used to open up “Chappelle’s Show.” Yes, it was and still is one of the hardest beats in Hip Hop history, and it came from dead prez!
But when you listen to the revolutionary-but-gangsta duo’s Information Age, all that aggression is gone, production-wise at least. The whimsical synths that rise and drift on the album’s first song “A New Beginning” conjure up images of low-budget karaoke videos. Play the following song, “What if the Lights Go Out?” and you have an excuse to close your eyes and let rain fall on you. The production goes on like this until the driving drum patterns level out for some “Mind Sex” level mellowness; except the drums on “Mind Sex” might’ve been harder.
But what’s even more surprising is that Information Age still manages to sound pretty good.
If you couldn’t tell from their flow patterns and choruses on past records, stic.man and M1 are more than just rappers, they know how to make songs. The aforementioned tracks still retain positive and thought-provoking messages, it’s just packaged differently. Aside from the ultra-cheesy “Intelligence is Sexy”, the hooks on these songs are catchy and work as a soothing buffer to sum up the heavier lyrics that precede and follow them the same way songs like “Turn Off the Radio” did.
Some might argue DPz have watered their lyrics down. And in some cases, it rings true as the group seems more focused on riding the beat, particularly when it gets dance-heavy. But the honest lessons are there on tracks like “No Way As the Way”, and healthy living is still a theme on the anti-drug anthem “Dirty White Girl,” and so forth. It’s still dead prez. Again, just packaged a little differently this time.
On their first, full studio album in eight years, dead prez did what they set out to do. The Information Age is a timely concept and the group brought it to life, sonically and lyrically. If you want the old dead prez sound, buy their old albums.
It always amazes me how DPz had like the greatest single/debut and can’t make another quality album to save their career. I respect ’em, but no fucking thanks.
Dead Prez did what they set out to do. The Information Age is a timely concept and the group brought it to life, sonically and lyrically. If you want the old Dead Prez sound, buy their old albums.
let’s get free was a classic, and it went downhill from there.
Absolutely horrible.
4.5 stars for the content
2.5 for the beats
Actually, I’ve got to say that I love this album. It’s different, but just as good as previous efforts. Listen all the way through and you’ll catch the vibe!
4.5 stars for the content
4.5 for the beats
While I’m not a big fan of all of the beats I give DP props for evolving. They’re not out there faking it, but trying to send out a message that the idea of living healthy and spiritually shouldn’t be dismissed.
suprised I liked this album, beats are maybe an acquired taste but the lyrics are top shelf.
you can’t compare this album to lets get free….that was young new raw energy with progressive rebellious message that wanted to get across (theory)….then, they dropped RBG (another fuckin classic….some of u dudes on here frontin!!)which solidified them as an incredible group who can make a complete album (practice)….and their turn off the radio series of mixtapes have been stellar to say the least. i like Information Age alot…its a mature banger for muthaphuckas who are serious about making some self changes as well as banging on the system….dead prez will always be the truth! RBG 4 LIFE!!
co-sign!
Leave the country if u don’t like it.
Yeah man tht whussup ITZ REAL HIP-HOP YO! LET THE TRUTH B HEARD
horrible! expected so much more from those dudes. lgf was such a classic. the beats and song concepts are corny as fuck! one good song, scar sprangled banner!
dope
not good at all
rappers being too political not knowing nothing. whack work anyway
Honestly i like it.
Different but dope shit!
dope
Dead Prez one love from Edmonton canada woot woot.
Love how dead Prez isn’t affraid to take risks. Solid Album.
hot hot
Album of the year
timeless music
This album is straight fire! Their best release since Let’s Get Free
people, this album was weak as it gets, really,stop that fanaticism already! it had like 2 good songs, and the rest a corny road candy coated. they tried something different but failed.
This album just wasn’t as good as I’d hoped – Not hating, there are some good tracks on it! On the UG flipside – When I was searching for it, I found this https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/information-age/id527792742?ign-mpt=uo%3D4 – An shockingly good album… Irish dudes too, I think… Diatribe and The Crimson Underground.
Peace. This is the natural evolution of the struggle and the next chapter for the people’s army! Enlightenment should be the goal of training and self-discipline. This album is grown up dead prez, for many of us that have been listening since “Let’s get free” we have grown up with them. Peace.
Fire
Dead Prez
Lyrics pretty good, not a fan of the new instrumental sounds
awesome stuff
I give this production five stars …