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"Funky Dudley"
Dudley Perkins may be one of the most unorthodox rappers to hit the indie scene in quite a while. Not close to pretty and far from typical, his voice comes off as unmistakable but just right for his music. Being relatively new to the game, he brings a unique approach of setting his messages free.
Dudley Perkins’ keen sense of melodious delivery mixed with his fairly raspy voice and relaxed beats gives his sophomore album, Expressions (2012 au), an old school summertime vibe. Not exactly rapping and not quite singing, Perkins’ style is like a poem over a musical track, much like being at vibrant slam poetry lounge. Whether you are looking for something to groove to or something relaxed, this album has you covered.
Expressions (2012 au) kicks off with “Funky Dudley,” a cut that immediately sets the stage for dance-floor music. Other cuts like “Get On Up” adds to the first half of the album’s up-tempo vibe, with a somewhat comedic hook and an atmosphere reminiscent of 1970’s funk. Not that the second half is down tempo insomuch, but there is a shift into good chill-time music. The cuts on the later half of the album retain similar relaxed beats, only the overlaying lyrics bluntly ask more questions about faith, truth, and future existence. “The Last Stand” ends the album leaving you in a spiritual place reflecting on your own spiritual journey. Altogether, this album does a beautiful job of mixing soul and funk, and is definitely something to bump your head to.
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