A long awaited album by the New Mexican duo of David “Madik” Lucero and Josh “Sevr1” Peterson, also known as The Alumni, Perfect Man provides a great resource and ministry tool for those who enjoy the genre of hip-hop in addition to being a great album to have on repeat for continuous play and enjoyment. Produced in it’s entirety by Madik, the album kicks off with an introduction, also performed by Madik, that comes from Isaiah 43:7-9. It is from there that the driving guitars, string, and piano introduce “We Are The One,” a song of unity, compelling us to be disciples as in Matthew 28:16-20 and join together, spreading the love of Christ to others without hesitation. Joined together with various guest vocals, including the Copper Pointe Youth Choir, “We Are One” is an anthem and calls us to “show the world the reason why we truly are free.”
“Hip Hop Night” is one of a few fun tracks on the album that doesn’t lack on the message quality, but instead proves that even Christians can have fun loving music, especially that of Hip Hop. The song also speaks of the high-energy, upbeat performances The Alumni are known for in their unashamed, Christ-focused way. Following is the interlude to not only the title track and the first radio single, but also a very personal track to the duo. Inspired by their personal relationships with their wives, the song speaks on how although we may not be perfect humans, it is through Christ that we can push through, and be the spouses to our wives (or husbands) that God wants us to be. Conveniently following “Perfect Man,” is “Love,” in an answer to the song “What’s Love?” which is the second bonus track on the album, reinforcing the fact that “we got a chance to show love, cause we know love, and there’s no love just like you God.”
Another one of the fun songs, The Alumni does not hold back in the track “In My Head,” confessing that one of their goals is to get songs stuck in your head, for one of many reasons. If anything, the goal goes along well with the ministry in the message of their rhymes, in an attempt to change lives for Christ. “Masquerade” is one of a few songs on the album that talks about getting out from behind the disguise and the lies that society wants us to live and instead “drop the mask and reach out for the one who changes lives.” It talks of trashing the mask and feel how freedom really feels through a life in Christ. This is just what “Amazing” declares, a worshipful praise song, giving honor and glory to God. Even more reason to praise him is evident in the following track “Impossible.” In a very humbling manner, the duo speaks on how the greatest thing God does in our lives is change them, a feat that is near impossible. It is that impossible act that also leads us to realize that it is impossible for us to every truly know or comprehend fully God’s love and power.
“Just Another Episode” is just that…another hip-hop track, but not in a bad way. It highlights that although the tracks are produced by Madik and performed by the joint duo of The Alumni and recurring special guest Laladee, God is the giver of the gifts that have allowed the hip-hop that permeates the album. “Is there hope for wondering souls?” That is the recurring message asked throughout “Voids,” in an attempt to help resolve the question many have regarding filling that void in their life. It is not alcohol or drugs but only through a relationship with Christ that can fill the void. In a very similar way, “Disaster” shows how without God, the best thing we can do is make things worse for our lives. God is waiting for us to invite Him into our lives and although we may say we are Christian, saying it without showing the love of Christ is an endless journey that just leads to more problems. In resolution to “Disaster” and as the final regular track to the album “Come Back Home” is a clear representation that regardless of how we are, God still opens up his arms and calls us home, much like the father did to the Prodigal Son in Luke 15: 11-32. “How great is the grace that has forgiven men?” It is so great that God sent his only son to die for our sins and give us everlasting life!
Before going into the bonus tracks, and concluding the regular portion of the album, Sevr1 concludes with an outro, reading back the continuation of the Isaiah verse begun in the introduction with Isaiah 43:10.
Produced in 2010, “Overdose” is the first of the two bonus tracks included on Perfect Man. Used as a metaphor on the commonly used term in today’s society, “Overdose” speaks of getting a lot of the good stuff, whether it’s a lot of God, good music, or just the good things in life in general. “What’s Love” is the precursor to “Love” on the main album as stated earlier. Written by Sevr1 with guest vocals by Madik, “What’s Love” talks about the failed relationships of past and how society rolls up love in a much different way than what God sees as love as explained by Madik towards the end of the track.
Perfect Man by The Alumni is one that is highly recommended for a veteran hip-hop connoisseur or even one who is new to the hip-hop scene and wants a meaningful album with not only great production, but also great music to boot! Again, an album that has a very high replay value and as said with “In My Head,” The Alumni has done their job by getting the songs stuck in your head.
About The Alumni:
The Alumni is a Christian Hip Hop duo that consists of Sevr1 and Madik. After dedicating their lives to Christ during their youth, both decided to combine their passion for God and hip hop music to reach out to the lost in an effort to build His kingdom. The Alumni has shown much growth personally, musically, and spiritually between their first album, “Line of Fire: Armageddon” in 2004 to their fourth full length album called “Perfect Man” which will release September 4th, 2011. In addition to releasing nationally acclaimed music, their high-energy performances have granted them performances with Paul Wright, Cross Movement, Mars Ill, Pigeon John, The Game, and even Snoop Dogg.
