4two7: Internal Dialogue

While making Internal Dialogue 4two7 suffered a series of seizures that brought him near death. It rattled the energetic Bay Area rapper but also seemed to clear his mind. After the attacks and his recovery, he spoke of Internal Dialogue‘s sensibilities becoming clearer due to the effect of that episode. It’s an interesting (and more importantly, honest) story that plays into Internal Dialogue‘s mystique.

The record itself is a surprising success, featuring socially-conscious rhyme schemes and inventive production from various teams. Everything clicks on certain levels and is accessible although never to the point of being radio-friendly. Sometimes the record drips into juvenile territory but for the most part, it’s a serious affair. One of the most interesting aspects of Internal Dialogue is it’s use of audio clips from movies ranging from GoodFellas to Inside Man — and how sensibly they fit the context. Keep an eye on this one.