4th Dimensional Rocketships Going Up

Gift of Gab | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 11, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Quannum Projects
• ASIN: B000189X4A
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #50,185 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Fourth Dimensional Rocketships Going Up is a first-rate solo debut by veteran rapper Gift of Gab, who is a member of the group Blackalicious and the San Francisco-based association Quannum Projects (DJ Shadow, Latyrx, Lifesavas). There's a strong Seattle flavor here--the album was recorded in Seattle, and produced by two of that city's most established beat architects, Vitamin D and Jake One. This meeting of underground talents results in something truly wonderful: the music is rich with detail, surprises, and suggestions, and the raps are deeply introspective. Though he is often rapping about the stars, the moon, and different parts of the galaxy (as with the track "Stardust," a "Follow the Leader" for the 21st century), the space that Gift of Gab really explores is inner space--the memories, emotions, and desires that constitute the core of his being. Rarely does hip-hop get better than Fourth Dimensional Rocketships Going Up. --Charles Mudede

Complex March 2004

"Fourth Dimensional is vital nourishment for the soul."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Gift of Gab proves he is the King of Flows - 4 Stars, December 29, 2004

By 

withthebeatzwiththerhymez - See all my reviews

This review is from: 4th Dimensional Rocketships Going Up (Audio CD)

First things first: Gift of Gab without Chief Xcel is like Guru without DJ Premier. Like Gang Starr, Blackalicious have an unbreakable chemistry that has produced magical LPs in the form of NIA and Blazing Arrow, and that chemistry is noticeably absent on "Fourth Dimensional Rocketships Going Up." Don't get it twisted, Jake One and Vitamin D are two extremely talented up-and-coming producers, but their beats come off as amateurish when compared to the beats fans are used to hearing Gab rip over. With that said, "FDRGU" is a solid solo release that finds Gift of Gab rocking multiple flows ("Ride of Your Life" and "Rat Race") in his preachiest, happiest form yet. At times Gab comes off as the 2004 version of KRS-One, as evidenced by his uplifting, fatherly narratives on "Up," "Way of the Light," and "Evolution." Although Gab has always been a highly introspective emcee, "Fourth..." provides an outlet for him to get even more personal as, afterall, it's HIS solo album. He reflects on his battle with alcoholism on "Moonshine," pens his first standard love song with "To Know You," and pays homage to the icons and trends of his era on "Flashback." There are no classic, groundbreaking anthems like "Deception" or "Sky is Falling" here, just a brisk, insightful walk through the life of Tim Parker sprinkled with battle tracks ("Real MCs" and "Writz"). Check this out if you're looking for a positive, inspring album.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perhaps my favorite album, ever, July 15, 2005

By 

Taylor (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 4th Dimensional Rocketships Going Up (Audio CD)

This album speaks to me.

From the very first track (The Ride of Your Life) to the very last (Just Because) this proves to be a very focused, poignant glimpse into the life of Tim Parker, AKA The Gift of Gab. From the deeply introspective ("In a Minute Doe", "Moonshine"), to the unabashed feel-good jams ("Flashback", "Way of the Light"), to the hardcore battle raps ("Real MCs", "The Writz") and everything inbetween, every song is complete and every song is, plainly, off the freekin' hook. Featuring production that makes my spine tingle combined with lyrics that make you think, smile, laugh, and in some cases re-examine your life (sometimes all at once), 4th Dimensional Rocketships Going Up is a journey that covers uncharted musical territory.

This is just one of those albums - it gives you an indescribable feeling, starting with the first time you listen to it and never ending. It is in every way a perfect album - that is, every way except one.

It's just too short. I still love the album and I'd give it 6 stars if I could, but it's just too short. Maybe one or two more songs and I would throw away all my other CDs and listen to this one for the rest of my life.

This is the perfect album for somebody who is not afraid of music that demands you sit down and think about it.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solid Solo Effort, May 12, 2004

By 

Open Mike (Montreal) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 4th Dimensional Rocketships Going Up (Audio CD)

After six months of teasing us with multiple release dates, signing to epitaph and getting ugly reviews that obliterated all traces of hype, Rocketships has finally gone up. To be honest there's nothing bad I can say about this album. Perhaps my only problem with this album is that as a devoted Blackalicious head it's hard to hear Gift without Chief manning the turntables. Don't get me wrong, the production on this album is bananas, but the 15-odd years that this outfit has been together makes both Gift and Chief's sound go hand-in-hand. However, once you look past that and look at this effort objectively, as a separate entity shall we say, then you can dig it. I say this because I've heard a lot of fools dogging the beats and I don't think that's fair because the sound is dope and it compliments Gab's style perfectly.

This album is necessary in today's rap game because it's positive yet soulful, and there is very very little stopping anyone from bobbing their head to this. Vitamin D and Jake One drop some rump shaking beats and Gift shines with his air-tight flow and mind boggling lyrics. Seems like Gift opted to dismantle the Soleside fellowship for this one - no sign of Lateef or Lyrics Born. I imagine that when the Blackalicious album drops later this year they'll be back on the mic together.

Bottom line for this album is that while you can expect to hear Quannum's trademark funk, the absence of multiple Quannum guests, particularly Chief Xcel, makes this album a different listen. In my opinion you have the best of both worlds: the traditional soulful output of the Quannum crew, yet something new and unique, which is always refreshing.

This is an album you should cop for the summer. This is a no-nonsense soul-flavored album that will make your head bob and you summer Saturdays that much better. If you like Quannum's output then you'll love this, and because it's different you'll appreciate it even more. It's a solid listen from start to finish so trust me, peep this and your earphones will thank you.