A2g [Single, EP]

Blackalicious | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 26, 1999)
• Original Release Date: November 2, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Single, EP
• Label: Quannum Projects
• ASIN: B000034DGN
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #203,604 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #53 in Music > Indie Music > Rap & Hip-Hop > Experimental
  • #72 in Music > Indie Music > Rap & Hip-Hop > West Coast

Editorial Reviews

Domestic debut of the first single from the 1999 debut album by duo signed to Mo Wax & comprised of The Gift Of Gab and Chief Xcel. Seven tracks, 'A To G', 'Clockwork', 'Rock The Spot', 'Back To The Essence', 'Deception', 'Making Progress' and 'Alphabet Aerobics' (The Cut Chemist 2 1/2 Minute Workout). Standard jewel case. 1999 release.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Underground Hip-Hop For The Masses, October 9, 2000

By 

"tristanfrank" (iowa city, iowa USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A2g (Audio CD)

This EP is a preview for the full-length album "Nia" by Blackalicious. It contains seven tracks, four of which are present on "Nia". The three exclusive tracks are good. One of them, "Alphabetic Aerobics", is excellent. Here, rapper The Gift of Gab shows off his rapid-fire delivery in verses for each letter of the alphabet. The song gets faster and faster as he progresses through the letters. "A2G" is a similar workout in consonance, but with slower delivery and only the letters A through G. "Back to the Essence" features guest rapper Lateef the Truth Speaker. "Deception" is the most structured song here. The lyrics are a narrative about a rapper who becomes seduced by wealth. It emphasizes, without direct reference, the underground roots and ideals that Blackalicious have stayed true to since their first EP "Melodica" was released in 1994 on Mo'Wax records. The beats provided by Chief Xcel are superb. Cut Chemist from Jurassic 5 produces "Alpahabetic Aerobics" and is easily overshadowed by the lyrics. Overall this is an awesome EP. If you like ather acts such as Jurassic 5 or Dilated Peoples you will dig this. Also check out their debut full-length album "Nia".

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 5 Stars- Words Can't Describe It, October 1, 2002

A Kid's Review

This review is from: A2g (Audio CD)

I bought this CD after a close friend of mine told me about the amazing song Alphabet Aerobics. Buying this CD, I expected one good track and nothing else. I WAS DEAD WRONG!! This IS the most amazing CD I've ever listened to. Words can't descirbe it. Chief Xcel produces awsome beats and Gift of Gab is the second best MC in my opinion (behind KRS-One). Gab's rapid fire delivery and insightful, unbelievible (and clean) lyrics make him amazing to hear.

Alphabet Aerobics is an amazing song where Gab goes from A to Z in an alphabetical, alliterative rap. Back to the Essence has (in my opinion) a catchy hook to it that really is a head bobber. I could review every song, but EVERY ONE IS SUPERB! Not ONE weak track. If you want some real Hip-Hop with excelent beats and unbelievible, rapid-fire lyrics, PICK THIS UP!!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gift of Gab is the bomb, January 10, 2000

By 

Brent Lippincott "dat villian" (lawrence, ks) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: A2g (Audio CD)

This ep is just a taste of what these two guys can do. Gift of Gab is one of my favorite emcee's and he totally kills it on this 7 song teaser of a record. Their full length, Nia, is already out on import and should be released in the states before the summer. Everyone who loves hip hop for what it truly is should check this group out.