Customer Reviews

Nia

5 star:		(58)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Like any middle school child in 90-92, I thought I knew about hip-hop being the proud owner of "The Chronic", "Doggystyle", and "Predator". Yet, my liking of hip-hop was always extended to just a couple of the hot albums of the day, and I never really considered myself a hip-hop head.
When, just a few years ago, I realized there was an entire undercurrent of, not simply underground hip-hop, but hip-hop that is not force-fed to the masses incessantly, I was intrigued.
Because of acts like Blackalicious, my intrigue has waned in favor of outright militancy.
As a seventh grade teacher on the immediate outskirts of Washington D.C., I have the challenging, yet enjoyable task of trying to connect with some of the most brilliant teenagers in the world, as well as those whose futures have been pre-condemned because of socioeconomic setbacks.
I thank God for musicianns like Blackalicious because they project hope and positivity.
Throughout the year I will post quotes and play snippets of songs from NIA to pique the interest of my students.
With "Cliffhanger" we can study the elements of plot structure.
Not since Slick Rick has an MC made storytelling so compelling.
Gift of Gab displays an astounding ability to couple precise flow with a variety of tempos, always blessed with creative, and most often, thought-provoking lyrics.
The beats, ranging from soulfully-melancholic head-nodders to upbeat funk numbers, provide the perfect backdrop to Gift's signature flow, and foretell of the ability Chief X-Cel delivers on later releases.
From straight out we're here to impress songs like "A to G" and "You Didn't
Know That Though" to the conscious "Shallow Days", "Making Progress" and, "Deception" which supply ammo to those who continue to argue that hip-hop can be an inspirational and uplifitng tool, NIA stakes a major claim in the timeline of hip-hop for those who believe in its true spirit.

One of the most amazing albums I have ever heard! I've been a fan of DJ Shadow for ages and when I heard Quannum's "Spectrum" I loved Gift's rapping and had to buy the A to G EP and this. Its one of the most diverse sounding albums out there and the tracks could stand alone even without the Gift of Gabs' often outstanding lyrics. The music is amazing, the rapping is incredible. DJ Shadow and the almost equally amazing Latryx make guest apppearances - stand out tracks "If I may", "Smithzonian Institute..", "Shallow Days". Shadow is as inventive as always on the positively weird "Cliffhanger". THis album is so accomplished it leaves nearly every other hip hop album I've heard for dead. If you know anyone who refuses to listen to hip hop, introduce them via "Nia" and let them see the light. Hopefully this is step one in a new breed of soulful hip hop

What is this stuff called again? Oh yeah, I remember. It's called real hip hop. Progessive and stylistic through and through. I give this album 5 stars because it's Blackalicious. I'll admit, there are a couple of tracks I could do without but this album is on another level. Gift of Gab is on point as usual and I still can't get over that Shadow produced track "Cliff Hanger." It is the most psychedelic and gothic hip hop song I think I have ever heard. Throw your new commercial hip hop albums in the trash because the future is NIA.

This is the best new album I've seen in a long time. I love every song. Blackalicious is bringing hip-hop to new levels of intelligent lyrics. This is the kind of hip-hop that you can play someone who doesn't like hip-hop, and they'd be into it. (This is actual feedback I've recieved-as I'm a radio DJ). All TRUE hip-hop heads don't even need to question the fact that blackalicious has mad flow and dope beats. If you love music, buy this album. You will not be disappointed.

One of the most amazing albums I have ever heard! I've been a fan of DJ Shadow for ages and when I heard Quannum's "Spectrum" I loved Gift's rapping and had to buy the A to G EP and this. Its one of the most diverse sounding albums out there and the tracks could stand alone even without the Gift of Gabs often outstanding lyrics. The music is amazing, the rapping is incredible. DJ Shadow and the almost as amazing Latryx make guest apppearances - stand out tracks "If I may", "Smithzonian Institute..", "Do this my way" and " You didnt know that know". DJ Shadow is as inventive as always with the bizarre "Cliffhanger". With 19 tracks, none any worse than great, it'd be a shame to miss out on this accomplished, groundbreaking album. If you know anyone that refuses to listen to Hip Hop, introduce them via "Nia" - and they'll see the light.

Nia by Blackalicious is one of the best hip-hop albums I've heard this year. This doesn't sound like anything else in hip-hop. The beats, produced mostly by Chief XL, are drenched with soul and funk and the Gift Of Gab drops some amazing verses. "A To G" finds Gab reciting verses using only one letter of the alphabet while he tells a familiar story of selling out in hip-hop on "Deception". "As The World Turns" is an amazing hip-hop/soul song while "Cliff Hanger" showcases a dark fantasy tale. The first and last tracks also showcase some nice poetry. When I got through listening to this album, I was stunned. Nia is one of the best hip-hop albums I've heard in a while. If you are looking for some thought-provoking lyrics and some rich, soulful production, you must own this album.

P.S. If you like this album, be sure to pick up Latyrx's The Album.

Blackalicuis exhibits what hip hop can achieve with some much needed originality. The beats are tight and the lyrics flow beautifully combining to make ear candy. This album rejuvinated my interest in hip hop, a genre which I thought was seeing its darkest days. A must have for a true hip hop aficianado, you will not be disappointed.

EVERYthing you should want in hip-hop: positive, intelligent lyrics, delivered with distinctive style for gift of gab, over the funky beat and hooks of xcel.

in a sea of mediocrity, or irratic offerings, this one is smooth and satisfying throughout. will be top ten for 2000 w/mos def. eight more to find.

Nia is a great album by a group that understands hip-hop. Finally it is about the music rather than the platinum and gold (check Master P and JD's newest calaboration). The Gift of Gab and Chief Xcel have so much talent and range that they manage to sound like a group of five gifted MC's rather than two. If you pick up any CD this year my suggestion is Nia.

I picked nia up a few days ago and since then i've been feeling it every cent. if youre down with gang starr, mos def, mystik journeymen, common sense etc you will love this. the beats are fresh, with the intensity of the rock thats sampled but at the same time peaceful like you can just lounge to this, listen close, drive, dance, whatever...its all here. theres a whole spectrum of music which keeps it always fresh and a real ol skool feel. yo blackalicious if you reading this, just know you moved a kid with your beats!