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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The NEXT level of hip-hop, November 10, 2005
The next level you ask? Gift of Gab's impenetrably ill lyricism over Chief Xcel's beautifully lush production is something that I would call legendary, unique, and dare I say - untouchable. Gift of Gab definitely possesses a gift that may have you questioning the talents of your favorite emcee. He has endless capabilities as far as his impressive jaw gymnastics are concerned. His rhymes are jam-packed with metaphors, varying tones and rhythms, impeccable precision, and of course lightning quick speed. Like label-mate Lyrics Born, Gift of Gab redefines breath control. But Gift of Gab is quite a bit faster, leaving the listener in awe, and confused as to wear he actually fits a breath in his repertoire. In another respect, he doesn't drop sickly fast rhymes the whole time (which would actually get old). He experiments with his flow like a DJ experiments with their record collection.
This is Blackalicious' major-label debut, released on MCA. And if it sound more expensive than "Nia" (2000), there's certainly good reason for it. The title track sweeps the listener into tranquillity with the gorgeous sampling of "Me And My Arrow" by H. Nilsson. "First in Flight" shines with Gil Scott-Heron as a guest vocalist. It also incorporates elements that would prove to be more prominent in there later works (2005's "The Craft") - live instrumentation. The track also showcases some of Gift of Gabs most impressive skills on the mic. The streak keeps going with "4000 miles" featuring Chali 2NA (of Jurassic 5) and Lateef (of Latyrx) and some of Chief Xcel's dopest production. The guests have arguably never sound better than they do hear. The only thing that wears on me slightly is the repetitive chorus ("Muusiic"). The ?uestlove produced "Nowhere Fast" remains a favorite. Gift's personal lyrics and additional soothing vocals by Miho Hatori makes it a standout. "Paragraph President" also has a sweet driving beat to it, with DJ Shadow helping out a bit. "It's Going Down" is especially funky and soulful, mostly due to the sultry and sexy lyrics brought forth by Keke Wyatt. "Brain Washers" featuring Ben Harper came out a lot better than I expected. My favorite track has got to be the most impressive on the album - "Chemical Calisthenics" featuring Cut Chemist. The production is sick, fast and dead on just like Gift of Gab's incredibly fast, sharp and precise flows. Other appearances are made by Rakaa & Babu of Dilated Peoples ("Passion"), Jaguar Wright ("Aural Pleasure") and Saul Williams & the very tight Lyrics Born ("Release part 1,2 & 3").
Overall, this album is as close to perfect as you will hear from the thriving underground hip-hop scene. Although I must admit, many of these songs border on R&B, and several include choruses (a few of which are somewhat repetitive). Those are usually two things I try to avoid when considering underground hip-hop. But after listening to this album many, many times, I can honestly say there is nothing bad about those songs. They are executed beautifully, and for it's style and effect, it exceeds expectations and succeeds admirably. It sounds full of life, and the large budget doesn't hurt the albums overall effect or message. If you don't like R&B at all, there will be several tracks that won't impress you, or may get under your skin. It's a formula that very few have been able to execute properly, and Blackalicious makes it seem like child's play. It's a record that amazes and reveals more beauty with each and every spin. Definitely a keeper.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Blackalicious just keeps getting better and better, October 28, 2002
Blackalicious's new album shows Blackalicious evolving musically beyond what they did on their first LP, Nia, and doing it to awesome effect. Gift of Gab has improved as an MC and the production by Chief Xcel has gotten even more interesting.
If you aren't familiar with Gift of Gab, he's one of the best MCs in the game today. One thing about him is that he's able to vary his flow song to song which results in an extremely musical sound in his delivery. He also is able to rap fast and clear. In addition, he's intelligent and political.
The production on this album provides the listener with a big variety of cool sounding beats which all sound like classic hip hop.
There are a number of awesome collaborations on this album including the amazing "First In Flight" featuring the great Gil Scott-Heron, "4000 miles" featuring Chali 2NA of Jurassic 5 and Lateef the Truth Speaker of Latyrx, "Chemical Calisthenics" featuring sound collage wiz Cut Chemist of J5, "Aural Pleasure" featuring a really cool vocal from Jaguar Wright, and the mindblowing "Release" featuring Zach De La Rocha shouting release, Saul Williams the amazing poet, and Lyrics Born from Latyrx with a funky as hell verse. Obviously, there are a lot of collaborations on this album, but they all come off not sounding forced, and i was really impressed with the variety of sounds on the album. They sample a Harry Nilsson song for God's sakes!
This album is an amazing sonic journey that is inspiring and just makes you feel good. One of the best hip hop albums of 2002 thus far. Don't even think twice about copping this one.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Still the best, a solid 5, August 17, 2003
This album has been percolating in my player for a year now and it's still as fresh as the day I bought it. One of the few perfect hip-hop albums, free of filler, featuring brilliant production and lyrics, it's just a wonder to listen to. I also have to give a special mention to the interludes after songs which are not given their own track on the album. The interlude after "Aural Pleasure" especially is pure poetry. They are like little nuggets of song ideas that add hugely to the completeness of this album.Bow and Fire: the perfect intro, sets the mood. A
Blazing Arrow: blazing rhymes and a Harry Nilsson sample. A
Sky is Falling: another brilliant verse, killer chorus. A
First in Flight: just keeps getting better. the first highlight, and that's saying something. A+
Green Light Now Begin: laid-back, smart lyrics. A
4000 Miles: a "journey through music". joyous song. A
Nowhere Fast: the second highlight, devastating lyrics and great music. A+
Paragraph President: an entire song crafted out of a single line from a De La Soul track. not my favorite, but creative. A-
It's Going Down: poppy, but without sacrificing the smart lyrics. A
Make You Feel That Way: third highlight. the lyrics are simply at another level, perfectly fit the soothing music. A+
Brain Washers: not a personal favorite, but Ben Harper does a good job. A-
Chemical Calisthenics: break-neck tounge twisters, a chemistry lesson within three minutes. i hate chem, but not this song. A
Aural Pleasure: the truest title on the album. A
Passion: fiery song, awesome lyrics. A
Purest Love: another highlight, soulful shoutout from Gab to the people who inspired him - his family. add killer chorus and you have A+
Release: three-parter featuring the impassioned screaming of Zack de la Rocha, the brilliant verses of Saul Williams and a great musical outro. A standout track. A+
Day One: brilliant outro, featuring a final nod to the intro, tying the album in a colorful package. A+ You can say what you'd like about my review, but in terms of taking a chance on an artist I haven't heard of before and buying their album, this was perhaps my wisest choice. It is more than a great hip-hop album, it is a great Album, period. A solid 74 minutes of originality and creativity and the best of 2002. Please do yourself a favor and buy this album immediately.
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by Blackalicious 
