Underground Hip-Hop For The Masses
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".
marvalous
This CD is great. It's short, too short in fact, because the best way to listen to this CD is straight through. Blackalicous is a great duo, this CD is worth the money. Although not as good as Blackalicious' other albums, I personally can't get enough of them. I recommend this CD to anyone, even people who don't like rap. Just buy it.
short but sweet
This is an album that packs a punch. With only seven tracks you find yourself wanting a little more, but i found it easy letting the entire record run through more than once. They saved the best for last with the alphabet aerobics, turning the tables over to the cut chemist from j5 for the 2 1/2 minute workout. The gift of gab is amazing.
Hes Got The Gift
Blackalicious' EP effort is delightful and quite a good seque for mainstreamers to get into something a bit more underground. Im lucky enough to work for KDVS 90.3 fm and they were among the first to get "The Blazing Arrow" (Gab and Chief went to high school near me and both went to UC Davis). Gab will never cease to amaze me. His talent lyrically as well as with delivery puts him on the short list for best MC's in the scene today. Buy this and do yourself a favor.
5 Stars- Words Can't Describe It
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!!
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.
