One of the top hip-hops eps, ever (as of 10/22/2003)
This EP is an exercise in lyrical dexterity and sublime production. Blackalicious' debut into recorded hip-hop was one of the top releases of the 1990's. Chief XCel (in collaboration with Dj Shadow at times) does what should be unthinkable (as he does on Nia and Blazing Arrow as well somehow), and provides beats that match up the the aptly-named Gift of Gab's sensational spit. Despite the seemingly inherent contradiction in terms, on "Swan Lake", Gift of Gab at times mumbles with perfect clarity over Chief XCel and Dj Shadow's evolved sample of The Stylistics' "People Make the World Go Round." Both "Lyric Fathom" and "Deep in the Jungle" feature John Moschita-like flow by Gift of Gab at the top of his game. Guest appearances by Asia Born and Lateef the Dread Piper (known these days as Lyrics Born and Lateef the Truth Speaker respectively) round out the album. This joint shows the skill that would produce one of hip-hop's true high-spots in Blazing Arrow. Saying that though, does this release an injustice by inferring that it had much room for improvement.
rhyme skills that make 95% of all other MC's obsolete
The rhymes on this ep are absolutely sick. but unlike some other artists who have similar skills but have slightly annoying delivery (aceyalone, for example), blackalicious exudes a laid-back, arrogant-...-but-skilled-enough-to-back-it-up vibe. Listening to this music is actually exciting-- you're continually wondering what kind of lyrical wizardry is waiting just around the corner. As far as reference points, think de la soul, except with a bit more attitude and energy, and also wigged out on some kind of bizarre cleverness drug.
Blacalicious got funk for the future fillin'up fiends finaly
Blacalicious (gift of gab and chief excell) really came through with this album. Despite the resources made available to solesides at the time, Blackalicious created a very well produced album. The beats are phat and the gift of gab never ceases to lyricaly blow my cerebral cortex into the outer realms of space.As a huge fan of underground hip-hop I highly recomend this album!
