Blackalicious

Editor's Review:

It's been a long time coming. Not just for a highly anticipated Quannum release, but for Blackalicous, the tag-team duo of the Gift of Gab and Chief Xcel, who haven't been heard from in almost five years. I'll be the first to say that it was well-worth the wait. Bringing the on-again, off-again rhyme style with a variety of dope beats, A2G is more than an ordinary EP. Seven cuts, all of which have their own style and show the range this crew is capable of achieving, is worth any hip-hopper's undue admiration.

If you've slept on Quannum (formerly Solesides), then wake up, knuckle-head, this is the real shit. From their humble beginnings with Radiosole Vol. 1 through Latryx and a couple of dope DJ Shadow projects, Quannum releases are quality and always so, so funky.

While the title cut is fresh, "Alphabet Aerobics" will no doubt go down in history as one of the most innovative hip-hop initiatives ever brought to this medium. Gab takes each letter of the alphabet and rhymes a two-bar stretch using various word play. As each letter passes, the beat speeds up as does Gab's vocalization. "Deception" reminds me of Slick Rick's "Children's Story" in a sense, except funked out; and Lateef the Truth Speaker of Latyrx makes a cameo on "Back to the Essence."

Reaching for more than money, Blackalicous brings back storytelling and rhymes that you can feel, and while this EP is only the beginning, I highly suggest this to all music lovers. The full-length Blackalicous album, Nia, is due out sometime in August, and as with all of the Quannum/Solesides work, will be worth checking out.

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Record Label Quannum Projects / 3-2-1 Records Released November 1999

Tracks A to G Clockwork Rock the Spot Back to the Essence Deception Making Progress Alphabet Aerobics (The Cut Chemist 2 1/2 Minute Workout)