Blackalicious

Editor's Review:

Nia, probably one of the most anticipated albums of the Bay area hip-hop scene in years, is the first full-length release from the Los Angeles / East Bay duo of rapper Gift of Gab and DJ Chief Xcel. Following on the heels of the A to G EP (released in mid-’99), Nia is the next step in the evolution of Blackalicious and mark’s the duo’s embarking on a journey of the soul.

Roughly translated as "purpose," Nia shows a purpose that has been years in the making. A pretty heavily produced record, the overall sound is refined without sounding contrived, and though there is a bit of R&B evident here and there, it is nothing that would turn off any true hip-hop fan.

When you get right down to it, there are two factors that make this a great record: Gab and Xcel. As Quannum’s underrated DJ (the popular one being DJ Shadow), Xcel has been tracking dope beats since the crew’s ‘90s Solesides days, and his work on Nia just further proves his prowess on the steel wheels. Beats on jams like "The Fabulous Ones," "Beyonder" and "Deception" run the gambit from old-school bass bombs to headier, jazz- and soul-influenced breaks, and all are completely on target.

As the man out front, the lyrical prowess of Gab has to be Blackalicious’ biggest selling point. He’s one of the strongest rappers out there, a unwavering lyricist who can come with the most versatile styles, and the way he runs around, over and through beats without compromising their strength is a awesome feat of lyrical brutish elegance.

I won’t say that it’s about damn time, but I will say that Nia is well worth the wait.

Bookmark:

Record Label Quannum / Subverse Released February 2000

Tracks Searching The Fabulous Ones Do This My Way Deception A to G Hanger, Cliff Shallow Days Ego Trip by Nikki Giovanni You Didn't Know That Though If I May Dream Seasons Trouble (Eve of Destruction) Smithzonian Institute of Rhyme As the World Turns Reanimation Beyonder Making Progress Sleep Finding