Amazon.com: This is the kind of album that divides fans. On one side, there are the ones that will see the Bay Area hip-hop duo composed of rapper Gift of Gab and producer Chief Xcel taking a logical step forward, recruiting high-profile guests (George Clinton, Floetry) and banking on a more commercial sound with effervescent R&B tracks like "Powers," "World of Vibrations" and "Lotus Flower." Then there are those that will lament the passing of the band's vintage, more meaningful sound. As if the crew was expecting the cynics to turn up to the party, midway through the album dramatically shifts gears--out goes the pop and in comes the soul via "The Fall & Rise of Elliot Brown" and "Black Diamonds & Pearls." You might suspect West Coast conscious rap contemporaries Black Eyed Peas stood at the very same crossroads before they sold their first million. --Aidin Vaziri
Album Description: With their third full-length, Blackalicious have produced a record of such sonic depth and lyrical ambition that it can proudly stand alongside the work of Bay Area funk fathers Sly Stone and Shuggie Otis, or hip-hop classics like Outkast's "Aquemini" and The Roots' "Things Fall Apart". But "The Craft" isn't nostalgic for some golden era that never existed. Lyricist Gab moves beyond the introspection of earlier albums, and musically, Xcel accomplishes beats that touch on classic funk sidling cosily alongside the orchestral sweep of Stereolab. Features guest appearances by George Clinton, Floetry, Lateef The Truth Speaker, and Pigeon John. Blackalicious's 2002 breakthrough, "Blazing Arrow" has scanned 230,000 units.
I felt this album really lacked the style I've become used to. I think they are riding the glory of their previous acheivements, in truth I'd rate this 2 star or 1 but out of respect for what they did in the past I couldn't. The first track is good, great beat and the sort of thing I've come to expect from this lot. Sadly after that I could be listening to anyone, it's the combination of fast sharp lyrics AND funky instrumentation that makes up their style for me.
poor show
Best Hip Hop Album of the year This album is excellent. The beats are top notch and MC Gab's lyrics and flow are immaculate. In a world where 'shake your laffy taffy' gets radio play, this cd makes you appreciate what hip hop can really be. This is a smart cd which is a breath of fresh air.
The gift to rip "I could have quit so quick, I don't know what I did to deserve a rap like this." Next to Blazing Arrow this is one of the best alternative hip-hop albums around. Given that Blackalicious has done nothing less that release superior album after the last, they deserve your time to investigate this crew. Truely unique and if you like Dan the Automator's Deltron, then you should go looking for Blazing Arrow. However The Craft is more modern than the futuristic styles found in Deltron and Blazing Arrow. Still this is voted by so many mags as one of the best alternative hip-hop albums around and it shows. Just listen to the first and last track. Those kinds of tunes demand space on your iPod.
Perfecting the craft The hip-hop duo Blackalicious (composed of rapper Gift of Gab and producer Chief Xcel) caused enough commotion to garner themselves plenty of acclaim in the underground scene. But back in 2002, mainstream radio was tuning in to them, most likely because their album at the time, Blazing Arrow, was a joint release from MCA Records as well as the duo's home, Quannum Records. After MCA was bought out by Geffen Records and David Geffen chose not to pick them up, they continued to do their thing on Quannum, who released The Craft last year.
First off, if you're a big fan of Nia or Blazing Arrow, I'm not sure you'll be able to get into this album. True, Gab and Xcel have showcased something of a futuristic vibe from time to time (especially on Gab's solo album), but it's more so on this album. Still, there are highlights aplenty, like "Your Move" and the title track. Speaking of the latter, though, it's kind of unnecessary for there to be a computerized vocal saying "the craft" at the end of most of the songs.
Anyway, standouts continue to flourish, as evidenced by "My Pen and Pad", which is really one long verse. But as far as my favorites, I'm torn between "Give It to You" and "Rhythm Sticks". I couldn't get into "Powers" as much as everyone else, though; and as my brother said, "Egosonic Warriors" is just TOO weird.
While this isn't as accessible as Blackalicious' previous albums, it's still great. Some fans may not be interested in rap that doesn't include profanity (or at least not enough to warrant an "explicit content" sticker), but at any rate, The Craft is definitely an album worth owning.
Anthony Rupert
Another round of creative genius... ... from one of the most creative and soulful duos in hip hop. I have trouble deciding which is better every time, the awesome tracks put together by Chief Xcel or the lyrical acrobatics and new flows Gift of Gab brings on every outing.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
