Thursday, August 24, 2017

Music Review #144:
Blackalicious
A2G
1999
Quannum







EGYPTOLOGIST WISDOM! 

Arising from the Quannum Projects hip hop collective, duo Blackalicious complete their evolution into a bona fide group purporting their own legendary brand of rap with 1999's A2G EP. This evolution does well to differentiate themselves from their previously established A Tribe Called Quest-esque sound well by replacing it with a more caustic and funky production, which holds Gift of Gab's intricately woven intelligence much better and on a much higher and more appropriate pedestal. 

A2G also articulates Blackalicious' intelligence better not only with Gift of Gab's beautifully constructed flow, but also with Chief Xcel's craft. Said craft brings an old-school vibe with samplings of complex guitar and bass hooks to a modern record. Such is presented fantastically with 'Clockwork'- a bobbing 70's-style bass riff (reminiscent of Funkadelic, a band held in high esteem by Xcel) heading off the conscious-hip-hop elements that Blackalicious have been flagships of for over 20 years. Gab can also bring a unique flair to his flow when he uses perfectly placed cadence to freshen the sound. Though he can sound a bit silly when he tries his hand at vocals like on 'Deception', still I believe the message of staying within one's own boundaries regardless of the fame they've achieved is still important, along with all other moral lessons communicated on this.

Though still basically a prelude to even better and more progressive Nia LP to come a few months later, A2G is a quintessential piece of the legendary act's discography. Not only that, but it also contains the famous 'Alphabet Aerobics' in full. Absolutely recommended.


2017 - The Frying Pan & Thatcher 
Have a nice day! 

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