After dropping three previous critically acclaimed LPs on independent labels, including one of the best Hip-Hop albums of 2000, Nia, a major record label finally figured out that the sharp, intelligent raps of Gift of Gab and the deft, eclectic production of Chief Xcel were not a fluke.
Now signed to the powerhouse MCA recording label, the duo better known as Blackalicious stands poised to show their impressive Hip-Hop talents to a much larger audience, and they definitely make the most of the opportunity. Their fourth album and major label debut, Blazing Arrow contains everything that was featured in their prior releases, just in larger quantity and impossibly even higher quality. Gab's emceeing has grown to be more flexible and precise, and Xcel has become even more proficient behind the boards and on the wheels. Without question, Blackalicious hits the bulls-eye precisely with Blazing Arrow.
Though the allbum is dominated by smoother, more tranquil tracks, it is most certainly not boring by any stretch of the imagination. Legendary poet Gil Scott Heron shows his not-too-shabby singing ability on the vibrant, slightly sci-fi “First in Flight.” Plus, soul singer Jaguar Wright lends her spectacular, though criminally underused voice on the seductive “Aural Pleasure.”
“Make You Feel That Way” is another relaxed song that has Gab rapping over a cool jazz trumpet and ‘PM Dawn'-ish type of bass groove about events in life that invoke warm and fuzzy memories. He paints a very pleasing picture, rhyming “Up and early for the hope of a brand new day/ See a homie you ain't seen since back in the day/ getting fitted with a haircut with a phat-ass fade/ End of work week, chillin' on a Saturday/ How you felt when you first heard the dada Kane/ Rakim, KRS, ‘hey I had that tape!'/ Coolin' out with old girl on a phat-ass date/ Find a hundred dollar bill ‘wow man that's great!'”
Anyone who is familiar with this group's music knows that they aren't afraid to make a slight departure from the norm and experiment with their music to a degree. “Sky is Falling” is one of these such experimental tracks, with Xcel blending moderately dark and emotive accompaniment and percussion with “apocalyptic” background singers. Overall, it works well for the track and keeps in step with Gab's lyrics which describe some of the more shadowy parts of human existence. The song “Release” is also slightly unusual, in that it's broken into three parts of a slightly modifying track. First Gab flows intensely on the initial segment, followed by popular poet Saul Williams speaking intricately crafted words on the second (even using a few lines from his popular work “Ohm” at the end). Finally, Quannum Projects colleague Lyrics Born and Gift of Gab trade verses at the end.
But of course, Blackalicious is perfectly capable of making heads nod with killer cuts, and they made sure to include them with this LP. “Paragraph President” has Gab lyrically declaring himself the Commander-in-Chief of the m-i-c, leaving absolutely no room for recounts and hanging chads. Chief Xcel backs Gab's focused vocals perfectly with this cut, lacing a thumping drum and bass track with sparse accompaniment. Also, fans of the duo will be happy to hear them revisit the lyrical firestorm of their classic “A to G” single, though this time Gab chooses to rhyme using the names of chemical elements, compounds, and scientific principles on “Chemical Calisthenics.” Appropriately, Jurassic 5 deejay Cut Chemist is rubs the records for this, frequently changing the drum beat throughout the song while Gab matches the modified tempos and syncopation perfectly.
The tight lyricism continues with Lateef the Truth Speaker and Jurassic 5 baritone Chali 2na tearing down the mic on the funky, snare driven musical journey “4000 Miles.” Then the left coast represents to the fullest with DJ Babu and Rakaa Iriscience from Cali-based Dilated Peoples collaborating with Blackalicious to describe their zeal for life and Hip-Hop music with “Passion.” This track has a slight rock and roll vibe with metal guitars grinding discreetly through the background, but the spirited music blends splendidly with the rappers' animated deliveries.
All in all, Blackalicious has put out nothing less than an amazing album with Blazing Arrow. The production, beats, lyrics, and guest spots are all inspired and impressive. With this release Gift of Gab and Chief Xcel has raised standard of excellence for all other Hip-Hop releases coming out this year. Don't sleep.
