Blackalicious - "The Craft"

Genre: Hip Hop
Artist: Blackalicious
Release: "The Craft"
Year: 2005


"The Craft" is a truly joyful innovative masterpiece on a myriad of levels. Witness extraordinary experimental hip-hop at its absolute finest; a pure blend of soul, funk and rock to mark the spot. Not to mention, exquisite guitar lick guest appearances, idyllic bass lines, melodic keys and a happy marriage between sampling and live instrumentation.


Mastermind producer Chief Xcel may have received much feedback speaking on the distance he took with this production from what is stereotypically hip hop. The point is - the strong majority of that feedback is divine praise to his supreme ingenuity in creating a masterful diversion into a whole new playing field of music genres! After all, what is evolution without freedom to evolve.


Centre stage wordsmith Gift of Gab provides the perfect accompaniment with his amazing flow. And at the same time Gab shares the lead effortlessly, just as often carrying the beats with the might of his invincible lyricism. Gab avoids falling into the trap of regurgitating the save hip hop routine and manages to add even more to his already immaculate reputation with air-tight fresh rhymes that ring true to his philosophical style.


Special mention goes to 'Black Diamonds and Pearls' for it's ridiculously bouncy and funkalicious flow! The rhythm of the bass drives the track with exquisite weight and precision!


"The Craft" is quite possibly one of the best albums of all time and is a must-have for any music collection. You'd be insane not to consider adding this album! 5 stars.


Peace & Thanks,


Harley
http://aato-music-reviews.blogspot.com/