Blackalicious- The Craft

Maybe you're like me. You feel Nia is a classic, and Blazing Arrow was incredible (though you hated the choice of the first single).

You picked up Gift of Gab's solo album, only to realize that you don't want to hear him over other people's beats. You copped Chief Xcel's side project only to realize Lateef's voice and flow doesn't do his production justice.

Then you heard this was coming...

...but you weren't as excited as you thought you'd be. I know the feeling.

It didn't help that reviewers were giving this new album a polite yawn. It didn't help that the Blacklicious interview in URB was boring- all they talked about was music. Contrast that to the Atmosphere cover story where Slug's personality seems to leap off the page.

However, to paraphrase Jeff Chang- funk all that.

Blackalicious' The Craft is fantastical. It's better than Blazing. It's messing with Nia. It smashes almost everything I've heard this year.

When I played it for the first time at the SOHH Mansion, even one of the writers who'd already reviewed the album for a magazine turned around and asked, "That's the new album?"

Yeah, it is.

"Oh. I should have given it a better review!"

Yeah. But don't worry- I will.

Comments

[Catalyst]

its tough to review something on a first listen.

you really have to let it sink in.

[obifromsouthlondon]

Its funny this whole review process. loads of stuff drop in through the letter box. reviewer gives the major ones a once over and pens a writeup. suspect process. I say let product sit with said dude for like three months (few listens, few plays in the ride, pick favorites, let it sink in) and then pen a review. sounds fair. but of course I'm tripping now. we live in the real world. where content is king.

The Craft = dope (two listens, two days)

[i'm the skwidawd]

I thought 4th Dimensional Rocketships was Gab's best album yet. Most people disagree with me. Oh well. I thought it was more personal and intimate and that the beats were a lot catchier.

Xcel's beats are always interesting and unique, but rarely catchy. And they rarely have mass appeal. I can't think of a single beat off the album that has significant mass appeal. If it doesn't have a little mass appeal, don't expect most people to be feeling it, on the first, second, or twelfth listen.

But I think this whole thing about letting an album simmer is a little ridiculous. On the contrary, much more often I find myself tiring of albums. To me, a great album is one that hits you the first time and then keeps on giving after repeated listens.

Now, if it is a completely different style or a new genre or an unexpected collaboration... sure, that's understandable. But this is still just Gab and Xcel, basically doing the same thing they were doing the last time around. Also, don't front like you are a Blackalicious fan that hated this album the first time you heard it... you liked it the first time you heard it. I wouldn't give much credence to a professional music critic who can't even recognize the value of an album the first time around. That is a reflection on the critic, not the album.

I'm not saying Gab and Xcel don't have talent, but it's just not catchy and most people aren't feeling it. And that's just the way it is. And if you disagree... then let's see some sales stats.

[Propaganda Life]

Damn it's better than Blazing Arrow!? I love that album.

I was feeling "4th Dimensional Rocket Ships Going Up", I mean I always want to hear Gab over Xcel, but it stood up pretty well.

[StussyD]

I'm not so sure. Blazing Arrow was the album that struck me so hard the first time I listened to it, and it is still one of my all-time favorites, although I'm a bit tired of it now. So far, though, The Craft just isn't nearly as appealling to me. Nia is pretty great too, but The Craft just hasn't captured me like their other albums have. I'm going to keep giving it listens through, though. It has been getting more appealing to me each time.

[Rizoh]

"..I say let product sit with said dude for like three months (few listens, few plays in the ride, pick favorites, let it sink in) and then pen a review. sounds fair. but of course I'm tripping now. we live in the real world. where content is king."

I agree with Obi on that. Same exact attitude i took with SV's latest effort.

Anyway, I heard The Craft and liked their experimental approach this time.
Well isn't Blackalicious always experimenting?

[i'm the skwidawd]

dare I say it's almost predictably experimental

[G Off]

What about we continue with the early review upon release, but add a six month or year later review. I always like going back to see what was said about an album after it had enough time to mature, but think about how much better it would be with the insight of how it performed (critically, sales, was it shelved after one quick single, was there an impact on production or lyrics of the artists' peers?).

This would give deserved shine to albums that were slept on initially due to release dates or a lack of push, and it would allow for a thoughtful look back at a project without the blinding hype of a major artist release.

Year end lists do this to a point, but they leave out too many albums that deserve a second look (for better or worse).

[A.V.]

Ok!!! I've tried to support the radio stations but, how many times can I hear the same song in a day. My company pipes Hot 97 into our office and I have heard several songs 3 times in a 8hr work day. Damn!!! Can someone please tell me the hottest underground artist out right now? I'm done with the mainstream.

[i'm the skwidawd]

Sean Price

[i'm the skwidawd]

followed by Audio Bullys

[Hashim]

"dare I say it's almost predictably experimental"

or maybe we're just spoiled by how good they are

[i'm the skwidawd]

To be honest, A2G is my favorite 'Licious project. And I wouldn't mind if all their albums were just variations on that sound.

[obifromsouthlondon]

Sean Price

[Dayrell]

I agree with Catalyst above, this is one of those, you have to let it sink in type of albums.

[i'm the skwidawd]

oh you don't like broccoli?... just keep eating it until you like it.

same logic.

[dex digital]

wow. this was a boring album. i didn't even finish it.

[mad mikeakamicheal gonzales&blud hawn Aka rodney ulysse]

I'm a blow up ya see it from far
step to the stage so wit words we gotta spar
I'm the jordan of rappin I spit from the free throw line
forget todays date cause it's my time
if ya fellin my rhymes don't need to plagerize
don't be hatin on 2 players on the rise
I'm the best the kang of dis town
time to pass da mic to my boy blud-hawn

I'm da rap technician gotta play my part
or else the game gonna stay in da dark
we rap flawless hang wit brawlas
finish time gatcha yall jawless
we the new best talent thats our legacy
drop th bombs on ya like th u.s embacy
mess up ya system like an energy spike
time to pass the mic back ta mad mike

my rhymes gonna leave headach yougone need some benadrill
I'm the leader AKA the general

ta ya mind I'ma bring closure
blud-hawns a pimp hustler and a soildure