Their third full-length release,originally released back in 2005.
Blackalicious produced a record of such sonic depth and lyrical ambition it proudly stands 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.Lyricist Gab († June 18, 2021) moved beyond the introspection of earlier albums, going deep on "Black Diamonds and Pearls" as a pregnant teen conquers her fears, while on the epic "The Fall and Rise of Elliott Brown", a lost, incarcerated boy transforms into a leader of his community. What Gab achieved lyrically, Xcel accomplishes musically, with beats that touch on classic funk sidling cosily alongside the orchestral sweep of Stereolab. "The Craft," Xcel says, "is our passion to bring discipline to this music, the passion to keep growing, keep stretching, keep doing things we haven't before. The Craft is what we live for.
The Craft features guest appearances by George Clinton, Floerty, Lateef The Truthspeeker, and Pigean John.
Blackalicious is loved by fans of The Roots, Jill Scott, Eryka Badu, Mos Def, Talib Kweli.
Blackalicious produced a record of such sonic depth and lyrical ambition it proudly stands 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.Lyricist Gab († June 18, 2021) moved beyond the introspection of earlier albums, going deep on "Black Diamonds and Pearls" as a pregnant teen conquers her fears, while on the epic "The Fall and Rise of Elliott Brown", a lost, incarcerated boy transforms into a leader of his community. What Gab achieved lyrically, Xcel accomplishes musically, with beats that touch on classic funk sidling cosily alongside the orchestral sweep of Stereolab. "The Craft," Xcel says, "is our passion to bring discipline to this music, the passion to keep growing, keep stretching, keep doing things we haven't before. The Craft is what we live for.
The Craft features guest appearances by George Clinton, Floerty, Lateef The Truthspeeker, and Pigean John.
Blackalicious is loved by fans of The Roots, Jill Scott, Eryka Badu, Mos Def, Talib Kweli.
TRACK LISTING
World Of Vibrations
Supreme People
Rhythm Sticks
Powers
Your Move W/ Lifesavas
Lotus Flower W/ George Clinton
My Pen And Pad
Side To Side W/ Lateef & Pigeon John
Automatique W/ Floetry
The Fall & Rise Of Elliot Brown (Pts. 1 & 2)
Black Diamonds & Pearls W/ Larry Saunders And Ledisi
Give It To You W/ Kween And Lyrics Born
Ego Sonic War Drums W/ Peace
The Craft