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The Craft, the “backpack” rap duo’s third album release, has much to offer the recent whirlwind of
generic hip hop albums that have been hitting the shelves lately. Positivity is the key here: they disregard the common
association of hip hop with violence and gangsterism. The craft definitely lies somewhere in between the more laid back
and diverse Nia and the hip hop funk of Blazing Arrow. The lyricism on almost every track is amazing: Gift Of Gab raps
with consistently ingenious rhymes and metaphors. But that is not what sets this album apart (great lyrics are just what
we’ve come to expect from Blackalicious) – Chief Xcel once again uses live instrumentation as he did with Blazing Arrow,
and definitely will not disappoint anyone.
Most hip hop goers associate the underground, backpack rap scene with great lyrics, but lacking production. Definitely
not this album – though none of these songs would qualify for an MTV single, the beats have an undeniably creative rhythm
that you would be hard-pressed to find in the mainstream. All the songs connect together perfectly like a poetic story,
making the whole album flow like one beautiful song. Even with all this originality, there is something indisputably
similar – Gift of Gab sticks to his abstract imagery and still challenges “what is really real.” If this annoyed you with
their first two albums, then this album will unlikely impress you. But most avid Blackalicious fans will still find their
distinct style impressive. Apart from the general impressive piece of work The Craft is, the strange chorus on World of
Vibrations was simply too annoying for this writer.
Yet, the criticism stops there: My favourite tracks would include Supreme People, the autobiographical My Pen and Pad,
Black Diamonds and Pearls, the relaxed Give It To You, and the title closer track The Craft. In general, I definitely
recommend you buy this album right now, and if it happens to be your first Blackalicious purchase, definitely invest in
Nia and Blazing Arrow to fully appreciate their music.
Rating : 9/10
Reviewed By: AJ47
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