The Gifto Magnifico

The Gift of Gab just might be the most incredibly talented musical artist out there right now.

The sheer speed and versatility of his lyricism is well, "supreme" to put it in his own words.  But when combined with the brutal honesty of his writing (with insights ranging from the self-effacing to the societal) and his obvious love of the Art of hip-hop, it's tough not to appreciate the man.  


In an era where socially conscious rappers have finally taken their place along side MCs who built empires on mounds of sexual exploit, drug dealing prowess, expedient murdering ability and more recently brand creation, the Gift of Gab spins himself as a freakishly skilled, but imminently human and yes, sometimes flawed artist.


His longstanding Blackalicious collaboration with turntablist Chief Xcel grew out of years of friendship and mutual respect.  Together with DJ Shadow, Lyrics Born, Lateef the Truth Sayer and a handful of others, they helped propel the Bay Area's Solesides/Quannum collective.  And Blackalicious has served the Gift of Gab well as a rock-solid, yet innovative base for his unique articulation.  Chief Xcel undeniably shares a passion for jazz, funk, soul and hip-hop's past with his lyrical half, but it's his appreciation for well-placed samples and sound effects and uncannily percussive sense of groove that drives the project.  To that end, utilizing a sprinkling of live musicians both on stage and in the studio has always benefitted the duo, adding a sense of urgency to already successful arrangements.


The Gift of Gab has also recorded a pair of excellent solo albums, including his latest offering "Escape 2 Mars".   The Mighty Underdogs, comprising the Gift of Gab with Lateef the Truth Sayer and Headnodic, gave us last year's ambitious "Dropping Science Fiction".  For the complete picture, see his collaborations with Troublemakers, DJ Vadim, The Grouch and Eli, Galactic and others.


Needless to say, words alone are necessarily insufficient for describe a musician's talent, so here's an illustrative example of my point.  You be the judge.




Selected Listening (albums linked to itunes):

Blackalicious

"The Craft", high energy and bumpin' with a conscience. tracks: World of Vibrations, Powers, Black Diamonds & Pearls, The Craft

"Blazing Arrow", perhaps the best place to start. tracks: Blazing Arrow, 4000 Miles (with members of Jurassic 5), Nowhere Fast, Chemical Calisthenics

"Nia", first full length to my knowledge, excellent thematic album with a black pride meets 70s blacksploitation feel to it. tracks: A to G ("a classic"), The Fabulous Ones, Dream Seasons

"A2G EP", just a fun recording from all angles. features extra production help from cut chemist to boot.

Gift of Gab (solo)
"Escape 2 Mars", ostensibly space themed, great metaphors for transcendence and our need to escape our various self-imposed disasters. tracks: Light Years, Dreamin' (with Del the Funky Homosapien and Brother Ali), Rhyme Travel.

"4th Dimensional Rockert Ships Going Up", a bit more introspective and dreamy, with all of the skills the man has to offer. tracks: The Ride of Your Life, Way of the Light (with VURSATYL of Lifesavas), Flashback, In a Minute Doe


Links:

http://www.giftstribution.com/
http://www.quannum.com/site/
http://www.myspace.com/chiefxcel

One more sample of a guest appearance for good measure:

The Grouch & Eligh - All In (feat Gift of Gab & Pigeon John)
by homhom