Blackalicious - The Craft, CD

With their third full-length release, Blackalicious (released on ANTI)has produced a record of such sonic depth and lyrical ambition that it can proudly stand alongside the work of Bay Area funk fathers Sly Stone and Shuggie Otis, or hip-hop classics like Outkast's Aquemini or The Roots' Things Fall Apart. But "The Craft" is not nostalgic for some "golden era" that never existed; it surges past 2002's breakthrough "Blazing Arrow" into worlds Blackalicious' adoring fans have been waiting for them to explore. Lyricist Gab moves 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 Elliot Brown", a lost, incarcerated boy transforms into a leader of his community. Guest appearance by George Clinton, Floetry, Lateef the Truth Speaker, and Pigeon John. Track Listing: 01 World of Vibrations 02 Supreme People 03 Rhythm Sticks 04 Powers 05 Your Move 06 Lotus Power 07 My Pen & Pad 08 Side to Side 09 Automatique 10 The Fall & Rise of Elliot Brown 11 Black Diamonds & Pearls 12 Give it to You 13 Ego Sonic War Drums 14 The Craft