Melodica

Featuring some of this stellar mc's hungriest work, Melodica remains a focused, well produced, powerhouse rap ep. Gift of Gab has to have the most impressive aresenal of rapid fire syllabic control I have ever heard, although his tone and oft- off kilter tendencies usually rub rap fans wrong. While Gab's overly ambitious verses may alienate the uninvolved, anyone who has ever cared for the art of rhyme should be able to see through the blatantly ambitious raps and cut right down to that essence where the usage of words as an organic microbeat with wit included.

This is the one that started it all and I'd say probably the best release from Blackalicious. When I got this cassette it was in heavy rotation and when I finally got a car, it was in the deck constantly.The debut of Gift of Gab, Chief XL, DJ Shadow and the SoleSides crew. Simply put, the title "Melodica" represents exactly what the EP is, a collage of music, styles, heart, soul, beats and lyrics. Each cut on this EP is amazing, with so much depth and yet at the same time very simplistic. Boom Bap breaks, bragadocious flows and concious lyrics with a soundtrack provided by Chief XL, Shadow and Automator. (programmed and recorded the EP)Comparing this release to the groups later efforts shows the artists' growth, but yet shows how hungry and driven the artists were. "Give it your all as if it's your only shot," that's the feel of this effort. The entire SoulSides crew poured thier soul out on this effort and in return made a classic EP.

i must warn you that anyone who thinks it might be a good idea to buy this album at $70 plus is sorely mistaken. This album is not as rare as people make it out to be. In fact you could go to a local FYE store and have them special order the 1994 release of this album for as little as $7.99. Please do not be made a fool of by these people trying to pass this masterpiece off as rare.

This EP is an exercise in lyrical dexterity and sublime production. Blackalicious' debut into recorded hip-hop was one of the top releases of the 1990's. Chief XCel (in collaboration with Dj Shadow at times) does what should be unthinkable (as he does on Nia and Blazing Arrow as well somehow), and provides beats that match up the the aptly-named Gift of Gab's sensational spit. Despite the seemingly inherent contradiction in terms, on "Swan Lake", Gift of Gab at times mumbles with perfect clarity over Chief XCel and Dj Shadow's evolved sample of The Stylistics' "People Make the World Go Round." Both "Lyric Fathom" and "Deep in the Jungle" feature John Moschita-like flow by Gift of Gab at the top of his game. Guest appearances by Asia Born and Lateef the Dread Piper (known these days as Lyrics Born and Lateef the Truth Speaker respectively) round out the album. This joint shows the skill that would produce one of hip-hop's true high-spots in Blazing Arrow. Saying that though, does this release an injustice by inferring that it had much room for improvement.

this album is not as rare as people make it out to be. DO NOT be tricked into paying $70 for an album that you can special order from any record store for under $15. This album is a masterpiece of hip hop, but is not all that rare.

The rhymes on this ep are absolutely sick. but unlike some other artists who have similar skills but have slightly annoying delivery (aceyalone, for example), blackalicious exudes a laid-back, arrogant-...-but-skilled-enough-to-back-it-up vibe. Listening to this music is actually exciting-- you're continually wondering what kind of lyrical wizardry is waiting just around the corner.As far as reference points, think de la soul, except with a bit more attitude and energy, and also wigged out on some kind of bizarre cleverness drug.

If this ep ever really goes out of print for good, the world will be at a loss. With production by DJ Shadow and the Gift of Gab in prime form, this ep without a doubt gets filed under must have for any one who thinks they know real hip-hop.