What time is it? It’s the year 2005. So, taking into account our now lofty expectations for hip-hop and our collective need for progressive variations on techy, futuristic music, we’re not always fulfilled by the latest release. To give it straight-like, this new record from Blackalicious isn’t going to blow your mind (especially if you’ve heard them before). But we can all thank them for having the kind of talent and taste that will stand the test of time. The Craft is a fully realized and brilliantly produced hip-hop album with top-notch, clever lyrical play from Gift of Gab (prompting repeat listens merely to digest his uncanny craft and speedy enunciation) and an expected core of highly conceptualized beats from one of the boldest producers in the game, Xcel. Clear, simple, yet carrying the weight you need to justify a $9.99 purchase on iTunes, this long-awaited album from the notorious duo gives us the kind of modern, stylistic substance we naysayers so desire. And really, in this day and age, how often does that happen? For me… not so much.
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