Damn shame but his health struggles were well documented. Left some really great music behind, especially the Melodica Ep. That was monumental to me as a kid.
3. "R.I.P. This is awful." In response to Reply # 0
His early Blackalicious stuff was extremely formative to my backpacker sensibilities. And I remained a fan afterwards. We a big fan of his first solo albums and everything Blackalicious put out.
Interviewed him over 20 years ago for a publication that I no longer remember. Was a REALLY great guy.
5. "At the very least, Top 10 MC of all time" In response to Reply # 0
Gift of Gab had it all… lyrics, flow, versatility etc. He is around my top 5, very few rappers could rap at his level. NIA and Blazing Arrow are masterpieces.
It’s a shame he never got his props outside of the underground hip hop scene.
11. "Fuck 2021. RIP to one of the GOATs." In response to Reply # 0
Like someone said above, he's easily top 10 to me. I've long said that just hearing his voice makes me smile. Nevermind the fact that he is absolutely insane on the mic and one of the most unique and creative artists (alongside Chief XL, of course) ever to bless hip-hop.
14. "Cliff Hanger, too." In response to Reply # 13
There were a few "what IS this ?!" moments on that album lol. So unique and so dope.
We really lost a(nother) great one. I fucking hate getting old sometimes. A guy this good (both on the mic and from what I understand, as a human) should've lived forever.
15. "Repeating what I said on FB" In response to Reply # 0
Blackalicious was one of the first underground/indie groups I got into as a teen when I noticed I wasn't feeling a lot of what was dropping at the time. This wasn't intentional, I didn't mean to hear "hot" albums and only like 3 songs out of 20 tracks.
Gab and Xcel crafted dynamic, thoughtful, complete albums. Bars and beats. And they were great live.
__ I don't like the beat anymore because its just a loop. ALC didn't FLIP IT ENOUGH!
Flip it enough? Flip these. Flip off. Go flip some f*cking burgers.(c)Kno
Allied State of the National Electric Beat Treaty Organization (NEBTO)
16. "RE: RIP Gift of Gab of Blackalicious" In response to Reply # 0
Damn. I just threw Nia on earlier today and it brought me back to that time. When Shallow Days came on I put it on repeat. That album and that song always hits home somewhere deep. Made me think of some of their shows I saw back in early 2000's. They always had Lateef with them. They were amazing. Some of my favorite shows ever. Thinking of his friends and family and hope they're all doing okay.
there comes a time in every mans life when he's gotta handle shit up on his own Can't depend on friends to help you in a squeeze, please they got problems of their own---slim kid3
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