I believe my jaw could have made it to China if the ground didn't stop it when I first saw this fall's concert line-up for the Satellite Ballroom.
The Ballroom has undergone a metamorphosis over the last year. Formerly reserved for dance parties and local bands, this year's Ballroom is bringing a slew of musical acts, including two San Francisco Bay area hip hop acts in Lyrics Born (Oct. 11) and Blackalicious, set to hit the stage this Saturday.
A group with universal appeal, but not exposure, Blackalicious' funky California-style hip hop is undeniably likeable -- I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "I hate rap, but I love Blackalicious." That's because they make music that simply makes you feel right, an essence captured in their hit single "Make You Feel That Way" from the critically acclaimed Blazing Arrow.
In a rap world that flaunts money and objectifies women, Blackalicous has taken a different route. Instead, Gift of Gab, Blackalicious's incredibly talented MC with the lung capacity of a hot air balloon, chooses to focus on positive issues like self-improvement. Whether you're listening to "40 oz. for Breakfast" about Gab's struggle with alcoholism or "Deception," which follows a rapper who abandons his friends for fame and money only to crash and burn, you'll be inspired to keep your head on straight and overcome life's difficulties.
Now lay that positive message over a unique, fresh beat provided by Blackalicious' other half, DJ Chief Xcel, and deliver it in some of the fastest, cleanest, most cleverly constructed verses hip hop has ever witnessed. The result is a mix that makes for an enjoyable, distinctive listening experience.
Warming the crowd for Blackalicious will be fellow Quannum Squadron artists Apsci who have recently released their debut album, Thanks For Asking. Apsci delivers an eclectic fusion of hip hop, electronica and the jazzy sounds of their Filipino diva, Dana.
Blackalicious' current tour, spanning the United States, promotes their upcoming album. Due Sept. 27, The Craft is their most musically mature album to date, leaving no doubt that Gab and Chief Xcel are on top of their game.
With songs ranging from the smoothed out "Automatique" featuring Floetry to the eerily funky "Lotus Flower" featuring George Clinton to the carefree beach jam "Powers," no Blackalicious will be left unsatisfied.
Previously, Gab has taken us through songs like "Alphabet Aerobics" (the words in each line start with the same letter, moving through the entire alphabet) and "Chemical Calisthenics," where he offers up a chemistry lesson. These songs are fun if not a little gimmicky.
The songs on The Craft are more focused and show a conscious decision to let the songs speak for themselves, but there are still touches of humor like the topless drunk chick chasing Gab around the club on "Side to Side." This time around, the duo simply provides 14 head-bobbing tracks that will keep you hypnotized from start to finish.
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