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JAY-Z’s Lawsuit Against Jonathan Mannion Could Change Photography Forever

Several weeks ago, JAY-Z celebrated 25 years since releasing his debut album, Reasonable Doubt. Amid the fanfare is a lawsuit against the photographer for the artwork of the Roc-A-Fella Records LP. Jonathan Mannion was behind the lens for the black-and-white photograph of Shawn Carter in the tailored suit, scarf, and cigar.... Read more

Blackalicious MC Gift Of Gab Has Passed Away At Age 50

The year 2021 continues to be one marred by loss for the Hip-Hop community. Timothy J. Parker, perhaps better known as The Gift Of Gab has died at the age of 50. Gab was a co-founding MC of Blackalicious, the Sacramento, California-based crew alongside producer Chief Xcel. Together, Blackalicious was... Read more

Finding The GOAT Group: The Pharcyde vs. Blackalicious. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to... Read more

A-F-R-O, R.A. The Rugged Man & Gift Of Gab Put On 1 Of The Year’s Best Lyrical Displays (Video)

Three MCs, united by a spitfire, rapid delivery, as if sped-up on steroids, make this release from Bay Area’s Gift of Gab (one-half of Blackalicious) a masterclass in the art of rhyming. “Freedom Form Flowing.” Blackalicious’ Gift Of Gab Tackles Gentrification With Artisanal Rhymes (Video) The mellow beat produced by... Read more

Blackalicious’ Gift Of Gab Tackles Gentrification With Artisanal Rhymes (Video)

Gentrification is a nationwide epidemic, affecting and effecting cities and neighborhoods across the country. Hip-Hop has been addressing the issue more and more, as of late, touched on by both JAY-Z in “The Story of O.J.” and Run The Jewels in their video for “Don’t Get Captured” this week alone.... Read more

Gift Of Gab, R.A. The Rugged Man & A-F-R-O Rap With Fast & Furious Flows (Audio)

Blackalicious MC Gift Of Gab released a new EP last week called Rejoice! Rappers Are Rapping Again!. The Sacramento, California veteran MC extraordinaire known for his early 2000s "Alphabet Aerobics" lyrical exercise (that even had "Harry Potter" busting raps) and a host of other dazzling displays releases a song that... Read more

Blackalicious Mix Political Commentary With Fiery Flows (Video)

Although Blackalicious always keeps it musical first and foremost, the Sacramento, California veteran duo regularly injects substance into their art. "On Fire Tonight" is the latest example of this skill. The Imani, Vol. 1 single "On Fire Tonight" could easily mean Gift Of Gab's fast and furious flow. However, the... Read more

Blackalicious’ Gift Of Gab Has Made a Sports Version of “Alphabet Aerobics” (Video)

For a 20-plus-year group, Blackalicious is one of the only Hip-Hop acts whose biggest hit lives exclusively on an EP. "Alphabet Aerobics," found on 1999's A2G EP has taken on a life of its own. From famed remixes, to viral video performances, to "magical" cover renditions, the Gift Of Gab's... Read more

Blackalicious Mash Up Fantastic Mr. Fox For an Animated Lyrical Explosion (Video)

With their first new album in a decade, Imani, Vol. 1, Blackalicious are pulling out all of the stops. The Sacramento, California mainstays could have just made a typical video. However, given MC Gift Of Gab's propensity for precise lyricism at rapid speeds, isn't it fun to show somebody else... Read more

Blackalicious Is Back In Form! Catch The Duo’s First LP In 10 Years (Album Stream)

For more than 20 years, Sacramento, California's Blackalicious has made captivating Hip-Hop music. Pioneers within the West Coast Underground movement, Gift Of Gab and Chief Xcel joined forces with DJ Shadow, Lateef The Truthspeaker, Jazzbo, Mac B. Dog, 8th Wonder, author Jeff Chang, and Lyrics Born to forge the Soulsides... Read more

Blackalicious Make A Grand Return To Lung Collapsing Lyrics (Audio)

For more than 20 years, Blackalicious have been a beacon of dope in the Hip-Hop landscape. From the capitol city of Sacramento, California, Gift Of Gab and Chief Xcel made distinct releases that exemplified the creative freedoms of the Underground Hip-Hop spirit, also while earning a place in the mainstream... Read more

Finding the GOAT: Pick Yet Another ’90s Great Wild Card For Round 2?

As we continue the ultimate battle for the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All-Time), we are asking you to help us rank who is the greatest MC to pick up a mic. We will take over 35 years of Hip-Hop into consideration, pairing special match-ups in a sequence not... Read more