In a time of self aggrandizing, ego humping hip-hop, here is an album that allows you to forget yourself for a while, and feel the funky rhythms and rhymes of the universe. It's the first Blackalicious album I ever heard, so I didn't come in with any expectations or biases, and I know how that can change the listeners perception of an album, as many reviewers here have noted, but I have since listened to the others, and the Craft is still my favorite.

Howdy America,

I felt this album really lacked the style I've become used to. I think they are riding the glory of their previous acheivements, in truth I'd rate this 2 star or 1 but out of respect for what they did in the past I couldn't. The first track is good, great beat and the sort of thing I've come to expect from this lot. Sadly after that I could be listening to anyone, it's the combination of fast sharp lyrics AND funky instrumentation that makes up their style for me.

poor show

This album is excellent. The beats are top notch and MC Gab's lyrics and flow are immaculate. In a world where 'shake your laffy taffy' gets radio play, this cd makes you appreciate what hip hop can really be. This is a smart cd which is a breath of fresh air.

"I could have quit so quick, I don't know what I did to deserve a rap like this." Next to Blazing Arrow this is one of the best alternative hip-hop albums around. Given that Blackalicious has done nothing less that release superior album after the last, they deserve your time to investigate this crew. Truely unique and if you like Dan the Automator's Deltron, then you should go looking for Blazing Arrow. However The Craft is more modern than the futuristic styles found in Deltron and Blazing Arrow. Still this is voted by so many mags as one of the best alternative hip-hop albums around and it shows. Just listen to the first and last track. Those kinds of tunes demand space on your iPod.

The hip-hop duo Blackalicious (composed of rapper Gift of Gab and producer Chief Xcel) caused enough commotion to garner themselves plenty of acclaim in the underground scene. But back in 2002, mainstream radio was tuning in to them, most likely because their album at the time, Blazing Arrow, was a joint release from MCA Records as well as the duo's home, Quannum Records. After MCA was bought out by Geffen Records and David Geffen chose not to pick them up, they continued to do their thing on Quannum, who released The Craft last year.

First off, if you're a big fan of Nia or Blazing Arrow, I'm not sure you'll be able to get into this album. True, Gab and Xcel have showcased something of a futuristic vibe from time to time (especially on Gab's solo album), but it's more so on this album. Still, there are highlights aplenty, like "Your Move" and the title track. Speaking of the latter, though, it's kind of unnecessary for there to be a computerized vocal saying "the craft" at the end of most of the songs.

Anyway, standouts continue to flourish, as evidenced by "My Pen and Pad", which is really one long verse. But as far as my favorites, I'm torn between "Give It to You" and "Rhythm Sticks". I couldn't get into "Powers" as much as everyone else, though; and as my brother said, "Egosonic Warriors" is just TOO weird.

While this isn't as accessible as Blackalicious' previous albums, it's still great. Some fans may not be interested in rap that doesn't include profanity (or at least not enough to warrant an "explicit content" sticker), but at any rate, The Craft is definitely an album worth owning.

Anthony Rupert