For those uninitiated, allow me to provide a quick introduction to the man they call Gift of Gab. Best known as one-half of California’s Blackalicious (with DJ/producer Chief Xcel), and a cornerstone of the mighty Quannum crew (DJ Shadow, Latyrx, Lifesavas, etc.). With the possible exception of Blackalicious’ seminal LP “Nia,” Gab garnered the most attention with “Alphabet Aerobics,” a mind-boggling verse composed of alphabetically sequential rhymes delivered at 100 mp/h. With “4th Dimensional Rocket Ships Going Up,” Gab has gone solo and replaced Xcel with Seattle beat smiths Jake One and Vitamin D.
Although I hate even using the term ‘underrated’ or ‘slept-on,’ Gift of Gab is just that. Despite his often jaw-dropping delivery and flow, not to mention rhymes, Gab never gets mentioned as one of our finest emcees…which he is. If you don’t believe me, put the album in and push play. Right out the gate Gab takes you on “The Ride of Your Life” and just annihilates the starry beat with a vicious delivery and stunning breath control. He flexes similar skills on “Stardust,” “The Writz” and the remarkable love-of-the-game ode “Just Because.”
It isn’t all just showing and proving his technical skills, Gab has no problem getting topical and getting his point across. “Flashback” is as good a reminiscing track as anything in the last 10 years. Although “Up” clocks in at less than 2 minutes it is still a poignant social commentary that keeps from venturing in soapbox territory. He builds relationships with the fairer sex (“To Know You”), speaks to his nephew up north (“In A Minute Doe”), airs his issues with booze (“Moonshine”), and even takes a verse or two to slay wack emcees with Vursatyl (“Real MC’s”.)
While there have been some gripes with the absence of Xcel, I think Jake One and Vitamin D did a great job filling in. Whether it be the Cali-funkdafied “Rat Race,” the butter-smooth “Ride On,” or the gentle xylophones and hand claps of “Way of Life.” There are some points where their instrumentals are put on the back-burner to Gab’s gift of verbal gymnastics, but keeping this man from stealing the show is easier said than done. At just under 46 minutes, the album flies by like a 4th dimensional rocket ship, going up the ranks as one of the years strongest albums.
