messageboardshoroscopesfashion chatfashion pollshomemade fashion fashion quizzesdiva do's and don'tsstart and stop a trendresident expertsfashion advicedaily fashion tipfashion fiascofashion find








Chako
Street/Urban Wear Expert

The word on the street is... fashion! Our sassy Street Wear Expert Chako is the urban outfitter you need to sport serious threads, G.

Music you should KNOW: How Delicious is Blackalicious?
11/23/00

Don't let money change ya! proclaimed Blackalicious at their show on November 20 at Canes in Mission Beach. True to their word, they have not. Blackalicious released their EP in 1999 and followed up with their full length album "Nia" in 2000. In the early 1990s, Blackalicious helped to establish the underground hip-hop scene in San Francisco and, even today, continue to stay true to their origin. Known for their funky beats and lyric induced imagery, Blackalicious is notorious for keeping the crowd perpetually moving and hyped up. Their lyrical skills, fresh originality and interaction with the audience made this show quite possibly the best hip-hop all year.

Blackalicious's "Nia" really struck a chord in the underground with its true hip-hop flavor. Gift of Gab, the group's forefront lyricist, along with producer DJ Chief Xcel have been creating some of the most innovative, personal and witty lyrics and beats since they started out in 1994. Gift of Gab's talent is stupendous and is not fully comprehended until seen in the flesh. He performed the infamous song "A to G" from their new album and finished off with "Alphabet Aerobics". These songs consist of a plethora of alliterations and tongue twisters. In addition, the beat gets faster with each consecutive letter so that the lyrics must get so swift that they would seemingly trip over themselves, however, Gab maintains his breath and pronunciation (The crowd has to take a deep breath after this performance). His variance in pitch and meter is very distinctive and when matched with Xcel's vintage beats and sampling from the 70's and 80's, make a divine combination. How Gab manages to go from a robotic monotone to a syrupy flow to a ghetto drawl with each song remains a mystery of his endless talent and repertoire.

Gab is not the only one with shining talent. Gab's partner emcee, Lateef, has a lyrical style that is influenced by dancehall. He gave a stunning performance and his energy in managing the crowd never seemed to cease. His style of rapping and singing both compliments and contrasts Gab. Another highlight of the show was Erinn Anova, whose soulful and powerful voice weaves through their songs and gives emotional punch to their choruses. This trio of innovators never disappoint their audiences.

The performances of "Deception" and "You Didn't Know That Though" show off the inventiveness of their lyrics and beats that are influenced by tribal sounds and synthesized instruments. The driving rhythms of these songs along with sing-song choruses got the whole crowd involved and bopping their heads. Gab and Lateef even did a flow over the beats from the legendary Roger & Zapp. Contrasting these beat heavy songs, "Shallow Days" and "If I May" are contemplative pieces that flow like storytelling. Their lyrics are smart and personal narratives which keeps the crowd interested and emotionally connected.

A rare occurrence in San Diego, the show was 18 and up. Though most people 21 and up would argue that an 18 and up show makes for an annoying show, it was a surprise that the crowd was more excited and conscious of the music than any pretentious and self conscious group of young hipsters. Breakdancing circles were formed and kids were practically on top of each other to be near the front. It was exciting to have San Diego host such artists as Blackalicious. If you don't have their old album or their Quannum Projects album or you haven't heard them yet, wake up and give them a listen. Their music is honest and original, not overproduced like much of what crowds the air waves today.

Chako



Check these other great articles from our Street/Urban Wear Expert:

 TitleDate
Cocktail Party Blues and Assignment No. 16/06/01
Tekken Tortoure Tournament5/21/01
Pop Culture Extremes?5/18/01
Haute Couture Inspired by Hip Hop5/4/01
Finally, Make-Up Expressly for the Hip/Young Urbanite4/24/01
Superflat=Super Fly4/20/01
Rock'n'Roll Forever?!4/12/01
Mall = Hell = Las Vegas!4/9/01
How Often Do You Contemplate Body Image?3/20/01
Futureshock: Local Talent Isn't Hard to Find (Introducing San Diego Musik)3/11/01
Bondage Bad Girl + Mrs. Cleaver = Modern Womyn?2/28/01
Animal Lovers Unite!2/15/01
The Runway & 29 Playboy Bunnies?2/6/01
Graffiti in Fashion1/29/01
Fertile or Frigid? You Choose.1/17/01
Music you should KNOW: How Delicious is Blackalicious?11/23/00
Affluence and Avarice in Fashion11/06/00
Street Style on the East Side10/22/00
Jill Scott: Soul Sister and R&B Queen10/17/00
The Vintage Vixon10/09/00
Making the Fall Runway Fashions Work for You8/28/00
Don't be a Back to School Fool!8/21/00
Hot Lil' Pickins For Now!7/03/00
Takin' it Back to the Old School!6/26/00
Bare Essentials to Clear Your Beach Blues6/20/00
Fashion Focus: Dawn Robinson of Lucy Pearl5/31/00
No More Worrying About Gettin' Your Skirt Flipped Up!5/25/00
Still Waiting for the Flood!?5/21/00
Hip Hoppin' Vacation1/23/00
Denim Dream1/11/00
Audience Question1/04/00
How to FunktaFy Any Outfit11/16/99
Hip Hair11/08/99
Cyber Pixie10/11/99
Watchoutnow!! The Urban Urchin Owns this City10/04/99


Click here to send this page to a friend!

[ Daily Fashion Tip | Fashion Find | Fashion Fiasco ]
[ Fashion Advice | Resident Experts | Diva Do's and Don'ts ]
[ Fashion Trends | Homemade Fashions | Horoscopes ]
[ Fashion Quiz | Fashion Chat | Fashion Boards ]



[ About Us | Advertising | Awards/Press ]
[ Contact | Fashion Links | Link to Us | Mailing List ]

questions, comments, suggestions and ideas
- email us


Copyright © 1997-2010 Hays Internet Marketing, Inc.
All rights reserved. Read our Privacy Policy.