September 8, 2004 | Posted by j.p. at 10:58 AM

quality and quannumty

Gift of Gab - Way of the Light (feat VURSATYL)

a big thanks and a nod go to Isaac over at Quannum for bringing you this fully authorized release from one of the best solo artist hip-hop LPs over the past year. Gift of Gab is the honey-tounged emcee representing one half of the phenomenal Blackalicious (paired with Cheif Xcel), and this album is his first (as far as I know) solo release on a major label. the album itself is beautiful, and with the spotlight solely on him, gives his incredible lyrical prowess as much room to thrive as it needs. the production is strong throughout, but unlike on Blackalicious albums where Xcels mind-blowing production deserves equal time, this is all Gab - it's a true lyricist's album. it's dense, poetic euphony that brings back those amazing feelings you got when you listened to Blazing Arrow for the millionth time (if you don't have Blazing Arrow go get it right fucking now).

this track (featuring the incredible Vursatyl of labelmates Lifesavas) takes a slow, sunny-sunday beat and builds it into a beautiful track that showcases all of Gab's talents. his soft, musical tone and relaxed cadence draw you in, and make you appreciate what he's got to say all the more. not every track on this album is as chill as WOTL (a good thing), but the whole thing comes home a winner all around. do yourself a favor and [buy it].

Comments

Thanks!

For the record, Quannum is not a major label. I'm not sure we're major anything, other than majorly foxy and big fans of Major Dad.

Posted by: isaac at September 8, 2004 1:32 PM

Oh my holy smaction - that hook is in a freakin' Sprite (or some such) ad! Well well well... I certainly don't have anything against artists making cash on their songs, but it was really strange to hear the opening bars of a Gift track and recognize them from the TV.

Posted by: jrmy at September 8, 2004 2:45 PM

I've got to second this! Gift of Gab's prowess is impressive like Mount Everest, and on this solo effort he stands out like the "image of the happy Buddha with his hands in the air".

The man has vision and the skills to make it real. He seems right at home somewhere between Jurrasic 5 and Mos Def without being like either of them, offering his own unique gifts.

Oh, yeah... And like it says above: if you don't have Blazing Arrow go get it right fucking now!

Posted by: Moody at September 8, 2004 2:53 PM
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