Gift Rap
Its not unusual to be loyal to a group, and when one of its members branches out there is always a period of adjustment. Blackalicious fans experienced just that when the lyrical backbone of the group, The Gift of Gab, decided to add his own solo project to the mix.
Initially, Gab made his name as the technically adept MC in the underground rap duo partnering with producer/DJ Chief Excel, who he met in high school. Then calling himself Tiny T or Gabby T, Gab was already developing keen skills as a battle MC. It took four years, but the connection was strong, and eventually Gab moved to the Bay Area where the duo cemented their partnership as Blackalicious and he settled on The Gift of Gab for his hip-hop alter ego. After a debut album, a European tour and an impressive underground reputation, their momentum slowed considerably as Gab struggled with an alcohol problem.
More than 10 years of hard work paid off when the group reemerged with a new EP that touted Gab as a prodigious new talent. Over time, his status was elevated him to the status of perhaps the most underappreciated elite MC in hip-hop. Gab and Excel rode the high wave as the group gained popularity and recognition, but like any true artist the call to stretch and hone his craft beckoned and in 2004 he embarked on the solo side project.
Since then, Gab has been defending the patch of hip-hop territory that he carved out with Blackalicious, trying to clear the muddy waters of mainstream hip-hop with nostalgic beats and a ticking-motor flow the hip-hop fans who are tired of what the mainstream floats in their faces. Gab now delves deeper into the topics that he alluded to on so many projects before. With some recent life-changing experiences, Gab has embarked on a more spiritual path incorporating themes like soul-evolutions and overcoming adversities in his latest offerings. He touches on topics a lot of people deal with, from peer-pressure to just finding your way in life. In the end, he looks up for guidance, and he doesn’t mind sharing it.
Gab hits the stage with creative word play in an up-tempo, action-packed, get up, get smashed and dance-inducing frenzy. Yet, when he first walks out he sets a different impression. He wears glasses and kind of has a nerdy voice. Here’s an MC that doesn’t sound threatening even when rhyming at a rapid-fire pace, which he does often and his flow always seems to match the beat he’s given.
When MCs treat hip-hop as an art form, they really can influence the lives of others in a positive way. When the message they are trying to send out hits and verbalizes what the listener is feeling it touches the listener in a special way and, like his name, this MC truly has the gift of gab.
The Gift of Gab plays the Crystal Bay Club Friday, Jan. 20, at 10 p.m. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $30 for a booth. For more information, call (775) 833-6333.
