Disco de Blackalicious: “Nia”

One of the most amazing albums I have ever heard! I've been a fan of DJ Shadow for ages and when I heard Quannum's "Spectrum" I loved Gift's rapping and had to buy the A to G EP and this. Its one of the most diverse sounding albums out there and the tracks could stand alone even without the Gift of Gabs' often outstanding lyrics. The music is amazing, the rapping is incredible. DJ Shadow and the almost equally amazing Latryx make guest apppearances - stand out tracks "If I may", "Smithzonian Institute..", "Shallow Days". Shadow is as inventive as always on the positively weird "Cliffhanger". THis album is so accomplished it leaves nearly every other hip hop album I've heard for dead. If you know anyone who refuses to listen to hip hop, introduce them via "Nia" and let them see the light. Hopefully this is step one in a new breed of soulful hip hop

This is the best new album I've seen in a long time. I love every song. Blackalicious is bringing hip-hop to new levels of intelligent lyrics. This is the kind of hip-hop that you can play someone who doesn't like hip-hop, and they'd be into it. (This is actual feedback I've recieved-as I'm a radio DJ). All TRUE hip-hop heads don't even need to question the fact that blackalicious has mad flow and dope beats. If you love music, buy this album. You will not be disappointed.

Nia by Blackalicious is one of the best hip-hop albums I've heard this year. This doesn't sound like anything else in hip-hop. The beats, produced mostly by Chief XL, are drenched with soul and funk and the Gift Of Gab drops some amazing verses. "A To G" finds Gab reciting verses using only one letter of the alphabet while he tells a familiar story of selling out in hip-hop on "Deception". "As The World Turns" is an amazing hip-hop/soul song while "Cliff Hanger" showcases a dark fantasy tale. The first and last tracks also showcase some nice poetry. When I got through listening to this album, I was stunned. Nia is one of the best hip-hop albums I've heard in a while. If you are looking for some thought-provoking lyrics and some rich, soulful production, you must own this album.

P.S. If you like this album, be sure to pick up Latyrx's The Album.

EVERYthing you should want in hip-hop: positive, intelligent lyrics, delivered with distinctive style for gift of gab, over the funky beat and hooks of xcel.

in a sea of mediocrity, or irratic offerings, this one is smooth and satisfying throughout. will be top ten for 2000 w/mos def. eight more to find.

I picked nia up a few days ago and since then i've been feeling it every cent. if youre down with gang starr, mos def, mystik journeymen, common sense etc you will love this. the beats are fresh, with the intensity of the rock thats sampled but at the same time peaceful like you can just lounge to this, listen close, drive, dance, whatever...its all here. theres a whole spectrum of music which keeps it always fresh and a real ol skool feel. yo blackalicious if you reading this, just know you moved a kid with your beats!