Blackalicious is an American hip hop duo from Sacramento, California made up of rapper Gift of Gab (born Tim Parker) andDJ/producer Chief Xcel (born Xavier Mosley). They are noted for Gift of Gab’s often tongue-twisting, multisyllabic, complex rhymes and Chief Xcel’s classic beats. The pair has been described as one of the most popular groups in the independent hip-hop scene.
Blackalicious has released three full-length albums. 1999 brought its debut “Nia,” which was followed by a major label contract with MCA Records and the release of the critically acclaimed album “Blazing Arrow” in 2002. Gift of Gab released his first solo album, “4th Dimensional Rocketships Going Up” in 2004, but he assured fans that Blackalicious was alive and well. True to his word, “The Craft” was released in 2005. Gift of Gab’s announcement at a 2010 solo show that he and Chief Xcel were 7 songs into their new album and hoping for an early 2011 release ensured that Blackalicious would continue into a new decade.
Performing Saturday, July 2 at 8:00pm on the Kum & Go Stage
