I did a little happy dance when Blackalicious emerged from hiding and scheduled a tour with a stop in St. Pete. The legendary California-bred alt hip hop started earning a rep for positive, progressive creativity in 1999 with debut full-length Nia, though my first introduction to the lyrical poise, cunning and dexterity of emcee Gift of Gab and the tight, grooving beats and finely-worked soundscapes of DJ/producer Chief Xcel via 2002’s Harry Nilsson-sampled sophomore LP, Blazing Arrow, which gets frequent play at my house to this day. Blackalicious is on the brink of dropping their first album in a decade and fourth overall, Imani, Vol. 1 (out September 18), and early previews find both gentlemen at the top of their game with added funk and jive and guests that encompass Myron of Myron & E in retro-driving joint “On Fire Tonight,” and emcees Lateef the Truthseeker and Lyrics Born in “Alpha and Omega,” which also features contributions by DJ D Sharp along with dramatic, psychedelic soulful instrumentals and howling vocal refrains by San Francisco group Monophonics. RIYL: The Roots, Outkast, Rhymefest. Warming the stage on this night is rising nine-members-strong New Breed Brass Band, which draws from the marching band traditions of their native New Orleans and boasts mentorship from Crescent City hero Trombone Shorty. 7:30 p.m., State Theatre, St. Petersburg, $25.
Check out some classic Blackalicious tracks below along with a cut by New Breed Brass Band.
Video for "Make You Feel That Way" off 2002's Blazing Arrow.
And a live performance of the title track from the aforementioned album.
"Give It to You" featuring KWEEN and Lyrics Born off 2005's The Craft.
Finally, the ever-classic "Alphabet Acrobatics" — check out Daniel Radcliff doing it on Jimmy Fallon here.
...Plus, a track by New Breed Brass Band
