What makes A2G by Blackalicious notable?

This album features the iconic track 'Alphabet Aerobics', which became a staple of both hip-hop culture and viral internet challenges due to its rapid-fire delivery. Additionally, A2G received critical acclaim for its innovative approach to rhythm and lyricism, helping to cement Blackalicious's influence on future generations of artists within alternative hip-hop. A2G is Blackalicious's second studio album, following their critically acclaimed debut, NIA, released in 1999. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their presence in the alternative hip-hop scene, showcasing their unique lyrical style and musical diversity. The album marked a pivotal moment as they began to gain wider recognition within the underground and mainstream hip-hop communities.

A2G works well if you're into concise energetic flow throughout, intricate wordplay to dissect and for quick listening bursts.

How many songs are on A2G?

A2G has 7 tracks, running approximately 24 minutes.

A2G

Blackalicious · 1999

24 min · 7 tracks · alternative hip-hop

A vibrant blend of intricate wordplay and jazzy beats, merging classic hip-hop with experimental flair.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Alphabet Aerobics (The Cut Chemist 2½ Minute Workout) — This track exemplifies Blackalicious's lyrical dexterity, featuring an impressive display of alliteration that captivated audiences and demonstrated their technical prowess.
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Rock the Spot — Combining upbeat rhythms with clever wordplay, this track highlights the duo's ability to create engaging hooks while maintaining a strong lyrical narrative.
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Back to the Essence — This track serves as a reflective piece on the duo's roots and evolution, encapsulating their ethos while blending soulful instrumentals with thought-provoking lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

A2G blends intricate wordplay with jazzy beats, maintaining a cohesive sound while showcasing distinct tracks.

What we noticed

The first track features a spoken-word intro that sets the thematic tone, followed by a shift into a jazzy beat with intricate rhymes.
The EP closes with a remix of 'Alphabet Aerobics', which serves as a playful reinterpretation rather than a traditional conclusion.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

concise energetic flow throughout
intricate wordplay to dissect
for quick listening bursts
front-loaded with engaging tracks

Maybe skip if you

prefer long, sprawling albums
seek relaxed, slow tempos

Where this album fits

Career context: A2G is Blackalicious's second studio album, following their critically acclaimed debut, NIA, released in 1999. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their presence in the alternative hip-hop scene, showcasing their unique lyrical style and musical diversity. The album marked a pivotal moment as they began to gain wider recognition within the underground and mainstream hip-hop communities.
Stylistic neighbors: Aesop Rock· Jurassic 5· Del the Funky Homosapien

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 A to G 2:27
2 Clockwork 4:28
3 Rock the Spot 4:20
4 Back to the Essence 3:32
5 Deception 4:34
6 Making Progress 3:12
7 Alphabet Aerobics (The Cut Chemist 2½ Minute Workout) 2:13

What to play next

Listen next

Nia

1999

Go back to

Melodica

1994

Full Blackalicious discography Artists like Blackalicious

alternative hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata