The Craft
Blackalicious · 2005
61 min · 15 tracks · alternative hip-hop
A vibrant tapestry of intricate wordplay and lush production, blending alternative hip-hop with soulful melodies and thoughtful introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Supreme People — This track exemplifies Blackalicious's ability to weave intricate narratives with uplifting themes, showcasing both poetic lyricism and infectious beats.
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My Pen and Pad — In just over two minutes, this track encapsulates the essence of Blackalicious's artistry, emphasizing the importance of writing and self-expression through clever wordplay.
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Ego Sonic War Drums — As a powerful closing track, it combines intense rhythms with thought-provoking lyrics that reflect on personal identity and societal issues, leaving a lasting impact.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong lyricism and production but has moments that feel less cohesive.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the fourth introduces a more upbeat rhythm that shifts the energy.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response patterns, enhancing the lyrical interplay between the duo.
- The album closes with a remix of an earlier track, which alters the original's arrangement and adds a different sonic texture.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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
- dynamic emotional journeys
- gradual builds and payoffs
- long, immersive listening sessions
- layered, dense sonic textures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- The Craft is Blackalicious's third studio album, released in 2005 after a four-year hiatus following their critically acclaimed album Blazing Arrow. At this point in their career, the duo was solidifying their reputation for lyrical dexterity and unique sound, building on the momentum of their earlier work while exploring new creative depths.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Aesop Rock· Jurassic 5· Del the Funky Homosapien
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 World of Vibrations 5:02
- 2 Supreme People 4:03
- 3 Rhythm Sticks 4:36
- 4 Powers 3:47
- 5 Your Move 3:55
- 6 Lotus Flower 4:11
- 7 My Pen and Pad 2:02
- 8 Side to Side 4:36
- 9 Automatique 4:07
- 10 The Fall and Rise of Elliot Brown 3:55
- 11 Black Diamonds and Pearls 4:22
- 12 Give It to You 3:50
- 13 Ego Sonic War Drums 5:57
- 14 The Craft 3:39
- 15 Rhythm Sticks Remix 3:44
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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