Over two decades into their career, Blackalicious are at the top of their game. On Imani Vol. 1, released last month, producer Chief Xcel’s bass lines and drums explode with the force of a Donkey Kong wind-up punch; strings and pianos zoom in and out in a striking kaleidoscope of color; MC Gift of Gab spits with an agility that makes “Alphabet Aerobics” look like child’s play.
Nowhere is their mastery more apparent than on “On Fire Tonight” — a three-minute roller coaster ride of gargantuan horns and some of Gab’s fastest wordplay to date (have fun keeping up with this one, Radcliffe). Listen in as X and Gab discuss their old-school inspirations, rapping so hot they burn down the club, and the perfectionist mentality behind “On Fire Tonight” on this episode of the podcast.
And don’t miss Blackalicious’ recent KQED story on The California Report, in which the duo explain how Gab’s recent kidney failure led to a newfound sense of faith and became a major inspiration for their new album.
