Album: Imani, Vol. 1 by Blackalicious (2015)
Genre: Hip-Hop | Style: Urban/R&B
Format: Album

Description: "Imani Vol. 1" (Imani is the Swahili word for "faith") is the fourth studio album by hip hop duo Blackalicious. The album was released on September 18, 2015 ( their first album in a decade) on the OGM Recordings label. The album was well received by critics, such as Pitchfork Media and The A.V. Club.  Imani, Vol. 1 is the first of a projected trilogy.
"When Chief Xcel and Gift of Gab are both producing at max output, there are few rap duos more capable, and on Imani, Vol. 1 they flex their muscle, showing little sign of rust after the long layoff. What Vol. 1 lacks in memorable hooks, it makes up for with ferocious lyricism. That the album was even made feels like a victory, especially considering it took a PledgeMusic campaign to fund it, but Imani, Vol. 1 doesn’t feel crowd-sourced: It is an intimate piece of work, an inspiring take on conquering personal struggle and coming out whole on the other side. On"
From a review by Sheldon Pearce (pitchfork.com)

Artist Background: In a hip-hop career that has stretched past a decade, Blackalicious has earned respect the old-fashioned way-rising through honesty, commitment, and artistry. Blackalicious is an American hip hop duo from Sacramento, California made up of rapper Gift of Gab (born Tim Parker) and DJ/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. Like a few other West Coast rap acts, including th... Part of the Sacramento, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Hip-Hop movement. Known for Urban/R&B style.

Music Scene: Part of the Sacramento, USA music scene. Emerged in the 1990s era. Associated with Hip-Hop movement. Known for Urban/R&B style.

Tags: Hip-Hop, Urban/R&B, 2010s, Album


"Imani Vol. 1" (Imani is the Swahili word for "faith") is the fourth studio album by hip hop duo Blackalicious. The album was released on September 18, 2015 ( their first album in a decade) on the OGM Recordings label. The album was well received by critics, such as Pitchfork Media and The A.V. Club.  Imani, Vol. 1 is the first of a projected trilogy.
"When Chief Xcel and Gift of Gab are both producing at max output, there are few rap duos more capable, and on Imani, Vol. 1 they flex their muscle, showing little sign of rust after the long layoff. What Vol. 1 lacks in memorable hooks, it makes up for with ferocious lyricism. That the album was even made feels like a victory, especially considering it took a PledgeMusic campaign to fund it, but Imani, Vol. 1 doesn’t feel crowd-sourced: It is an intimate piece of work, an inspiring take on conquering personal struggle and coming out whole on the other side. On"
From a review by Sheldon Pearce (pitchfork.com)

Imani, Vol. 1

Blackalicious

Track List

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