One spin of The Craft and you might be wondering why this California hip-hop duo isn't enjoying the riches of, say, 50 Cent or the Black Eyed Peas.   Full text...

Overall, The Craft exemplifies beautifully hip-hop's most ancient order of emcee and DJ, creating a perfect bond between two of the genre's most talented artists.   Full text...

The Craft stands as an example that it is possible to successfully branch out while keeping the roots of your culture alive.  Full text...

They win you back, because that's what underdogs do: they eventually win.  Full text...

The Craft has been fussed over to such an extent that Blackalicious's calculated risks and controlled experiments can sometimes make the album seem more science project than artwork.   Full text...

The Craft also tentatively reaches for club-banger status by arraying its symphonic beatscapes in crisp, clipped superstructures "World of Vibrations" is damn close to a straight bounce track, and "Side to Side" is a radio-ready club-mackin' narrative, complete with a pre-chorus imperative that sounds more like Missy than Blackalicious: "Just shut up / Ride the groove and let's move."   Full text...

The Craft, the group's third album, reminds us that Blackalicious's career has not been marked by constant change, but that's not a bad thing.  Full text...

The Craft's title might lead fans to think it's a bare-bones return to basics, but Blackalicious isn't about to let the move from major to indie narrow its horizons, or keep it from dreaming big.  Full text...

Blackalicious' The Craft has that old-school vibe scientifically perfected.  Full text...

This ambitious fifth album from Blackalicious - a Bay Area duo composed of Gift of Gab (words) and Chief Xcel (beats) - promises more than it delivers, although it does boast some breathtaking peaks.  Full text...

The Craft is as deftly furnished as a hip-hop record can get.  Full text...