On this day in 1991, A Tribe Called Quest released The Low End Theory. It was the second album by the group through Jive Records, that featured hit singles like “Check the Rhyme”, “Jazz (We’ve Got)”, and “Scenario”.
A lot of critics say this album was very underrated. The Arizona Republic called out VH-1, saying this album was one of eight that they missed. Rolling Stone rated the album in their top 25. The Low End Theory peaked at 13 on the Billboard charts.
On this day in 1990, LL Cool J released Momma Said Knock You Out. It was his fourth studio album, produced mostly by Marley Marl. It was his most memorable album, thanks to the hit single “Momma Said Knock You Out” and “Around the Way Girl”.
The music video for “Momma Said Knock You Out” won an MTV video music award, and his album won an American Music award for favorite rap/hip-hop album. The album also won an NAACP Image award for outstanding Rap/Hip-hop album.
On this day in 1990, Vanilla Ice released To The Extreme. The album was a reissue, from his 1989 album Hooked. It was changed to To The Extreme when Ice had signed with SBK records. This was Vanilla Ice’s most successful album, which included singles like “Ice Ice Baby” and “Play That Funky Music”.
The album won two American Music Awards: one for favorite new pop artist and one for favorite new rap/hip-hop artist. Billboard ranked To The Extreme #20 on the top 100 albums of the 90’s.
On this day in 2005, Kanye West released Late Registration. It was Kanye’s second album, following The College Dropout. Kanye written and produced this album, and it featured guest appearances by Lupe Fiasco, Jamie Foxx, and Adam Levine. This album included four hit singles: “Diamonds from Sierra Leone”, “Golddigger”, “Touch The Sky”, and “Heard Em Say”.
Late Registration was grammy-nominated for several awards, and won a grammy for best rap album. He also won a grammy for “Gold Digger” and “Diamonds from Sierra Leone”. Rolling Stone ranked Late Registration in the top 200 albums of all time.
I was looking at the CMJ charts, this week, and I noticed the artist named Gifted Gab. Now being a Blackalicious fan, I’m thinking someone’s biting off of Gift of Gab’s name. That is certainly not the case.
Gifted Gab is another gem coming from Seattle’s hip hop scene. She’s been writing raps since she was nine, and was influenced by East Coast MC’s like Queen Latifah and MC Lyte. After hearing that, and listening to her music, I have three reasons you should be following Gifted Gab.
1. Gifted Gab is a true fan of the Old School
On her cover album, Gab the Most High, there’s a picture of her wearing a Nefertiti hat. The second I saw that immediately reminded me of Queen Latifah wearing the same hat on TV and her music videos.
Her music label is called Moor Gang records. If you look at the label logo on her album, you’ll notice it’s similar to Public Enemy’s logo.
To top it off, you’ll need to listen to “4/20 (Gettin’ Smokay)”, where she samples Foster Sylvers “Misdemeanor”. Of course everyone remembers when DOC sampled it.
2. She’s been recognized by Time, XXL, and VH-1 as a rapper on the rise
She’s not just known around the Seattle area, where she lives, her work is under some major microscopes around the country. You can also add Complex magazine to that list.
She’s also been on stage with some big artists. She’s opened for acts like Dj Quik, Rakim, Cam’ron, and Slick Rick.
3. Every song on Gab the Most High will be stuck in your head….and you’ll be happy with that
It starts with the head-banging beats, like “Trouble”. This is WELL-PRODUCED, and children of the 90’s will love it! The beats are very organic.
The hooks are catchy! Check out “Lady of Leisure”, “Trouble”, and “Gettin’ Smokay”. You’ll see what I mean.
Finally, and most important, you can follow along to the lyrics. Are you paying attention Future, Desiigner??
If you’re down with organic, progressive, hip-hop that pays tribute to the old school, Gifted Gab is your pick. Take a listen to Gab the Most High. You’ll be glad you did.
