Blackalicious
"Make You Feel That Way"
b/w "Sky Is Falling"

MCA - 2002

Epitomized by original but distinctly funky beats and razor sharp microphone swashbuckling, Blackalicious - Chief Xcel and Gift of Gab - have been raising the standards of dope hip-hop for many years now, and are ready to shine with the eminent release of their second full-length and major label debut Blazing Arrow. As a sonic appetizer of the feast that awaits, we're given this single, a double-sided treat to prime us for the main course. The A-side, "Make You Feel That Way" is an instantly likeable, mellow composition that has "feel-good vibes" written all over it. Smooth and easy-going rhymes reflect on early rap heroes, getting that first Christmas bike, young romance, holding your firstborn child, and other goose-bump inducing memories. Deep bass tones, tinkling piano keys, and muted trumpets set the mood perfectly. The flipside gets somewhat livelier, with catchy keyboards, rowdy guitars, and simple but hype drums sure to get activate your neck. The lyrics are speedier and much darker, depicting various ills of society like black-on-black crime, genocidal government, and juveniles caught up in the system. Although some paranoid fans may have worried about the duo's new work being tainted by the often-villianized major-label status, Blackalicious do not disappoint. Both the rhymes and production are ill as always, and Blazing Arrow has the potential to be one of the year's best albums.
- Brolin Winning

Substance Abuse
"Can't Call It" b/w "No Guarantees"

Weapon-Shaped - 2002

An up-and-coming crew from The Bay, Substance Abuse includes Eso3, Subz, and DJ No. For their newest single, they hook up with Weapon-Shaped, the fast-rising label home to acts like Meanest Man Contest and Forest Fires Collective. "Can't Call It" is an absurdly funky affair, with boooooming, elastic bass action, stuttering snare work, and hyperactive hi-hats. The rhymes are of the run-the-line variety, a high-energy posse cut that also features extended fam Derange and Mawnstr, as well as Freestyle Fellowship alumni Peace. Lyrically, they come with a potent blend of deep vocab, swift flows, and ample shit-talking. "No Guarantees" is far more laid back, with an excellent instrumental provided by Thes One (from People Under The Stairs). Dusty drum breaks and humming organs provide the backdrop, with fluttering flutes adding to the flavor. Rhymes are equally impressive, riding the beat effortlessly, while discussing matters of fate and the cards that life deals us all. A surprise sonic change-up towards the end serves as icing on the cake. You may not have heard of these guys yet, but with joints like this, it's only a matter of time. Keep your eyes peeled for their debut full-length OVERPROOF, coming at you later this year.

- Brolin Winning