Blackalicious rapper Gift of Gab has prepared his latest solo offering, 'Escape 2 Mars.'  Opening with the atmospheric 'E2MTRO' Gift Of Gab quickly unleashes his lyrical wizardry as he switches up his flow for 'El Gifto.' 'Lightyears' comes through next with a fine guitar loop as Gift Of Gab brings a metaphoric flight of conscious through his strong wordplay before Del The Funky Homosapien and Brother Ali come through for the insistent and soulful 'Dreamin.'  Gift Of Gab then sees his production change up for the fine electronic beats and hook-laden 'In Las Vegas' and again changes his flow to a slower paced story-rhyme patter.  The title track then sees Gift Of Gab thoughtfully dealing with the end of the Earth over a fine instrumental backdrop before 'Electric Waterfalls' delivers more electronic feeling.  'Richman, Poorman' sees Gift Of Gab continue to lift mattersa as his strong vocal ability is readily matched by the quality of the funk-fuelled production.  'Someofthepeople' follows with Gift Of Gab casting his eye over the general population with a broad brush before 'Spotlight' adds more shine to this solid release.  Rounding matters off with 'Rhyme travel' (unless you get the vinyl with an extra Aqua Sawtooth Remix of 'Dreamin') it is clear that Gift Of Gab has managed to get the balance right between his rhymes and the beats.  With a fine vocal style, an ability to change his flow and something to say Gift Of Gab manages to maintain his message through the strong production creating a genuinely encouraging album for fans of cerebral hip-hop.  This is one that is certainly worth checking...

Gift Of Gab - Escape 2 Mars