Back on the beats: When Blackalicious’ first album, Nia, was released in 1999, critics praised the duo for their rap skills, production style, and ability to push hip-hop in a new direction. Following up with the equally compelling Blazing Arrow (2002) and The Craft (2005), Chief Xcel and Gift of Gab took 10 years to release Imani, Vol. 1 in 2015, and stayed true to their formula of positive vision, verbal dexterity, and lyrical eloquence combined with smart, expansive sonic beats. On the road to celebrate their 20th anniversary, the Sacramento group is sure to deliver its popular “Alphabet Aerobics.”
Related stories
The Grand Kyiv Ballet Presents: Snow White at The Paramount Theater 1/4
You’ve likely seen the classic Disney cartoon—and maybe even the Magic Kingdom’s live action $270 million stinker from earlier this year. Now you can witness the beauty of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in ballet form when this family-friendly version arrives in town for a Sunday afternoon show. The Grand Kyiv Ballet, which features […]
January Exhibitions
Friday 1/30/26 through Tuesday 3/20/26 Ruffin Gallery at the University of Virginia presents its annual Ruffin Distinguished Artist-in-Residence exhibition “We Dream of Life,” a collaboration reflecting friendship, shared dreams, and explorations of the natural world by New Mexico-based artist Paula Wilson and California-based artist iris yirei hu. Within a monumental installation incorporating painting, collage, and […]
Michael Clem at The Front Porch 1/9
Local music luminary Michael Clem performs new tracks from his latest release, 60¢ A Gallon. Between February and October 2025, Clem went to work at Carriage Lane Studios with producer Rusty Speidel, laying down a dozen new tunes that run the gamut of Clem’s Americana facility and featuring Paul Bell, Adrian Duke, Laurie MacAllister, Jen […]
