Gift Of Gab

The San Francisco-native Gift of Gab (alias Tim Parker) frequently falls victim to the Sugar Ray/Mark McGrath phenomenon (you know, when supposed fans use the band’s name to refer to its frontman). So for starters, let’s clarify: Blackalicious is the group, Gift of Gab the rhyme technician and the Chief Xcel the DJ.

For those uninitiated, allow me to provide a quick introduction to the man they call Gift of Gab. Best known as one-half of California’s Blackalicious (with DJ/producer Chief Xcel), and a cornerstone of the mighty Quannum crew (DJ Shadow, Latyrx, Lifesavas, etc.). With the possible exception of Blackalicious’ seminal LP “Nia,” Gab garnered the most attention with “Alphabet Aerobics,” a mind-boggling verse composed of alphabetically sequential rhymes delivered at 100 mp/h. With “4th Dimensional Rocket Ships Going Up,” Gab has gone solo and replaced Xcel with Seattle beat smiths Jake One and Vitamin D.

Although I hate even using the term ‘underrated’ or ‘slept-on,’ Gift of Gab is just that. Despite his often jaw-dropping delivery and flow, not to mention rhymes, Gab never gets mentioned as one of our finest emcees…which he is. If you don’t believe me, put his album in and push play.