Ten years after 2005's The Craft comes Blackalicious' self-release, Imani, Vol. 1. Three years in the works, the album stays true to rapper Gift of Gab's clever tongue-twisting wordplay and DJ/producer Chief Xcel's unique beats. First volume of a trilogy with appearances from Lifesavas, Lateef, Lyrics Born, funk band Monophonics, polyphonic Afro-Pop singer Zap Mama, and Fantastic Negrito who won a performance on NPR's Tiny Desk.