Blackalicious

Blackalicious is an American alternative hip hop duo. Gift of Gab and Chief Xcel formed the group in the early 1990s and released their first recording, "Swan Lake", on SoleSides Records (the SoleSides Crew had joined Blackalicious). The single was an undergrount hit, but label trouble kept Blackalicious from immediately capitalizing on their fame.

In 2000 (see 2000 in music), SoleSides had become Quannum Records and Blackalacious released Nia, their debut full length. This was followed by a major label contract with MCA Records and the release of the critically acclaimed album Blazing Arrow.