A Muso's Top 10: Gift of Gab

Quannum MC and Blackalicious lynchpin Gift of Gab pictures life as Khan from Star Trek II, marooned on a dead planet with a record player and 10 choice slabs of wax to keep him company. Here he explains his selections.

1. Bob Marley & The Wailers – Catch A Fire
Bob has always been one of my musical/lyrical heroes. His songs speak directly to, and feed the soul. And on a dead planet I would need the nourishment.

2. Roy Ayers – Everyone Loves The Sunshine
Every time I hear that album, no matter what mood I’m in, I always feel lifted.

3. Freestyle – Fellowship Innercity Griots
I would bring this album because the styles brought on this one are still way ahead of what most rappers are doing. This is an MC album.

4. Eminem – Marshall Mathers
Same reason as number three. Just a high level of lyricism, and as a rapper I love to study the craft.

5. Michael Jackson – Off The Wall
My favourite album by Mike. One of the dopest albums of all time by one of the greatest artists.

6. Prince – Purple Rain
Prince is a phenomenal songwriter. This album had so much fire and evoked so many moods.

7. MF Doom – Operation Doomsday
Doom is one of my favourite MC’s, this album in my opinion is a classic piece of music.

8. Queen – Greatest Hits
The range of the songwriting is incredible. I always get real charged up when I listen to this album.

9. Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
An album that stands the test of time. From rapping to singing, Lauryn is one of the greats to ever do it.

10. EPMD – Business As Usual
This album is the epitome of raw hardcore hip hop. From beginning to end. I can never get tired of this record.