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"Alphabet Aerobics" is a song by American hip hop duo Blackalicious from their EP A2G (1999). It is performed by Gift of Gab and produced by Cut Chemist.

Composition

The beat of the song, built from a "spare mid-tempo thump" and electronic sound, progressively increases in tempo throughout the track. Lyrically, Gift of Gab performs in alliterative couplets through alphabetical order.

Critical reception

Stanton Swihart of AllMusic described the song as "an impressive concert staple and showcase for the constantly brilliant Gift of Gab, one of the very finest MCs to ever pick up a microphone." He further stated that while Cut Chemist's production "is as innovative as hip-hop gets, he is trumped by Gift of Gab", and regarding Gift of Gab's performance, "By the time he hits x, y, and z, he is spitting out lyrics with astonishing verbal virtuosity."

In popular culture

On October 28, 2014, actor Daniel Radcliffe performed the song on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon after being challenged by host Jimmy Fallon, who called it "one of the trickiest, fastest songs I know." This introduced the song to a wider audience, leading it to be recited throughout media outlets in various contexts. For example, an Odessa, Texas local reporter recited the lyrics on live television. In an ad campaign for YouTube Music, a student raps the song while walking down the school corridor. Blackalicious also reworked the song with sports-themed lyrics for Bleacher Report.

References

1. ^ Swihart, Stanton. "A2G - Blackalicious". AllMusic. Retrieved March 1, 2024.
2. "Daniel Radcliffe Raps Blackalicious' "Alphabet Aerobics"". YouTube. October 28, 2014. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
3. "Local News Reporter Warms Up By Rapping "Alphabet Aerobics"". gawker.com. 2014-12-19. Archived from the original on 2015-11-02.
4. "YouTube Music's Latest Ad Campaign Is an Infectious Ode to the Diversity of Music Lovers". adweek.com. 2016-07-18.
5. "Blackalicious Reworks 'Alphabet Aerobics' To Make It All About Sports". billboard.com. 2015-12-03.

• 1999 songs
• American hip-hop songs