As his handle suggests, Blackalicious’ Gift of Gab is among the fraternal order of MCs included in most conversations that address the infamous “lyrical lyricist” canon. With highly mathematical rhyme schemes and syllable-packed lines, Gab has been able to effectively graft his technical, yet uplifting style to any beat put before him. The group’s other half, producer Chief Xcel, has provided a quality assortment of approachable sample-flips and Cali-soul instrumentals over the years that has been as integral to their sound as Gab’s crisp delivery. Look forward to classics like “Alphabet Aerobics” (which is roughly the lyrical equivalent of a gym rat cranking out one-armed push-ups on stage for the fuck of it) and singing along to “Deception” (“Dee-da-da-da-dee-da”). With Freestyle Fellowship, Hi-Life Soundsystem, Don’t Talk to the Cops. TODD HAMM

Sat., Oct. 22, 7 p.m., 2011