Pato Banton

1996's Stay Positive was followed by Life Is a Miracle in 2000. In May 2004 Gift of Gab released his first solo album, but he assured fans that Blackalicious was alive and well. After a 1994 British hit in "Baby Come Back" (originally by Eddy Grant performing with The Equals), with Robin and Ali Campbell of UB40, a best-of album was released. This was followed by a major label contract with MCA Records and the release of the critically acclaimed album Blazing Arrow in 2002. Banton then worked on a live album and with Mad Professor, and then released 1992's Universal Love. In 2000, SoleSides became Quannum Projects and Blackalicious released Nia, their debut full length. After an EP in 1998, Banton released a more pop-oriented LP, Visions of the World, followed by 1990's Wize Up! (No Compromise), which included an college radio hit in "Spirits in the Material World" (The Police cover) and another collaboration, this time with David Hinds of Steel Pulse. The single was an underground hit, but label trouble kept Blackalicious from immediately capitalizing on their fame.

His solo debut was 1987's Never Give In, which included a collaboration with Paul Shaffer. The SoleSides Crew consisted of the two and friends of theirs who all met at UC Davis, including DJ Shadow, Latyrx (Consisting of MCs Lyrics Born and Lateef the Truth Speaker). He began recording in 1982, appearing on "Pato and Roger a Go Talk" (from Special Beat Service) with Ranking Roger of English Beat. Gift of Gab and Chief Xcel formed the group in the early 1990s and released their first recording, "Swan Lake", on SoleSides Records. Pato Banton (born Patrick Murray) is a reggae singer and toaster from Birmingham, England. Blackalicious is an American alternative hip hop duo.