Northern California independent rappers Blackalicious and Del the Funky Homosapien will begin an extensive North American tour together on May 9 in Lake Tahoe, Nev.

The tour is in support of their recent albums — Blackalicious' Quannum release, Nia (Feb. 29), which includes "The Fabulous Ones" (RealAudio excerpt), and Del's Both Sides of the Brain (April 11), on Hieroglyphics. After blanketing small and large venues in California, the tour will head east across the U.S., and then make a brief visit to Canada.

Guest appearances are expected from Lateef the Truth Speaker, throughout California, and Jurassic 5's Cut Chemist, in Los Angeles.

Blackalicious members Chief Xcel and Gift of Gab epitomize the grassroots hip-hop movement in Northern California. Uniting in 1989, the duo started on the small independent label SoleSides and produced several recordings with fellow California underground artist DJ Shadow, including last year's Quannum Projects (Quannum).

Del also has proclaimed his independence, being the most recognizable artist on the Hieroglyphics label. The Oakland label also has produced albums for Souls of Mischief and Casual.

Blackalicious/Del the Funky Homosapien tour dates:

May 9; Lake Tahoe, Nev.; Lilly's

May 10; Chico, Calif.; Brick Works

May 11; Eureka, Calif.; Club West

May 12; San Francisco, Calif.; Maritime Hall

May 13; Santa Cruz, Calif.; Palookaville

May 14; Los Angeles, Calif.; House of Blues

May 15; Pomona, Calif.; Glass House

May 16; Solano Beach, Calif.; Belly Up Tavern

May 17; Mesa, Ariz.; The Nile

May 18; Albuquerque, N.M.; Sunshine Theatre

May 19; Dallas, Texas; TBA

May 20; Austin, Texas; Mercury Lounge

May 21; Houston, Texas; Numbers

May 23; New Orleans, La.; House of Blues

May 24; Los Angeles, Calif.; Hollywood Athletic Club

May 31; Carrboro, N.C.; Cat's Cradle

June 1; Washington, D.C.; the Garage

June 2; Norfolk, Va.; Norva Theatre

June 3; Hartford, Conn.; Webster Theatre

June 4; New York, N.Y.; S.O.B's

June 5; Philadelphia, Penn.; TLA

June 6; Boston, Mass.; Middle East

June 7; Burlington, Vt.; Higher Ground

June 9; Ottawa, Ontario; Spirit

June 10; London, Ontario; Call The Office

June 11; Toronto, Ontario; Orera House

June 13; Cleveland, Ohio; Agora Ballroom

June 14; Detroit, Mich.; St. Andrews Hall

June 15; Cincinnati, Ohio; Top Cats

June 16; Chicago, Ill.; Metro

June 17; Milwaukee, Wis.; Rave