Shabazz Palaces' Black Up is the first ever hip hop release in the over 20 year history of the ever-amazing Sub Pop Records.
Ishmael "Butterfly" (aka that guy from Digable Planets) Butler's gotta be, what, about 40, by now? You can't tell. We're not sure where he's been all this time, but he's here, in 2011, making music so fresh that it could have come out of a 25 year-old newbie; however, his mature musical expertise is part of what makes this record so awesome. Black Up's take-no-bullshit kind of honesty, and mastery of mixed sounds, is no doubt the foundation for why Sub Pop was willing to take a leap of faith with these guys. The appearance of records like this remind you that anything is possible, and true hip hop is not dead.
Don't be surprised if, years down the road, the next MUSIC SAVES cat is a black beauty named Sub Pop, or Shabazz Palaces, or plain ol' SP, for short. It could happen.
Recommended If You Like:
classic hip hop, bass with a side of bass, LYFE.
Looks Like:
a badass.
Feels Like:
black velvet with gold thread.
Smells Like:
blackness.
Listen to When:
you want to feel kool, and to hear your language start comin' out old skool.
Vinyl the Cat says:
Hey, I'm black. Hit me up!
Shabazz Palaces - Recollections of the wraith
Shabazz Palaces - Swerve... the reeping of all that is worthwhile (Noir not withstanding) |
