I’ve been following Shabazz Palaces since Gorilla vs. Bear was shouting about them way back but nothing grabbed me enough to investigate beyond brief listens. That was until I heard ‘Swerve’ and it’s like the door has been opened. Signed to Sub Pop, Shabazz Palaces is none other than former Digable Planets member Ishmael Butler, operating out of Seattle along with producer Erik Blood and percussionist Tendai Maraire. The debut album Black Up is released on June 28th in the US. This is the closing track:
Download: Shabazz Palaces – Swerve… by subpop
Here’s track two from the album:
Download: Shabazz Palaces – An Echo From The Hosts That Profess Infinitum by subpop
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
Sexy album. He’s Gonjasufi’s cousin too,which makes a lot of sense. Unlike Gonjasufi’s Primavera gig.
Ouch! What a gig that was aye? Haven’t heard the album yet. Plenty to listen to in the meantime.