Shabazz Palaces: Experimental Hip-Hop's Evolving Sound

Shabazz Palaces, the experimental hip-hop project spearheaded by Ishmael Butler, has released its highly anticipated full-length debut, 'Black Up'. The group initially cultivated an air of mystery with two EPs, featuring fragmented raps and disorienting beats that defied easy comparison.

Now, 'Black Up' marks a shift, allowing more light and fresh air into their sound. Butler, formerly of Digable Planets, returns with an occasionally lighter flow, though the music still avoids traditional verse-chorus structures. Tracks unpredictably diverge, creating evocative moods with hard-thudding and psychedelic atmospheres.

The album's tracks often evolve significantly from their beginnings. For instance, 'Free Press and Curl' transitions from a defiant rap over stuttering drums to a murky drift. Other songs feature elements like spooky mbira solos or jazz trumpet, showcasing the project's continued sonic exploration.