In a time where rap and hip-hop are in the midsts of an identity crisis, artists have become a lot more willing to experiment with their music. Shabazz Palaces is a prime example of this, creating some of the most unique hip-hop beats I’ve ever heard come out of Seattle.
Palaceer Lazaro, or Ishamel “Butterfly” Butler of Digable Planets, has taken the typical hip-hop sound and turned it on its head. Some call it avant-garde, and others look at it as a throwback to late 80’s early 90’s hip hop; telling a rough story, rather that one of riches. Take it as you may, because Lazaro doesn’t really do interviews, preferring fans to interpret the music themselves.
It’s without doubt that Shabazz Palaces is one of the fastest emerging musical acts coming out of Seattle, making the LA Times “2011 Faces to Watch”, winning the Stranger Genius Award for music, along with being signed to Sub Pop. They have been able to show versatility between the two EP’s that they have released, and soon a full length LP will be available to the masses. You can catch Shabazz Palaces at Neumo’s on Thursday February 17th along with THEESatisfaction. $15/21+
