Shabazz Palaces are a Seattle-based hip-hop collective, led by Ishmael Butler aka 'Palaceer Lazaro' (once 'Butterfly' of jazz-rap group Digable Planets) and multi-instrumentalist Tendai 'Baba' Maraire, son of Mbira master Dumisani Maraire.
The group anonymously self-released two EPs, Eagles Soar, Oil Flows and The Seven New (often referred to simply as Shabazz Palaces and Of Light) in 2009 before becoming the first hip-hop act to be signed to the Sub Pop label and releasing their debut full-length album, Black Up, in 2011. Black Up was listed #1 in Seattle Times music columnist Andrew Matson's "Local Top #10" of 2011.
Want to get a snapshot of last year's best music? In our Best of 2011 radio station, you'll hear songs from the artists who provided our 2011 soundtrack. No matter what your taste -- indie rock, jazz, doom metal or avant-folk, you'll find it here in eMusic's Best of 2011 Radio. more »
Thumb-tacked to the wall of my room in my parents' house is a list I printed out in the year 2000. Hiphopsite.com, an online hip-hop record store had produced a list of the 100 most anticipated releases for the upcoming year. I've left it on my wall partly out of laziness and partly because of how chastening it is to recall the days when an N.W.A. reunion album or a DJ Premier-produced Terror Squad album… more »
Nirvana and Pearl Jam. This is who you'll hear about when the topic of Seattle's music scene is brought up in a historical context. It makes sense. Alternative music has always been the face of the Seattle scene. But before Kurt and Eddie, there was Ray and Quincy and Jimi. Seattle has soul, and the hip-hop community in the 206 is the living proof. They love their hometown and the music reflects that. "Townfolk Hip-Hop"… more »
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