YES YES Y'ALL - Shabazz Palaces - 'Are You....Can You....Were You? (felt)'

Shabazz Palaces - Are You....Can You....Were You? (felt) (2011)

A lot of Hip Hop acts these days tend to follow a tried and trusted formula so it's rare to find an act like Shabazz Palaces who are original, innovative and fresh. They are among a rare breed of underground Hip Hop acts this year that have come through and are not afraid to break the mould. Although not a big fan, the rather rude and controversial, don't take him home to meet your gran, Tyler, The Creator and his crew are another example of an artist not afraid to push the boundaries. What I like about them is that they inject some life, in a genre which is increasingly becoming monotonous with pretty much everyone sounding and saying the same thing.

I've been listening to Shabazz Palaces's album, Black Up, over the last few months and it's taken a little effort due to it's non-conformist style but the obscure beats and soundscapes make for rewarding listening. In fact, if you ever wondered what what Hip Hop would sound like if it was on Star Wars this is it, Jabba the Hutt would book them.

Tales from Shabazz Palaces.....Live tonight 21h30 @ Mos Eisley Cantina

Shabazz Palaces are led by 'Butterfly' of Digable Planets fame, one of my favourite Jazz influenced Hip Hop groups who had success in the early 90's with some classic releases. If you like your music abstract and a little off kilter then Shabazz Palaces is for you. The force is strong with them.

Download another sample here

Not the droids you're looking for? Click here for some more Hip Hop!