SHABAZZ PALACES Vinyl & CDs

Review: Shabazz Palaces is masterminded by vocalist and producer Ishmael Butler, whose unstinting drive to reimagine hip-hop - even as he enters his fifth decade on Earth - remains undimmed. With Robed In Rareness, there's a respectful eye on the past, an embrace of an ever-evolving present, and two feet firmly planted in the future. It features collaborations with the likes of Seattle's Royce The Choice and Porter Ray, Colorado Springs' O Finess, Bronx's Geechi Suede (of Camp Lo) and Butler's son, the incomparable Lil Tracy. Most instrumentals land like slick, soft jaunts over which mega-chorused flows oxbow, while weird subversions of hip-hop's trademark braggadocio and opulence are heard throughout. Palaces' cloudiest project yet, this one oozes alt enjoyment from start to finish.

Review: Shabazz Palaces's Exotic Birds of Prey is a new seven-song mini-album that comes via Sub Pop and follows the huge success of Robed in Rareness back in October 2023. It is a rather enchaining listen that draws on many different rap eras and blends them into one new sound helmed by vocalist and producer Ismael Butler. Shabazz Palaces redefines hip-hop across decades here with the album blending the past, present, and future with warped sounds and fine collaborations from the likes of Stas THEE Boss and Japreme Magnetic who help to enrich this sonic journey. This special Loser Edition comes on creamy white vinyl.