Shabazz PalacesBest Shabazz Palaces Albums Ranked

Lese Majesty

thelineofbestfit

9.0

“Lese Majesty is a beatific warcry from Shabazz Palaces”

Black Up

pitchfork

8.8

“After two fine EPs, the experimental hip-hop project helmed by former Digable Planets leader Ishmael Butler steps out with a brilliant full-length debut.”

Lese Majesty

pitchfork

8.2

“Shabazz Palaces’ Sub Pop debut Black Up breathed indelible soul into the Seattle duo’s formidable style, but the duo of Ishmael Butler and Tendai Maraire have since decamped to parts unknown. Lese Majesty boasts 18 songs grouped into seven suites, with a subtle science fiction theme; if that sounds proggy, get used to it.”

The Don of Diamond Dreams

thelineofbestfit

8.0

“Expanding beyond their already broadened horizons, Shabazz Palaces are seemingly unstoppable”

The Don of Diamond Dreams

loudandquiet

8.0

“In his book Dead Precedents: How Hip-Hop Defines The Future, American scholar Roy Christopher describes hip-hop as a form of “black cyberpunk”. It’s not a huge leap – both movements emerged at a similar time, both hijack the mainstream for disruptive ends, and both build a new world from the materials of the old. “Cyberpunk might be assimilated, co-opted, and unseen, but its spirit lives on in hip”

Black Up

fantano

8.0

“On Black Up, Shabazz Palaces take hip hop deep into the left field with odd beats and surreal effects. It's definitely an indulgent LP that requires a little bit of effort from the listener, but repeating these songs until they completely unfold is worth the wait.”