Shabazz Palaces: Lese Majesty
The Smiths get covered, DJ DB Burkeman on the Rolling Stones and more in this week’s look at music
Ishmael Butler—whose notoriety peaked in the mid ’90s when he became known as Butterfly, one-third of experimental trio Digable Planets—is a music veteran with impeccable taste and tenacity. His consistently fresh take on hip-hop is evident in Shabazz Palaces’ upcoming release Lese Majesty. The 45-minute sonic journey channels multiple eras and genres, the album flows from ambient hip-hop track to space jazz without missing a beat. Multiple listens are necessary to catch all of the quick-witted lyrical references to everything from history to literature. If you’re in Seattle, check out an art exhibit from Black Constellation (Butler’s common collaborators) at the Frye Art Museum, open through 5 September. Don’t forget your headphones.
