VIMTV Album Review #374: Shabazz Palaces – Black Up

Jake: 77/100

Tom: 79/100

Verdict: Definitely recommended if you’re looking for hip-hop with a fresh, unique sound.

Overview: Shabazz Palaces’ debut LP takes conventional hip-hop beats and turns them upside down. While the actual rapping and lyrics that is set against these beats is closer to the norm (but still quite exceptional), the blending of the two with the more free-form song structures creates an album listen that is truly one of a kind. This album definitely deserves the hype it’s getting– the only reasons we didn’t rate it quite as highly as some other reviewers is because we felt that some of the sounds were so out there that they were hard to differentiate from the other tracks, and that there was nothing really holding this album down; it seems to be just floating in space. Aside from these minor complaints, this album is a promising start from a group that will hopefully (and probably) be pushing the boundaries of rap music.

Jake’s Track Picks: 

• 3. Are You… Can You… Were You? (Felt)
• 5. Youlogy
• 7. Recollections Of The Wraith

Tom’s Track Picks: 

• 2. An Echo From the Hosts That Profess Infinitum
• 3. Are You… Can You… Were You? (Felt)
• 10. Swerve… The Reeping Of All That Is Worthwhile (Noir Not Withstanding)

VIMTV Research Links:

• Shabazz Palaces – Black Up reviews at Metacritic
• Shabazz Palaces lyrics
• Shabazz Palaces website

Are You… Can You… Were You? (Felt)

Swerve… The Reeping Of All Thta Is Worthwhile (Noir Not Withstanding)

Shabazz Palaces Interview