Shabazz Palaces is an experimental hip-hop duo based out of Seattle and signed to Sub Pop records. The duo is comprised of Ishmael Butler (formerly Butterfly of jazz hip-hop group Digable Planets and who currently goes by Palaceer Lazaro as part of Shabazz) and multi-instrumentalist Tendai “Baba” Marair, aka Fly Guy ‘Dai.
From NPR: “The group’s 2011 breakthrough, Black Up, thrilled and flummoxed critics with elements of Phillip Glass minimalism, Brian Eno ambience, and George Clinton cosmic weirdness.”
Videos:
Further Reading:
New York Times-
Sci-Fi Beats With a Pacific Flavor: Shabazz Palaces Shake Up Seattle’s Hip-Hop Scene
NPR-
Unlocking The Eclectic: A Conversation With Shabazz Palaces’ Ishmael Butler