Shabazz Palaces | ‘Quazarz: Born on a Gangster Star’

Although better known for their debut album ‘Black Up’ (2011), hip-hop duo Shabazz Palaces’ third album ‘Quazarz: Born on a Gangster Star’ (2017) is a hidden gem in their experimental and thought-provoking discography. With the pair having just released their follow-up album, ‘The Don of Diamond Dreams’ this very weekend, it is worth looking back at an amazing album that might otherwise be lost under the radar.

Comprised of multi-instrumentalist Tendai ‘Baba’ Maraire and Ishmael Butler, who was previously one-third of alternative rap group Digable Planets, Shabazz Palaces have been making extra-terrestrial music since 2009. Honing their craft over a series of well-received albums, ‘Quazarz: Born on a Gangster Star’ sees the pair add elements of psychedelic rock and disco to their already extremely diverse musical range.

‘Shine a Light’ featuring Thaddillac is a particular highlight. With its dreamy beat, orchestral sound and abstract lyrics, it is an immediate stand-out. In its outro, the lyric ‘Shout out to the all old heads’ encapsulates Shabazz Palaces’ unique appeal: hip-hop veterans making exciting, innovative, experimental music.

Check out ‘Quazarz: Born on a Gangster Star’ below: