With the stealth they so desire, Shabazz Palaces may have made the most influential underground rap record of the year. No need to namedrop, but no less than a half dozen rappers this site regularly features have approached me with astonishment –absolutely blown away by the record. That’s rare, especially in our jaded “post post post” everything environment, where music is abundant as tap water and as easily disposed of. Especially interesting is how Ish makes it clear that they move off instinct, a counterintuitive pose to such obviously thoughtful beats and lyrics. It’s cerebral but immediate, and thus, it engenders that dumbfounded response.

It might be the Cold Vein of this decade. So let’s hope that Shabazz Palaces make another full length as inspired as their first and that everyone doesn’t forget how to smile.

Download:
MP3:” Shabazz Palaces – Swerve…the reeping of all that is worthwhile (Noir not withstanding)”
MP3: Shabazz Palaces – “an echo from the hosts that profess infinitum”