Seattle’s enigmatic, avant-garde rap project Shabazz Palaces – already announced to appear at this year’s Sugar Mountain festival – have announced a Melbourne sideshow. Shabazz Palaces will appear at intimate Melbourne venue RAOB GAB Buffalo Club on Thursday 12th January, bright and early in the new year.

The first hip-hop act to be signed to Sub Pop Records released their debut album Black Up this year to radiant reviews:

“It’s deeply refreshing to hear an artist who exudes such depth and consideration” – PITCHFORK

“This is an album with a brilliant sound, one that is as arresting to listen to as it is to puzzle over” – POPMATTERS

Bold, experimental and dark, Shabazz Palaces are a hip hop trio lead by Palaceer Lazaro, also known as Ishamel “Butterfly” Butler of Digable Planets. The project emerged onto the scene bearing a sense of mystery about them, much like the magnificent electro-synth taps and unhinged drum beats which lay amongst their cryptic lyrics.

In Seattle, you can’t escape the hype surrounding Shabazz Palaces, and their fresh new release, although a long time in the making, is an astounding record proving them to be more than worthy. On ‘Black Up’ they still work as straight-up head knock rap and are as visceral as anything, making smart, tough music.

Don’t miss this very special performance at one of Melbourne’s most unique venues.

Also appearing at Sydney Festival.

Shabazz Palaces Website