Emerging from the rubble, few expected Palaceer Lazaro (aka Ishmael “Butterfly” Butler formerly of Digable Planets) to gain such notoriety with Shabazz Palaces. Unparalleled by any musical act, Shabazz Palaces constantly pushes the limits of funk, hip‐hop, jazz and world music, straying away from typical song structures in favor of more creative endeavors.
In 2010, Seattle publication, The Stranger, honored the group with the first ever Music Genius Award. “Shabazz Palaces don't have to tear up the block; they energize the scene without breaking a sweat,” states Larry Mizell, Jr. of The Stranger.
These tracks were demos that became EPs and were therefore recorded with the ‘crackle’ effect on them and sound like they would on an old vinyl record.