Black Up
Shabazz Palaces · 2011
36 min · 10 tracks
A mesmerizing blend of avant-garde hip-hop and experimental soundscapes that challenge conventional structures.
Top tracks — play these first
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Free Press and Curl — The opening track sets the tone with its rich sonic layers and introspective lyrics, establishing the album's unique identity right from the start.
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Youlogy — This track showcases complex lyricism intertwined with an engaging beat, embodying themes of legacy and memory that resonate throughout the album.
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Swerve… The Reeping of All That Is Worthwhile (Noir Not Withstanding) — Closing out the album, it encapsulates its themes of existential inquiry with a haunting melody and thought-provoking verses that linger long after listening.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's experimental approach and unique sound set it apart in the hip-hop genre.
What we noticed
- The album features unconventional song structures, with tracks often shifting in tempo and style mid-way through.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal effects and abstract soundscapes, creating a dense auditory experience.
- The use of silence and pauses is prominent, with some tracks featuring extended instrumental sections that challenge traditional hip-hop pacing.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short tracks for quick bursts
- immersive soundscapes for deep focus
- poetic exploration of abstract themes
- late-night introspection and discovery
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek immediate catchy satisfaction
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on June 28, 2011, Black Up is Shabazz Palaces' debut album, marking their emergence from the Seattle hip-hop scene. The duo, consisting of Ishmael Butler and Tendai Maraire, was previously known for their work in the group Digable Planets, and this album represented a significant artistic reinvention after years away from the mainstream spotlight.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Death Grips· Flying Lotus· Aesop Rock
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Free Press and Curl 4:16
- 2 An Echo From the Hosts That Profess Infinitum 3:15
- 3 Are You… Can You… Were You? (Felt) 4:48
- 4 A Treatease Dedicated to the Avian Airess From North East Nubis (1000 Questions, 1 Answer) 2:46
- 5 Youlogy 3:59
- 6 Endeavors for Never (The Last Time We Spoke You Said You Were Not Here. I Saw You Though.) 2:56
- 7 Recollections of the Wraith 3:36
- 8 The King’s New Clothes Were Made by His Own Hands 2:07
- 9 Yeah You 3:21
- 10 Swerve… The Reeping of All That Is Worthwhile (Noir Not Withstanding) 5:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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