Lese Majesty
Shabazz Palaces · 2014
45 min · 18 tracks
Experimental hip-hop layers intricate rhythms and abstract lyricism, creating a cosmic journey through sound and consciousness.
Top tracks — play these first
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They Come in Gold — This track encapsulates the album's experimental nature with its dynamic beats and multilayered instrumentation, showcasing Shabazz Palaces' signature style.
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#CAKE — The song combines vivid imagery and rhythmic complexity, representing the album's exploration of wealth and identity within a contemporary context.
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New Black Wave — With its infectious groove and thought-provoking lyrics, this track serves as a commentary on cultural identity and societal issues, marking a standout moment in the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's innovative structure and sound make it a standout in experimental hip-hop.
What we noticed
- The album features a non-linear structure, with tracks often blending into one another, creating a continuous flow rather than distinct separations.
- Abstract lyricism is prevalent throughout, with verses that often eschew narrative for more impressionistic imagery and themes.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies and experimental soundscapes, enhancing the cosmic feel of the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
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
- cosmic journey through sound
- short tracks for quick engagement
- intricate rhythms demand attention
- exploratory vibes for curious minds
- abstract lyricism invites interpretation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek immediate catchy hooks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on July 29, 2014, Lese Majesty is Shabazz Palaces' third studio album, following their acclaimed 2011 debut Black Up. By this point in their career, the duo had established themselves as pioneers in avant-garde hip-hop, blending diverse influences and pushing genre boundaries with each release.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Death Grips· Flying Lotus· Aesop Rock
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Dawn in Luxor 3:56
- 2 Forerunner Foray 3:49
- 3 They Come in Gold 3:23
- 4 Solemn Swears 1:33
- 5 Harem Aria 1:58
- 6 Noetic Noiromantics 1:35
- 7 The Ballad of Lt. Maj. Winnings 1:42
- 8 Soundview 0:41
- 9 Ishmael 4:36
- 10 …down 155th in the MCM Snorkel 2:12
- 11 Divine of Form 0:39
- 12 #CAKE 4:02
Disc 2
- 1 Colluding Oligarchs 2:10
- 2 Suspicion of a Shape 1:41
- 3 MindGlitch Keytar TM Theme 1:22
- 4 Motion Sickness 3:49
- 5 New Black Wave 3:44
- 6 Sonic MythMap for the Trip Back 2:08
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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