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Quirky, futuristic hip-hop

It was about 10 years ago that Shabazz Palaces first caused a commotion with their phenomenal debut ‘Black Up’, described by Pitchfork as an “album with an impossible vision". The futuristic sound of the brainchild of singer and producer Ishmael Butler was influenced by such greats as Sun Ra, George Clinton and Alice Coltrane.

The second album ‘Lese Majesty’, which made an equally big impression, was followed by two concept albums: 'Quazarz: Born on a Gangster Star’ and ‘Quazarz vs. The Jealous Machines'. Albums that break all the rules.

With ‘The Don of Diamond Dreams’, Shabazz Palaces is taking a new path: Ishmael Butler’s son, emo rapper Lil Tracy, adds a new dimension to the sound.