Black Up

Experimental hip hop led by Ishmael Butler. Whether or not you end up enjoying the music, it is hard to deny this album’s daring. Curls and echoes, trippy beats, confident rapping. Shabazz Palaces have a distinct brand of hip hop. It’s all pretty interesting stuff, but I’d recommend tracks 1, 3, 7, 10. FCC Clean.

1. Free Press and Curl. A loopy, driving beat during the verses and a chorus of swirling voices. (4:15)

2. An Echo from the Hosts that Profess Infinitum. Slow and spaced out. More swirling voices. (3:14)

3. **Are You... Can You... Were You? Slowly synth. Less experimental than many other tracks on the album. (4:47)

4. A Treatise Dedicated To The Avian Airess From North East Nubis. A song about a girl. Mellow. (2:45)

5. Youlogy. Groove that occasionally echoes infinitely outward. The song progresses through multiple parts. (3:58)

6. Endeavors for Never. Cool jazzy inspiration. Sultry singing. (2:51)

7. *Recollections of the Wraith. Sparse chill beat, with an occasional well-placed female soul sample. “Clear some space out, so we can space out.” (3:35)

8. The King’s New Clothes Were Made By His Own Hands. Trippy echo effects on the beat. Midtempo. (2:07)

9. Yeah You. Has a cool low, simple bass guitar and drum riff. (3:54)

10. **Swerve... The Reeping of All That is Worthwhile. Easily the most upbeat track on the album. Catchy swinging beat. (3:04)