Black Up [Explicit]

Shabazz Palaces | Format: MP3 Music

Product Details

• Original Release Date: June 28, 2011
• Release Date: June 28, 2011
• Label: Sub Pop Records
• Copyright: 2011 Sub Pop Records
• Record Company Required Metadata: Music file metadata contains unique purchase identifier. Learn more.
• Total Length: 36:01
• Genres:
  • Rap & Hip-Hop
• Format: Explicit Lyrics
• ASIN: B005765R5U
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,381 Paid in MP3 Albums (See Top 100 Paid in MP3 Albums)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Seriously trippy, one of the best albums of the year in general. July 9, 2011

By Edward Casper

Format:Audio CD

I have to admit up front: I am not a big fan of hip hop. I got into De La Soul and the Digable Planets and other acts like that, but over time, I just gave up on it. I like catchy or trippy non-homophobic music, like Bjork, and there wasn't enough hip hop out there that got me going.

But this album, I was curious about because it was from the main guy in Digable Planets, and he happens to live in my home town. I picked up Black Up when it came out and I was not disappointed in the least. If you like intricate production, intense music, and a healthy dollop of stereo separation, this CD is for you. Plus, I like figuring out what this guy is saying (or at least, trying to figure it out). This Shabazz Palaces guy lives in his own universe, but one that is mysterious and filled with cool sounds and interesting words. This is an egg I am having fun cracking.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An Album that Progresses Hip Hop June 30, 2011

By Josh

Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase

This album has everything I never knew I wanted in a hip hop album. Every Tuesday I scour the latest hip hop releases searching for something that offers more than the mainstream traditional hip-POP that has become pervasive in the hip hop world. This Tuesday I struck gold with this album.

The beats are where this album truly shines. From the first track you can hear the creative experimentation that is the backbone of the album. There is a noticeable jazz influence interwoven with synths and bass. At times unpredictable, the rhythms and drumbeats give this album a rich complexity that is quite enjoyable.

If you want something different from traditional hip hop - And probably a little ahead of its time - you should definitely get this album.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Probably the best hip hop album that will come out this year. August 23, 2011

By Cher

Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase

When I first put this album into my rotation, it sat around, not quite hooking quickly, but by the second full listen it struck me hard. Black Up is almost completely unlike anything out there in the hip hop spectrum right now. Throughout the 10 songs presented here, simple beats highlighted by electronic flourishes (almost dubstepesque) compliment a very smooth flow and intelligent lyrics.

Not only that, but the album holds a very spacy sound enhanced by a rich sonic atmosphere of odd, trippy effects (both in the beats AND the vocals). Hooks are abound in many of the tracks (my favorite being in Swerve, near the end), and stand out among each other.

Black Up certainly isn't for everyone, and those not looking for a challenging listen may be alienated from it's out there sound, but for those willing to put in a small amount of time for it to sink in, it's well worth it.

9/10 (or 5 stars)