Seattle-based hip-hop visionary Shabazz Palaces, led by vocalist and producer Ismael Butler, continues to push boundaries with the release of his latest project, “Exotic Birds of Prey.” This seven-song mini-album, released worldwide by Sub Pop in 2024, showcases Butler’s unwavering commitment to reimagining hip-hop, even as he enters his fifth decade on Earth.
“Exotic Birds of Prey” builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, “Robed in Rareness,” maintaining a delicate balance between honoring the past, embracing the present, and forging a path into the future. Where “Robed in Rareness” blended genres like shoegaze and ambient music, “Exotic Birds of Prey” takes experimentation further by infusing elements of electro and funk into Shabazz Palaces’ sonic universe.
One of the most notable aspects of this new endeavor is the collaborations it features. Butler joins forces with a diverse array of artists, including Japreme Magnetic, OCNotes, Cobra Coil, Purple Tape Nate, and Lavarr the Starr. Tracks like “Angela” feature Stas THEE Boss and Irene Barber, while Lavarr the Starr contributes to “Take Me To Your Leader,” and Japreme Magnetic lends his talents to “Myths of the Occult.” OC Notes makes an appearance on “Well Known Nobody,” and Purple Tape Nate joins forces with Cobra Coil for the title track, “Exotic Birds of Prey.”
“Exotic Birds of Prey” was meticulously crafted by Shabazz Palaces, with mixing by Erik Blood and engineering by Butler and Blood at Studio4 West in Venice, California. The album was mastered by Warren Defever at Third Man Mastering, ensuring a polished and immersive listening experience.
In addition to the album release, Shabazz Palaces is gearing up for an exciting lineup of live performances. Next week, they will take the stage at My Morning Jacket’s “One Big Holiday” event at the Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya, from April 4th-7th, 2024. Following this, Shabazz Palaces will embark on a European and UK tour in support of both “Robed in Rareness” and “Exotic Birds of Prey,” kicking off on April 27th in Paris, France, and concluding on May 22nd in Braga, Portugal.
For fans looking to own a physical copy of the album, “Exotic Birds of Prey” is available on CD/LP from Sub Pop. North American orders placed through megamart.subpop.com and select independent retailers will receive limited Loser Editions on Translucent White vinyl. In the UK and Europe, LP orders from Mega Mart 2 will include Loser Editions on Cream White vinyl for “Exotic Birds of Prey” and on Red vinyl for “Robed in Rareness.”
With “Exotic Birds of Prey,” Shabazz Palaces continues to push the boundaries of hip-hop while maintaining a steadfast commitment to innovation and creativity. This latest release promises to captivate audiences with its bold sonic landscapes and thought-provoking lyricism, further solidifying Shabazz Palaces’ position as one of the most pioneering acts in contemporary music.
Shabazz Palaces “Exotic Birds Of Prey” Tracklist:
1. Exotic BOP (feat. Purple Tape Nate)
2. Angela (feat. Stas THEE Boss & Irene Barber)
3. Myths Of The Occult (feat. Japreme Magnetic)
4. Goat Me (feat. Cobra Coil)
5. Well Known Nobody (feat. OCnotes)
6. Synth Dirt
7. Take Me To Your Leader (feat. Lavarr the Starr)
Shabazz Palaces European and UK tour:
Date | Location | Venue |
---|---|---|
Sat. Apr. 27 | Paris, FR | Le Petit Bain |
Tue. Apr. 30 | Lille, FR | Aeronef |
Wed. May 01 | Brussels, BE | AB Club |
Thu. May 02 | Ramsgate, UK | Music Hall |
Fri. May 03 | Dublin, IE | Sugar Club |
Sat. May 04 | Leeds, UK | Headrow House |
Sun. May 05 | Manchester, UK | YES Pink Room |
Mon. May 06 | Brighton, UK | Patterns |
Tue. May 07 | London, UK | Village Underground |
Thu. May 09 | Amsterdam, NL | Paradiso |
Sat. May 11 | Copenhagen, DK | Huset |
Sun. May 12 | Hamburg, DE | Turmzimmer |
Mon. May 13 | Berlin, DE | Frannz Club |
Tue. May 14 | Prague, CZ | Meet Factory |
Thu. May 16 | Geneva, CH | L’Usine |
Sun. May 19 | San Sebastian, ES | Dabadaba |
Mon. May 20 | Madrid, ES | Cafe Berlin |
Tue. May 21 | Lisbon, PT | B. Leza |
Wed. May 22 | Braga, PT | Gnration |
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