Shabazz Palaces has announced Robed in Rareness, an upcoming mini-album out on October 27th via Sub Pop, and they’re offering a preview with the lead single “Binoculars” featuring Royce the Choice.
Led by hip-hop veteran Ishmael Butler, Robed in Rareness is Shabazz Palaces’ first collection of new material since their 2020 album The Don of Diamond Dreams. With this new mini-LP, “there’s a respectful eye on the past, an embrace of an ever-evolving present, and its feet are firmly planted in the future,” promises a press release.
Robed in Rareness also boasts collaborations with the likes of Porter Ray, O Finess, Lavarr the Starr, Geechi Suede, and Butler’s son, Lil Tracy, while Butler himself handled production and engineering. Pre-orders are ongoing.
“Binoculars” spotlights the more minimal side of Shabazz Palaces. It’s built on a pared-down beat that almost sounds like it was recorded in an empty cave, while Butler’s filtered, double-tracked vocals feel like the spooky voices you might hear in its depths. Listen to “Binoculars” below, and then keep scrolling to see the album art and tracklist for Robed in Rareness.
Shabazz Palaces have a handful of tour dates lined up, including performances at at My Morning Jacket’s One Big Holiday event. See the dates below, and find more details here.
Robed in Rareness Artwork:
Robed in Rareness Tracklist:
01. Binoculars (feat. Royce the Choice)
02. Woke Up In a Dream (feat. Lil Tracy)
03. P Kicking G (feat. Porter Ray)
04. Cinnamon Bun (feat. Lavarr the Starr)
05. Scarface Mace (feat. O Finess)
06. Gel Bait (feat. Geechi Suede)
07. Hustle Crossers
Shabazz Palaces 2023-2024 Tour Dates:
09/27 – Kingston, NY @ Tubby’s
09/28 – Toronto, ON @ Great Hall
09/29 – Montreal, QC @ Entrepot 77 (Late)
09/29 – Montreal, QC @ POP Montreal Festival (Early)
10/01 – Washington, DC @ DC9
04/04 – Quintana Roo, MX @ Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
08/05 – Quintana Roo, MX @ Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
08/06 – Quintana Roo, MX @ Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
08/07 – Quintana Roo, MX @ Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya
