Shine a Light

~ QUAZARZ: BORN ON A GANGSTER STAR ~ SUB POP ~ 2017

Shabazz Palaces, Thaddilac

Shine a Light

Shine A Light, the first single off Quazarz: Born on a Gangster Star, is a sound bridge between classic hip-hop and new. Its  sample of Dee Dee Sharp “I Really Love You” sets the listener down a romantic memory lane, while Thaddilac’s psychedelic hook keeps pace with todays experimentalist outlook on hip-hop. Ishmael Butler’s single verse of the song, a sonnet-like ode to all of the joys life has to offer, creates a true “feel good” experience.

While Shine A Light may be the most successful song that Shabazz Palaces have had commercially, it is a gateway into a full catalog of albums pushing the boundaries of modern music. Releasing four studio albums under one of the most iconic independent record companies, Sub Pop, the rap duo have become indie hip-hop’s biggest mainstays. Mixing the classic 808 drum machine sounds into world music beats, with hooks so effects laden they become otherworldly. Shabazz Palaces set the pace for the future of hip-hop. 

Brought to you by: Colin Clayton