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Black Up - Shabazz Palaces
Black Up Image
Metascore
83 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 36 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.2 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 27 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: The Seattle-based project, including Ishmael Butler of Digable Planets, is Sub Pop's first hip-hop signing.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. The A.V. Club
    Jun 28, 2011
    100
    A killer second act.
  2. Los Angeles Times
    Jun 21, 2011
    100
    Following a pair of brilliant EPs, Shabazz attacks with Black Up.
  3. The Wire
    Aug 12, 2011
    60
    There's a lingering sense of calculation to their weirdness, the feeling that this is someone's specific idea of what next-level hiphop is supposed to sound like and not the type of batshit creativity bursts that can lead to truly transcendent experimental hiphop.
    All this publication's reviews

See all 36 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. dudebro
    10
    Without any hype or press, Ish puts out the best hip-hop album of 2011. The production is crazy. It sounds kinda wonky with maybe some roots in dubstep, but ultimately it sounds like nothing else out there. It's a smart and contemplative album all being spat out from a likable and charismatic MC who doesn't even gather the spotlight because all of the elements just fit so well. This is a album for hip-hop enthusiasts, electronic music enthusiasts and all music enthusiasts that are open for experimentation and a possibly mind altering experience.… Expand
    • 2 of 2 users said yes
  2. r8diohead
    10
    A breath of fresh air into the realm of hip hop. This album is not only one of the most original hip hop albums released in the past decade, but possibly the best overall album of the year. These songs contain immense layers and constantly take unexpected turns, resulting in a stimulating listening experience even after repeated listens. Don't be surprised if this is on every music blog's top 5 list come December.… Expand
    • 2 of 2 users said yes
  3. zimmertosser69
    0
    This **** is lost on me. I have tried to listen and find any assembalence of beat or rythem and cannot grasp the appeal. I liked 2 songs off the entire CD but these high marks are unwarrented and their is much better stuff available like The Weekend or The Throne… Expand
    • 1 of 4 users said yes

See all 12 User Reviews

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