Black Up
by Shabazz Palaces
  • Record Label: Sub Pop
  • Release Date: Jun 28, 2011
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 53 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 53
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 53
  3. Negative: 4 out of 53
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  1. alabasterjones
    Jun 3, 2012
    6
    If you want hooks or beats, look somewhere else. Interesting stuff, but also preachy without a well-communicated message...not a great combination. This is not the kind of hip-hop you play at parties or blast out your car stereo, it's for sitting down with a joint and a good pair of headphones.

Awards & Rankings

57
#57 Best Album of 2011
74
#74 Most Discussed Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
  1. RapReviews.com
    Mar 13, 2012
    85
    Shabazz Palaces created an album that is deep, dense, cryptic, hypnotic, and beautiful in its own freaky way.
    Read full review
  2. Mojo
    Nov 22, 2011
    80
    In the category of great rap reinventions, file it next to Daniel Dumile's post-KMD rebirth as MF Doom and Ultramagnetic's MC Kool Keith re-training as Dr. Octagon. [Aug. 2011, p. 94]
  3. Rolling Stone
    Aug 15, 2011
    70
    Reborn as Palaceer Lazaro in Shabazz Palaces, the rapper still waxes poetic with the old boho bounce as he lounges in the club or decries the evils of American culture.
    Read full review
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