The group first took shape in the early ‘90s, in New York City. Former Seattle resident Butterfly (a k a Ishmael Butler) hooked up with Philadelphia native Doodlebug (Craig Irving), who was a member of New York collective Dread Poets Society, and Ladybug (Mary Ann Vieira), a Maryland denizen of Brazilian descent. Like the name chosen for their band, the new handles each member adopted also reflected a universal consciousness.
“Insects stick together and work for mutually beneficial causes,” Ladybug observed in Essence. Doodlebug added, “Humans are supposed to be the most intelligent beings on the planet, and yet we can’t seem to come together in a peaceful manner.”
On their 1993 debut, Reachin' (A New Refutation Of Time And Space), the threesome showed just how rich and vibrant the musical product of three distinctive minds working in harmony could be. Musically, they incorporated elements of funk, samba, and psychedelia into their street-savvy hip-hop; jazz, in particular, played a pivotal role. The group gave shout-outs to icons Charles Mingus and Charlie Parker, and sampled others, including Sonny Rollins and the Last Poets.
“Like hip-hop, they developed a language and style that was unique,” noted Butterfly of their jazz forefathers. “Those cats used their vernacular to communicate a new perspective.” With unabashedly intelligent lyrical references to everything from Karl Marx (on the reggae-tinged “Where I'm From“) and Jimi Hendrix, to feminist bell hooks and poet Nikki Giovanni, the Planets boldly followed suit.
Critics responded to the Planets’ debut platter enthusiastically. “Reachin' (A New Refutation Of Time And Space) is everything hip-hop should be: artistically sound, unabashedly conscious and downright cool,” proclaimed Kevin Powell in a four-star review for Rolling Stone. “And Digable Planets is the kind of rap act every fan should cram to understand.” The record would eventually hit #15 on the Billboard 200, break the Top 5 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and achieve Platinum sales status.
Buoyed up by a bubbling bass line and curlicues of brass (the latter lifted from a sample of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers), and peppered with finger-pops, the sublimely chill single “Rebirth Of Slick (Cool Like Dat)" became the album’s biggest hit. It peaked at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, winning legions of fans across a variety of radio formats as well as in clubs. The track deservedly earned the 1993 Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
After touring extensively, accompanied by a live band, the trio returned to the studio, emerging in 1994 with their sophomore outing, Blowout Comb. Even more so than its predecessor, the Planets’ second full-length pushed stylistic boundaries. The group downplayed samples in favor of live performances: “Dog It“ juxtaposed animated sax and vibraphone turns (by Donald “Duck” Harrison and Bill Lounge, respectively) with a slightly harder vocal style, while sultry, summery singing on “Dial 7 (Axioms Of Creamy Spies)" evoked an air of vintage ‘70s soul. Special guests on the Blowout Comb sessions included Brooklyn rapper Jeru The Damaja (”Graffiti“) and pioneering female hip-hop DJ Jazzy Joyce (”9th Wonder (Blackitolism)“), who also toured with the group.
Although Digable Planets dissolved in 1996, all three members have remained active musically. Butterfly went on to form the band Cherrywine, releasing the album Bright Black in 2003. He also composed music for commercial clients including Pepsi and Fila, and ventured into acting, with roles in film (the 2002 Sundance fave I Am Ali) and Off Broadway. Mecca the Ladybug – now Ladybug Mecca – dropped her new solo album, Trip The Light Fantastic, in June, 2005 on her very own record label “Nu Paradigm Entertainment”. She also composed the score for a short film entitled “The Monster” courtesy of “Scenarios USA” - Kids Creating Social Change in 2001. A segment of the film was featured on ABC World News Tonight with Peter Jennings. She can also be spotted in Snoop Dogg's Video "Candy," the result of one of her lyrics being sampled for this song. Working as Cee Knowledge, Doodlebug has been leading Philadelphia live hip-hop ensemble Cosmic Funk Orchestra since 2000. In addition Doodlebug is actively the CEO of the successful multimedia company “7 and a Cresent”. But most importantly for Digable Planets fans worldwide, the original trio recently reformed to play a number of well-received live dates (including Lollapalooza 2005), and begin work on their first album in over a decade.
(2) Though they were not the first to synthesize jazz and hip-hop, Digable Planets epitomized the laid-back charm of jazz hipsters better than any group before or since. The trio's 1993 debut album, Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space), was a mellow ride packed with samples from Art Blakey, Sonny Rollins, and Curtis Mayfield, and the single "Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)" became a Top 20 pop hit. After earning a Grammy for Best New Duo or Group and embarking on an ambitious tour that included several live musicians, the Planets returned in late 1994 with their best album yet. Blowout Comb continued the group's jazz-rap fusion, but also saw them branching out to embrace the old school sound of the street as well.
Digable Planets formed in the early '90s, when Butterfly (b. Ishmael Butler, Brooklyn, NY) met Ladybug (b. Mary Ann Vieira, Silver Springs, MD) while attending college in Massachusetts. The two later hooked up with Doodlebug (b. Craig Irving, Philadelphia, PA), in Washington, D.C., and began recording. Their first single, "Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)," released on the Pendulum subsidiary of Warner, hit the R&B Top Ten while their debut, Reachin' (A New Refutation of Time and Space), was a critical and commercial success. Digable Planets' resulting tour had a laid-back vibe more in keeping with a jazz show than any hip-hop concert, though the live musicians were criticized for doing little more than re-creating samples from the album. The trio solved that problem with the release of their second album, Blowout Comb, in late 1994. Much stronger than its predecessor, it used fewer samples and even included several solos. With no strong single to carry it, however, Blowout Comb's sales performance was not up to that of Reachin'. After Blowout Comb, Digable Planets basically dissolved due to the dreaded "creative differences". All three continued making music separately, but despite many promises that the recordings would become actual releases, nearly a decade passed before releases appeared from Butterfly's Cherrywine project, Ladybug's new billing Ladybug Mecca, and Doodlebug's Cee Knowledge. Then, just a few weeks shy of the ten-year anniversary of Blowout Comb, the three announced that they had reunited to record their third Digable Planets album. A compilation, Beyond the Spectrum: The Creamy Spy Chronicles, filled the gap while fans waited for its release. ~ John Bush, Rovi
Dedicated
Digable Planets Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This is dedication to my whole crew
Those thats true, they all know who
This is a dedication to my real crew
They all know who, the ones thats true
Dedication to my whole crew
Going back a couple years
Do you got a court or family, me neither
The G’s freeze broke splittin’ one slice of pizza
Medina never seen a crew as fly, uh bumpin’
Sayin’ somethin’ fresh, fuckin' labels keep frontin’
Ain’t nothin’ we about's to make it
Take it if we gotta
Now, I gotta daughter do or die time
Writin' rhymes on the rug
For to or whom it’s all love we don’t bug
Same time Terell caught a slug
I sew time muscle time in the city
Ain’t got dimes for the week, no pity
Shitty ass rap need a firm gun clap
Revolution time, I’m cool like ‘dat
Go pop, I would never act a fool like ‘dat
I’m a panther, to a triple six, I’m cancer
Blow up time, magazines, TV
Mad shows, flows, airplanes, overseas
Cash on point, but I’m still on the d
Now, I fell a nell with a flower
Never let a blossom, love
I want some she got some
Make life, same time take life
Now it’s gone but the shit goes on
Comrade click, memories stand strong
My joints go unpeep for the brains I borg
I live in eternal hell for this pain I 'cause
Yes, yes, y'all it’s true we got the grammy
Blast blast fool with my pound chrome jammie
Media clowns never did understand [unverified]
Essential ghetto slick as meadow
Me and cee know that’s the love one forever
Individual or together
My brother Sulaiman knowledge be Dash Dave and Mec
Fool, I die for the niggas in my click
Now I deal truth so, I’m straight bullet proof
Dania love give me eternal youth
Maya Angelou do what you got to
Yeah baby, I catch you when we get there
Tell me momma 'cause the kids so legit
We goin’ to the essence with some fly ass shit
Reachin’, blowout comb, this how we do it
We goin’ to the essence with some fly ass shit
Show you right, uh
This a dedication to my whole crew
(Marianne)
The ones that’s true
(Knowledge)
We all know who
[Unverified]
Dedication to my whole crew
[Unverified]
They all know who
(Danea)
The ones that’s true
[Unverified]
Dedication to my whole fuckin’ crew
(God)
We all know who
(In love)
The ones that’s true
(Grandma)
Dedication to my whole crew
(Maya)
The ones that’s true
(Dave)
I catch you
(Peace)
The lyrics to Digable Planets' song "Dedicated" are a tribute to the group's crew - the people who have supported them throughout their musical journey. The song begins by acknowledging that these people already know who they are, and proceeds to describe some of the struggles the group has faced over the years. The lyrics are a testament to the group's dedication to their craft, their friends, and their community, and to the power of love and solidarity in the face of adversity.
The song paints a vivid picture of a time when the group was struggling to make ends meet, sharing slices of pizza and writing rhymes on the floor. But despite their struggles, the group never lost sight of their vision and their commitment to their art. The lyrics also reference some of the group's musical influences and inspirations, including the Black Panther party, Maya Angelou, and various members of their crew.
Overall, the lyrics to "Dedicated" are a powerful testament to the value of community and the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of adversity. They emphasize the need to find strength and support in one's friends and loved ones, and to cling to one's dreams and ideals no matter what obstacles may arise along the way.
Line by Line Meaning
Nightime, bust it
The dedication is going to be given at nighttime, so listen up.
This is dedication to my whole crew
The following song is a tribute to the people I consider my true friends and associates.
Those thats true, they all know who
My real crew members are aware of their status and do not need to be named.
Going back a couple years
This dedication is a reflection on a period in our past.
Before the tears and the fame, bust it
Before we experienced any hardships or received any recognition, listen up.
Do you got a court or family, me neither
I, like many of my crew members, do not have a strong support system beyond our group.
The G’s freeze broke splittin’ one slice of pizza
We used to have very little in the way of resources and would have to share food.
Medina never seen a crew as fly, uh bumpin’
Our crew is known for being incredibly stylish and well-respected in our community.
Sayin’ somethin’ fresh, fuckin' labels keep frontin’
Our music is unique and noteworthy, but major record labels do not recognize our talent.
Ain’t nothin’ we about's to make it
We will do whatever it takes to achieve success.
Take it if we gotta
We will pursue our goals relentlessly regardless of any obstacles we face.
Now, I gotta daughter do or die time
I have a daughter to provide for, and it is a crucial time in my life.
Writin' rhymes on the rug
I am committed to my craft and willing to work even in uncomfortable conditions.
For to or whom it’s all love we don’t bug
We have love for all people in our lives, and we do not let conflicts bring us down.
Same time Terell caught a slug
My friend Terrell was recently shot.
I sew time muscle time in the city
I have gained strength and experience through my time in the city.
Ain’t got dimes for the week, no pity
I am currently experiencing financial difficulties, but I am not looking for sympathy.
Shitty ass rap need a firm gun clap
There is a lot of bad music out there that deserves to be criticized.
Revolution time, I’m cool like ‘dat
It is time for change and rebellion, and I am ready and willing to participate in that movement.
Go pop, I would never act a fool like ‘dat
I will not sell out my beliefs for the sake of popularity or fame.
I’m a panther, to a triple six, I’m cancer
I am a symbol of strength and perseverance, and I am a threat to those who do not share our values.
Blow up time, magazines, TV
We are gaining a lot of attention in the media.
Mad shows, flows, airplanes, overseas
Our music is taking us to new places and we are becoming more successful.
Cash on point, but I’m still on the d
We are making money, but we have not forgotten or abandoned our roots.
Now, I fell a nell with a flower
I am moved by the beauty of nature and experiencing a moment of serenity.
Never let a blossom, love
We must appreciate and cherish the beauty in the world around us.
I want some she got some
I am attracted to a woman and hope to start a relationship with her.
Make life, same time take life
We are constantly creating and destroying in our lives.
Now it’s gone but the shit goes on
Although some things may come to an end, life continues to move forward.
Comrade click, memories stand strong
Our close-knit group values the memories and experiences we share together.
My joints go unpeep for the brains I borg
My music is underappreciated and undervalued, despite the real emotion and intellect that goes into it.
I live in eternal hell for this pain I 'cause
I am haunted by the grief that my music may have caused others.
Yes, yes, y'all it’s true we got the grammy
We have won a Grammy Award, cementing our success in the music industry.
Blast blast fool with my pound chrome jammie
I will defend my crew and my values with my weapon if necessary.
Media clowns never did understand [unverified]
The media has always misunderstood our music and our message.
Essential ghetto slick as meadow
We have a sophistication and style despite our humble origins.
Me and cee know that’s the love one forever
I know that my friend Cee will always be a true companion and ally.
Individual or together
We can operate as successful individuals, but we are even better working together as a group.
My brother Sulaiman knowledge be Dash Dave and Mec
My brothers Sulaiman, Knowledge, Dash, and Mec are invaluable members of our crew.
Fool, I die for the niggas in my click
I would do anything to protect and support my crew members.
Now I deal truth so, I’m straight bulletproof
My honesty and integrity make me strong and impervious to attacks on my character.
Dania love give me eternal youth
The love of my partner Dania keeps me young and vital.
Maya Angelou do what you got to
The writing and teachings of Maya Angelou inspire me to keep working hard and making a difference in the world.
Yeah baby, I catch you when we get there
I will be there for my loved ones and crew members when needed.
Tell me momma 'cause the kids so legit
My successful music career is a source of pride for my mother.
We goin’ to the essence with some fly ass shit
We are creating and performing music that is true to ourselves and our values.
Reachin’, blowout comb, this how we do it
Our albums Reachin' and Blowout Comb are representative of our unique style and vision.
We goin’ to the essence with some fly ass shit
We will continue to make music that is genuine and reflective of our experiences and values.
Show you right, uh
We are confident and proud of our work.
Contributed by Mia K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.