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
Graffiti
Digable Planets Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I got the concrete under my feet
I got shotty right next to my body
I got the hood notes so street get your float on
I got the ease back style, watch out what i'm typin
Noise, noise, noise, noise
To summarize a lick at the man with the stick
Come strategy fight act like new york
Pieces can squeeze deep of the way
Why g mayors sonnies dis it
We latitude sway we determine the prey
He swings the whole sphere in original
Scare steelo's weak soul scream and a whisper
Blow the house right over black people grow
We make
Noise, noise, noise, noise
I got the buck wild style that make you get hyper
I got the knowledge of god, sevens all in my cipher
I got the new york hip hop so it goes on and on
Lose my mind, pen and paper then the rhymes is not
Mind held down well so you can't touch it
When i discharge fools pray for peace
Beats all on my back it's just like that in brooklyn
So i vibrate and shake em off like fleas
Electromatic radiation, radio waves
Changing frequency
Here in n.y.c we get busy
Raps and peas, street smarts, no college degrees
Too many degrees the freeze not fakin
Fake snakes are bacon, honeys hips are shakin
It ain't no joke so get your boys
This i full rule what we do
We make
Noise, noise, noise, noise
I got the power for twenty four hours
I got the love pump, brooklyn don't front
I got the fly joints pat, like that, like that
I got the slow motion got my float, got my clique
I get sly when i feel the positive vibe, uh
The seven gets eleven when i'm filled with the vibes
Now i'm flyin high through the seventh dimension
As i travel uptown to get a piece of the action
Then i'm maxin with the actual facts men
As we relax to a black ceaser flick and third vision
My movements is precision, supreme mathematician
Indeed i'm true and livin when i'm givin
What?
That
Noise, noise, noise, noise
Brothers with the blowouts develop your envelopes
Stamp it, amp it, raise your razor blade
Found downtown in the land of crooks
My pops say books, i say sneaks and name buckles
Pigs say freeze boy, shit, i just chuckles
Fence alley
Walkin by them fronts from my jip in the flatty
Everthing cherry cause george just stole a caddy
Who bust dex was the question next
Dre said
Northbound
Then he sipped his becks
Then he clipped his vex, display the context
Beep code, street clothes and all the nose candy
Hotter microphone, heater the chrome jammy
My family consists one honey
Comrades, ghetto streets, more gods than greeks
The seven twos eleven till death toy
Now you understand what i'm talking about
Now you understand what my walk is about
Now you understand what new york is about
We make
Noise, noise, noise, noise
It's just
Noise, noise, noise, noise
They keep lying together like fingers on the can
No outsiders ever, never
“Graffiti” by Digable Planets is a song that delves into the themes of hip hop culture, street life, and social justice. The first verse talks about the artist's connection to the concrete streets and the gun he carries alongside him. He also mentions the style he employs when rapping. The chorus chants the word “Noise” repeatedly and is almost like a rallying cry for the hip hop culture that this song is rooted in.
The second verse is about the power that their brand of hip hop has- the ability to cause a ruckus and to make noise. They mention their profound knowledge of hip hop which has been transformed into an art form that represents the streets of New York. They also describe their ability to shake off negative vibes like fleas- a testament to their resilience. The final verse also references the city of New York and the many cultures that thrive there. There is a message about community and the importance of sticking together, despite the oppressive nature of the outside world.
Line by Line Meaning
Go out into the field and rap to these people
Share your music with the community.
I got the concrete under my feet
I feel rooted and connected to the city streets.
I got shotty right next to my body
I am armed and ready to defend myself.
I got the hood notes so street get your float on
My music is influenced by the streets and encourages people to dance.
I got the ease back style, watch out what i'm typin
My laid-back delivery style masks the deep meaning in my lyrics.
Noise, noise, noise, noise
Repeating 'noise' represents the chaos and disturbance found in urban areas.
To summarize a lick at the man with the stick
To criticize the authorities.
Come strategy fight act like new york
Overcoming challenges with the perseverance of the people of New York.
Pieces can squeeze deep of the way
Graffiti art can make a powerful statement.
Why g mayors sonnies dis it
Why is it that the children of politicians often rebel against their families?
We latitude sway we determine the prey
We control the direction of the conversation and the outcome.
He swings the whole sphere in original
We have the power to influence society.
Scare steelo's weak soul scream and a whisper
Some people appear tough on the outside but are fragile inside.
Blow the house right over black people grow
The community is incredibly resilient and can overcome external obstacles.
I got the buck wild style that make you get hyper
My energetic delivery style can get people excited.
I got the knowledge of god, sevens all in my cipher
I possess supreme knowledge and wisdom that I share with my community.
I got the new york hip hop so it goes on and on
New York is a hub for hip-hop music and culture.
Lose my mind, pen and paper then the rhymes is not
When I am in a creative flow state, my lyrics become more meaningful.
Mind held down well so you can't touch it
My thoughts are guarded and not easily influenced by external factors.
When i discharge fools pray for peace
People who cross me will regret it.
Beats all on my back it's just like that in brooklyn
The community is constantly pushing me to create and excel.
So i vibrate and shake em off like fleas
I shake off haters and negativity.
Electromatic radiation, radio waves
A reference to the power and influence of music.
Changing frequency
The impact of music can change people's feelings and perspectives.
Here in n.y.c we get busy
New York is an exciting and vibrant city.
Raps and peas, street smarts, no college degrees
My success does not come from traditional academic pursuits.
Too many degrees the freeze not fakin
Too much formal education can be detrimental to creativity and authenticity.
Fake snakes are bacon, honeys hips are shakin
Fake people will always be exposed, while the community is always partying and having fun.
It ain't no joke so get your boys
Take this music and message seriously.
This i full rule what we do
Our music defines and guides our community.
I got the power for twenty four hours
I have the energy and ability to make music all day and night.
I got the love pump, brooklyn don't front
I have love and respect for Brooklyn and its people.
I got the fly joints pat, like that, like that
I have the best style and flow.
I got the slow motion got my float, got my clique
I have a chill vibe and a supportive group of friends.
I get sly when i feel the positive vibe, uh
I become more clever and cunning when I am surrounded by positivity.
The seven gets eleven when i'm filled with the vibes
I have good luck and success when I am feeling good.
Now i'm flyin high through the seventh dimension
I am creatively and spiritually soaring.
As i travel uptown to get a piece of the action
I am always looking for opportunities to grow and expand my influence.
Then i'm maxin with the actual facts men
I spend time with people who are knowledgeable and truthful.
As we relax to a black ceaser flick and third vision
We unwind and enjoy a film together that expands our minds.
My movements is precision, supreme mathematician
I am precise and calculated in my musical techniques.
Indeed i'm true and livin when i'm givin
I feel most alive and authentic when I am making music.
Brothers with the blowouts develop your envelopes
People with afros should work hard to develop their skills and artistic styles.
Stamp it, amp it, raise your razor blade
Make an impact with your art and don't be afraid to go against the grain.
Found downtown in the land of crooks
Creativity and art can be found even in the most corrupt parts of the city.
My pops say books, i say sneaks and name buckles
My father values education, but I prefer fashion and style.
Pigs say freeze boy, shit, i just chuckles
I do not fear authority and find it comical when they try to intimidate me.
Fence alley
A reference to a seedy neighborhood.
Walkin by them fronts from my jip in the flatty
I walk around the city and see its flaws and beauty from my perspective.
Everthing cherry cause george just stole a caddy
Everything is good because someone we know stole a Cadillac.
Who bust dex was the question next
We discuss our friends and their legal troubles.
Dre said Northbound
A friend named Dre suggests a plan of action.
Then he sipped his becks
Dre takes a sip of his beer.
Then he clipped his vex, display the context
Dre is very precise and particular in his actions.
Beep code, street clothes and all the nose candy
A reference to the drug culture of the city.
Hotter microphone, heater the chrome jammy
My rhymes are hotter than a gun and can cause a lot of damage.
My family consists one honey
I am devoted to my partner.
Comrades, ghetto streets, more gods than greeks
My friends and neighbors are like a family to me and have their own unique cultures and beliefs.
The seven twos eleven till death toy
Our bond and friendship will last forever.
Now you understand what i'm talking about
My message has been effectively delivered.
Now you understand what my walk is about
You now have insight into my life and values.
Now you understand what new york is about
I have shown you the complexities of life in New York.
It's just
Repeating 'noise' represents the chaos and disturbance found in urban areas.
Noise, noise, noise, noise
Repeating 'noise' represents the chaos and disturbance found in urban areas.
They keep lying together like fingers on the can
People are united in their lies and corruption.
No outsiders ever, never
Non-members are not allowed into the inner circle.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ISHMAEL BUTLER, ISHMAEL R. BUTLER, CRAIG IRVING, CRAIG L. IRVING, MARY ANN VIEIRA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind