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
Rebirth of Slick
Digable Planets Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Them they got moved by these hard-rock Brooklyn kids
Us floor rush when the DJ's booming classics
You, dig the crew on the fattest hip-hop record
He touch the kinks and sinks into the sounds
She frequents the fattest joints caught underground
Our funk zooms like you hit the Mary Jane
They flock to booms man boogie had to change
Where kinky hair goes to unthought-of dimensions
Why's it so fly? 'Cause hip-hop kept some drama
When Butterfly rocked the light blue-suede Pumas
What by the cut we push it off the corner
How was the buzz entire hip hop era
Was fresh and fat since they started saying "outtie"
'Cause funks made fat from right beneath my hoodie
The poobah of the styles like Miles and shit
Like sixties funky worms with waves and perms
Just sendin' junky rhythms right down ya block
We be to rap what key be to lock
But I'm cool like dat
I'm cool like dat
I'm cool like dat
I'm cool like dat
I'm cool like dat
I'm cool like dat
I'm cool like dat
I'm cool (I'm cool)
We be the chocolates taps on my raps
She innovates at the sweetest cat naps
He at the funk club with the vibrate
Them they be crazy down with the five Nat'
It can kick a plan then a crowd burst
Me, I be digging it with a bump verse
Us, we be freaking 'til dawn blinks an eye
He gives the strangest smile so I say hi (wassup?)
Who understood, yeah understood the plans
Him heard a beat and put it to his hands
What I just flip let borders get loose
How to consume or they'll be just like juice
If it's the shit we'll lift it off the plastic
The babes'll go spastic
Hip hop gains a classic
Pimp playing shock it don't matter I'm fatter
Ask Butta how I zone (man Cleopatra Jones)
And I'm chill like dat
I'm chill like dat
I'm chill like dat
I'm chill like dat
I'm chill like dat
I'm chill like dat
I'm chill like dat
I'm chill (chill)
Blink, blink, blink, blink, blink, blink (blink)
Think, think, think, think, think
We getcha free 'cause the clips be fat boss
Them they're the jams and commence to going off
She sweats the beat and ask me 'cause she puffed it
Me I got crew kids seven and a crescent
Us, cause a buzz when the nickel bags are dealt
Him, that's my man with the asteroid belt
They catch a fizz from the Mr. Doodle-big
He rocks a tee from the Crooklyn nine-pigs
The rebirth of slick like my gangsta stroll
The lyrics just like loot come in stacks and rolls
You used to find a Bug in a box with fade
Now he boogies up your stage plaits twist or braids
And I'm peace like dat
I'm peace like dat
I'm peace like dat
I'm peace like dat
I'm peace like dat
I'm peace like dat
I'm peace like dat
I'm peace
Check it out man I groove like dat
I'm smooth like dat
I jive like dat
I roll like dat
Yeah I'm thick like dat
I stack like dat
I'm down like dat
I'm black like dat
Well yo I funk like dat
I'm phat like dat
I'm in like dat
'Cause I swing like dat
We jazz like dat
We freak like dat
We zoom like dat
We out, we out (we out)
The lyrics to Digable Planets' "Rebirth of Slick" are open to interpretation, but one possible reading is that the song celebrates the group's unique style and their place in the hip-hop scene as innovators who blend funk, jazz, and other musical genres. The lyrics reference a variety of cultural touchstones, like hard-rock Brooklyn kids and sixties funky worms, but ultimately the song is about being "cool" in the sense of being confident and self-assured.
The first verse talks about the crew's love for classic hip-hop records and their ability to get lost in the music and the vibe of underground clubs. The second verse highlights the individual strengths of each member of the group, from Butter's ability to "zone" to Ladybug's innovative cat naps. The third verse circles back to the group's overall impact on the music world, calling their sound the "rebirth of slick" and comparing it to "loot come in stacks and rolls."
Overall, "Rebirth of Slick" is a celebration of Digable Planets' unique style and their place in the hip-hop canon as boundary-pushers and innovators.
Line by Line Meaning
We like the breeze flow straight out of our lids
We are confident and smooth in our actions, with an effortless flow.
Them they got moved by these hard-rock Brooklyn kids
We have a significant impact on the emotions and behaviors of others, especially those from Brooklyn.
Us floor rush when the DJ's booming classics
We thrive and get excited when the DJ plays traditional and well-known songs.
You, dig the crew on the fattest hip-hop record
You admire our group for creating and producing the most popular and successful hip-hop music.
He touch the kinks and sinks into the sounds
He lays his fingers on the music, becoming so engrossed and connected to its rhythm.
She frequents the fattest joints caught underground
She frequently visits the most popular and highly rated underground music venues.
Our funk zooms like you hit the Mary Jane
Our music has an irresistible and contagious energy, similar to the feeling when someone is high on marijuana.
They flock to booms man boogie had to change
The sudden influx of people responding positively to our music causes a significant shift in the dance and social scene, making it more exciting and lively.
Who freaks the clips with mad amount percussion
Whoever adds a substantial amount of percussion to our music creates rhythm and energy that excites and motivates people to dance.
Where kinky hair goes to unthought-of dimensions
In our music, we try to reimagine the limitations and social expectations of African American hair, reflecting and creating new social changes.
Why's it so fly? 'Cause hip-hop kept some drama
Hip-hop is popular and appealing because of the tension, drama, and excitement in the music and culture.
When Butterfly rocked the light blue-suede Pumas
When Butterfly performed successfully in his blue-suede Pumas, he became a style icon, emphasizing the importance of individuality and self-expression.
What by the cut we push it off the corner
We are always working hard to create new and innovative music, pushing the boundaries and avoiding stagnancy and repetition.
How was the buzz entire hip hop era
The entire hip-hop era was incredibly exciting and intense, building momentum and excitement throughout the music industry.
Was fresh and fat since they started saying 'outtie'
The hip-hop music scene became fresh and exciting when people started using a slang term that has now become well-known.
'Cause funks made fat from right beneath my hoodie
Our music has a deep, powerful sound that starts from within us, becoming an essential part of our identity and lifestyle.
The poobah of the styles like Miles and shit
We have significant influence and status in the music scene, comparable to that of legendary jazz musician Miles Davis.
Like sixties funky worms with waves and perms
We use the fashion and style of the 1960s as inspiration, creating a new funky and retro look.
Just sendin' junky rhythms right down ya block
We send our unique music and style directly to your neighborhood, making an impact on your daily life.
We be to rap what key be to lock
We are an essential component of the hip-hop music industry, unlocking new doors of creativity and expression.
But I'm cool like dat
I'm relaxed and confident in my style and demeanor.
Blink, blink, blink, blink, blink, blink (blink)
The sudden flashing of lights illustrates the impact and excitement of our music.
Think, think, think, think, think
Our music inspires thought and reflection, not just physical movement.
Them they be crazy down with the five Nat'
They are enthusiastic and passionate about the music, connecting to its roots and culture.
It can kick a plan then a crowd burst
Our music has the power to change plans and energize an entire group of people.
Me, I be digging it with a bump verse
I enjoy and appreciate the music, particularly when it's at its highest energy and power.
Us, we be freaking 'til dawn blinks an eye
We dance and experience the music all night long, not noticing the time pass by.
He gives the strangest smile so I say hi (wassup?)
A person smiles in a unique and genuine way, so I greet him and ask how he's doing.
Who understood, yeah understood the plans
People who truly understand and appreciate our music also understand our long-term vision and goals.
Him heard a beat and put it to his hands
Someone hears a specific beat or rhythm and uses that to inspire or drive their music creation and performance.
What I just flip let borders get loose
Our music has the power to loosen up boundaries and limitations, creating new opportunities and creativity.
How to consume or they'll be just like juice
People need to consume and appreciate our music to help it flourish and thrive, or else it may wither away like juice.
If it's the shit we'll lift it off the plastic
If the music is truly excellent and impressive, we will take it and use it to create something entirely new.
The babes'll go spastic
The fans and listeners of the music will become excited and enthusiastic, dancing and celebrating.
Hip hop gains a classic
Our music becomes iconic and classic within the hip-hop and music industries.
Pimp playing shock it don't matter I'm fatter
Even when we face large and unexpected challenges, we remain confident and unfazed due to our significant musical accomplishments and influence.
Ask Butta how I zone (man Cleopatra Jones)
Ask our friend Butta about my skill and style, which is compared to the iconic character Cleopatra Jones.
And I'm chill like dat
I'm relaxed, calm, and confident in my style and demeanor.
We getcha free 'cause the clips be fat boss
We provide an entertainment experience through music that is free, enjoyable, and exciting.
Them they're the jams and commence to going off
Our music is what causes the party or gathering to begin and become exciting.
She sweats the beat and ask me 'cause she puffed it
Someone is so enthusiastic and passionate about the music that they dance and work up a sweat, asking me about my thoughts on the style.
Me I got crew kids seven and a crescent
I have a large group of close friends and associates who I frequently work with and perform alongside.
Us, cause a buzz when the nickel bags are dealt
We create an exciting and intense atmosphere when the drugs and alcohol are distributed and consumed.
Him, that's my man with the asteroid belt
He is an important and influential person in my life, described as having immense power and status.
They catch a fizz from the Mr. Doodle-big
People become excited and enthusiastic when they experience and hear our unique and creative music and style.
He rocks a tee from the Crooklyn nine-pigs
He wears a t-shirt from the Crooklyn nine-pigs, emphasizing his unique and unconventional style and tastes.
The rebirth of slick like my gangsta stroll
Our music and style are a new and powerful iteration of conventional hip-hop and gangsta culture, emphasizing confidence, power, and individuality.
The lyrics just like loot come in stacks and rolls
Our lyrics and music are profitable and meaningful, expressed in powerful, confident, and unique ways.
You used to find a Bug in a box with fade
You used to find my music in a place that was dull and unremarkable, but now it's exciting and innovative.
Now he boogies up your stage plaits twist or braids
Now, I am on stage, performing and demonstrating my unique style and swagger that emphasizes the unconventional hair styles of the African American community.
We jazz like dat
We are cool, confident, and progressive in our style and music.
We freak like dat
We are spontaneous, innovative, and exciting in our music and lifestyle.
We zoom like dat
We are fast-moving, confident, and successful in our music and career.
We out, we out (we out)
We are leaving, departing from wherever we came from or wherever we were performing.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Ishmael R. Butler, Mary Ann Vieira
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind