Shabazz Palaces are percussionist Tendai Maraire and Ishmael Butler, former… Read Full Bio ↴Shabazz Palaces are percussionist Tendai Maraire and Ishmael Butler, formerly of Digable Planets and Cherrywine. Working now under the moniker Palaceer Lazaro, Ishmael provides the group’s vision and vocals, while Tendai employs ancient instruments from his homeland Zimbabwe.
After releasing several recordings themselves on small time labels, in 2010 they contracted to release an ep with Sub Pop and have collaborated in recordings and on stage with artists such as MC Silk, and THEESatisfaction. They deliver sincere and radical lyrics with sounds and beats that include sounds from around the world. Containing echos of funk, minor-key jazz, London dubstep and mbira sounds they structure their songs outside the 16-bars/chorus/repeat form of much hip hop.Their music won them the first ever Music Genius award from The Stranger in 2010.

The group which also features mixing engineer Erik Blood, often dress in elaborate costumes and masks for their live performances.
For Butler, who never stopped making music since he released his classic album by Digable Planets , ''Blowout Comb'', Shabazz palaces is his latest place to play with ideas. Those ideas have always been simultaneously global in their expansiveness and basement ceiling low in their commitment to hip-hop’s bottom line.
Their video for Belhaven Meridian is a one-shot bw music video, shot in Watts, LA, homage to the 1977 classic film Killer of Sheep, a film set around the Watts Riots. It features a cameo by Ernest Wadell from The Wire.
Dope.

Solemn Swears
Shabazz Palaces Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I bank in France like Jack Palance
I don’t eat pork like Mr. Roarke
I make them dance just at a glance

I set the tone like Al Capone

I bank in France like Jack Palance
I don’t eat pork like Mr. Roarke

I make them dance just at a glance

Just at a glance

I’m very nice like Jerry Rice
I make them dance just at a glance
I don’t eat pork like Mr. Roarke

I’m coming up like Donald Duck

I scream and yell like Samuel L
I’m often on like Chaka Khan

At a glance

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Shabazz Palaces's song Solemn Swears are a string of statements that establish the artist's identity and set the stage for the rest of the track. Each line serves as a declaration of who the artist is and what they stand for, with references to iconic figures and cultural touchstones throughout.

The opening lines "I bank in France like Jack Palance / I don’t eat pork like Mr. Roarke" suggest a sense of cosmopolitanism and sophistication, with the artist aligning themselves with a Hollywood icon and a figure associated with luxury and taste. The line "I make them dance just at a glance" further emphasizes the artist's ability to captivate and command attention with ease.

The subsequent lines continue in a similar vein, with references to Al Capone, Jerry Rice, and Chaka Khan. Each figure represents a different aspect of the artist's identity: Capone symbolizes power and influence, Rice represents athleticism and grace, and Khan stands for musical talent and creativity. Through these references, the artist paints a picture of themselves as someone who embodies a multitude of traits and influences, but who ultimately remains unique and self-assured.

Overall, Solemn Swears serves as an introduction to Shabazz Palaces's world and persona, with each line contributing to a larger portrait of the artist as confident, diverse, and culturally savvy.

Line by Line Meaning

I bank in France like Jack Palance
I have wealth and power like the famous actor Jack Palance, who was known for his successful career in Hollywood and his role as a villain in many movies.

I don’t eat pork like Mr. Roarke
I don't consume pork, which is prohibited in some religions or cultures, such as Judaism or Islam.

I make them dance just at a glance
I have the ability to captivate and entertain people with just a simple look or gesture.

I set the tone like Al Capone
I establish the mood, atmosphere or standard of a situation, similar to how the notorious gangster Al Capone set the tone in his criminal empire.

Just at a glance
I possess the power to attract attention and stir emotions with a simple glance and presence.

I’m very nice like Jerry Rice
I am kind and approachable like the legendary football player Jerry Rice, who was widely respected both on and off the field.

I’m coming up like Donald Duck
I am quickly rising in stature or popularity, much like the iconic cartoon character Donald Duck, who has become a beloved household name.

I scream and yell like Samuel L
I am not afraid to express myself vocally, just like the intense and passionate actor Samuel L. Jackson, who is known for his loud and powerful performances.

I’m often on like Chaka Khan
I am always present and engaged, similar to the legendary musician Chaka Khan, who has remained a prominent figure in the music industry for several decades.

Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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