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.
Yeah You
Shabazz Palaces Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yellin at me
Runnin at me
Mink coats
Pink Throats
Weak quotes
Blow Holes
Filthy notes
playing part
never sharp
The lyrics of Shabazz Palaces's song Yeah You speak to the struggle of staying true to oneself while being bombarded by the distractions and materialism that come with fame. The opening line "Corny Niggas they comin for me" implies a sense of paranoia and a constant feeling of being targeted by those who do not understand or appreciate the artistic vision. The yelling and running only adds to this feeling of being pursued. However, the mention of mink coats and pink throats suggests that the pursuers may be more concerned with appearances and status than genuine artistry.
The following lines "Weak quotes, Blow Holes, Anti-Dope, Filthy notes" are a commentary on the state of the music industry and the prevalence of mediocre and uninspired art. The singer is lamenting the lack of quality and originality in the music being produced, and perhaps feels like an outlier in their refusal to conform to these standards. The final line "playing part, never sharp" reinforces this idea of being unable to fully commit to a role or persona that does not align with their true self.
Overall, the lyrics of Yeah You delve into the complex emotions and challenges that come with being a creative in a world that often values superficiality over substance. The singer is grappling with feelings of isolation, frustration, and disillusionment while striving to stay true to their artistry.
Line by Line Meaning
Corny Niggas they comin for me
I am being targeted by unoriginal people who lack creativity and intelligence.
Yellin at me
These individuals are shouting and making a scene to draw attention to themselves.
Runnin at me
They are aggressively approaching me, perhaps in an attempt to intimidate or harm me.
Mink coats
These people are superficial and focused on material possessions, such as expensive fur coats.
Pink Throats
Their attempts to be fashionable or trendy are ridiculous and unappealing.
Weak quotes
Their words lack originality or depth, and are therefore unimpressive.
Blow Holes
Their mouths are constantly spouting nonsense and hot air without any real substance.
Anti-Dope
These individuals are against the concept of being truly authentic or alternative, and prefer to conform to mainstream ideals.
Filthy notes
The sounds they create with their instruments or voices are unpleasant and unappealing.
playing part
They are simply going through the motions of appearing a certain way, without truly embodying or understanding the values they claim to espouse.
never sharp
Their actions and words are never truly impactful or meaningful, and instead come across as dull or unremarkable.
Contributed by Natalie W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.