MERGE

The Rise of Afro-Eccentricism


The catalyst behind one of Seattle's most innovative hiphop projects doesn't want you to know who he is. You won't find his name in the credits of local outfit Shabazz Palaces' two phenomenal CDs, nor will you find a Shabazz Palaces MySpace page. You will search YouTube in vain for any Shabazz Palaces clips. The group's official website contains no clues regarding the leader's identity. While most rappers bust their asses to get a sliver of shine, Shabazz Palaces' mastermind prefers anonymity.

With a Grammy earned 15 years ago and two classic albums recorded with the Digable Planets trio, this smooth, smart rapper will have trouble maintaining his mystique. But it's admirable that he's decided to let his art stand or fall on its own (prodigious) merits when he could easily cash in on his sterling legacy.

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