Shabazz Palaces
Lese Majesty
(Sub Pop Records)

Hip-hop crew Shabazz Palaces share their proper sophomore release Lese Majesty via Sup Pop Records. Comprised of Palaceer Lazaro (of Digable Planets fame) and Tendai “Baba” Maraire, the duo delivers another project that is considerably hard to not like — if only weird equated to immediate dislike.

Similar to Black Up — their acclaimed 2011 album, Lese Majesty is also hard to decipher. It’s hip-hop, alternative, creative, and yet cool – but it’s also bizarre. From cover art design, music videos (or lack there of), to promotional photos of Lazaro with snakes on leashes, the group defies that commercial life of radio airplay. The album’s title tells you everything you need to know — “Les Majesty” is French for a crime against sovereignty or control. It also features Catherine Harris-White of Seattle duo THEESatisfaction.