My musical preferences tend to change with the seasons, oftentimes reaching for something that suits the weather at the moment. With the transition into fall, I’ve been happy to reach for the darker, moodier, fleece-lined songs that warm me up from deep down like a hot cup of tea on a chilly morning. The newest release from Shabazz Palaces, a trio of songs from the upcoming mini album Robed In Rareness, embraces this moody vibe to the fullest.
The quick triple play starts with “Scarface Mace” which features O Finess on the track. Right away, the floaty song makes me feel as though I am walking down a sidewalk during the middle of the night. As if you’re “moonwalking to church in some patent leathers,” the track glides through your ears in a spiritual manner.
Transitioning into the next song, Shabazz Palaces makes you feel as though you just “Woke Up In A Dream.” Featuring Lil Tracy, the track has a smooth, comforting bounce that keeps you in a lulled state of mind. It’s hypnotizing the way Ish and Lil Tracy swirl their lyrics around the beat.
Rounding out the release, the third song wakes you up and expands your perspective with a look through their “Binoculars.” Royce the Choice joins the Palaces for this track that emphasizes the moody, yet fluid flows that carve their path throughout all three songs. You can listen to the full mini album, Robed In Rareness, when it releases on Sub Pop Records on October 27.
Shabazz Palaces “Scarface Mace” Visualizer
La and Jester “Star”
Language Arts, it’s one of the most important subjects to learn in school that allows you to communicate effectively, if not impressively, throughout your life. It also happens to be the longform moniker of one of the best emcees you’ll find lurking around the Northwest. In his most recent release, La gives us plenty of reasons as to why he’s a “Star.” Not only does he show us that his vocabulary is exemplary, but he also shows us that he has an impressive way of putting words together, crafting bars that your average rapper couldn’t even dream of.
The Unusuals “Sweet Potatoes”
I don’t know about y’all, but I love me some “Sweet Potatoes.” Not only is the sweet starch the perfect addition to a pan of roasted vegetables or a pie, but it sets the tone for the latest release from the duo of Ninjaface and Xperience, dubbed The Unusuals. Throughout the track, the two lyrically roast their competition, only emphasized further with a buttered-up feature from Wordsworth that adds some extra depth to the already nutritionally dense song.
LAZĀ Told You So EP
“Duck Duck” you’re a damn goose if you’re not planning on listening to the newest release from LAZĀ. She’s been on a roll this year with release after release of some of the best songs of her career. Most recently, she dropped a cool little two-for-one deal with the Told You So EP. The songwriting is shining, with the vocals coming through soft and plush like velvet. Two icy tracks make up the release with “Duck Duck” and “Tarantino” reminding you why LAZĀ is an artist that you need to be following.
Sus “Finicky”
It’s clearly Sus season right now as the soulful band has released their second single in a month with the track, “Finicky.” In their own words, “This is a song about the everlasting fight to survive, while battling a system meant to keep us down, and navigating with others through it all. The dreamy, upbeat track paints the landscape of the beautiful struggle that we all endure.”
“We’re the richest country and they pissing on the poor. Squeezing motherfuckers to the bone, living check to check and it’s bleeding out my soul.”
Gage Edwards Too Late For Summer 3
Gage Edwards is in it for the long-haul with his Too Late for Summer series that started back in 2018. Recently, he dropped the third installment which sounds more polished than a pair of shoes stepping out fresh from a shine. Stand out songs for me are “La La La,” “Let Down,” and “Forest,” which features the beautiful vocal stylings of Ariana DeBoo.
TeZATalks “STOPIT!!”
My sweet babes, TeZATalks, is an artist who’s carved out a cozy spot in my heart over the years. I’ve supported her from the get-go because I’ve always felt the star potential emanating from her whole body. She’s a hard-working, multi-talented artist who attacks every thing she does with a power and self-confidence that is undeniable. In her latest single, “STOPIT!!”, she’s kicking down the door and giving us a hard-hitting, hardcore pop song that displays many sides of her vocal talents.
OG Mambo ft. Lewie “Past Tense” Lyric Video
This next track is a link up that I wasn’t quite expecting but am super stoked for because both OG Mambo and Lewie keep me intrigued with each new release. In anticipation for Mambo’s upcoming release, Pacific North Fresh, the two dropped a lyric video for their collaborative track “Past Tense.”
BIG Jone$ “Again”
“Yo, you know I had to call, you know why, right?”
“Why?”
“Because yo, I never ever call and ask you to play somethin’, right?”
“Yeah…”
“You know what I wanna hear, right?”
“What you want to hear?”
“Yo, I’m tryin’ to hear that BIG Jone$ joint.”
“BIG Jone$ “Again”?
“Ah, yeah, “Again” and again!”
On the real, though, this new joint from BIG Jone$ is insanely catchy. I’m sure you’ll be able to hear it performed live at his upcoming headline at the Substation. Alongside a few other acts, BIG Jone$ will be part of the SO ICY food drive for the Ballard Food Bank at the Substation on December 7. The show is for those 21 and older, and you can cop tickets for $10.
Upcoming Events Around the Sound
Saturday, October 7: Portland rapper Wynne is coming to Neumos for her Hot on Their Heels tour with support from Mic Capes and LAZĀ. The show is all ages, with tickets starting at $25 and the doors opening at 8pm.
Tuesday, October 10: Scope Screenings is having a spooky edition of their usual monthly film festival with a costume contest! If you’re over 21, you can cop tickets for $20. Doors will open at 6pm with screening beginning around 7pm.
Thursday, October 19: LIVt is celebrating the release of her project I Just Want My Bitches To Fly with a listening party at Hotel Crocodile. It’s a free event, but space is limited so reserve your spot now before it’s too late!
