Shabazz Palaces: “Binoculars” [ft. Royce the Choice] Track Review

By Dylan Green

Genre:

Rap

Label:

Sub Pop

Reviewed:

August 24, 2023

For over a decade, Shabazz Palaces has channeled esoteric musings into experimental hip-hop that feels celestial. Their latest single “Binoculars,” from their upcoming album Robed in Rareness, keeps things in their usual weightless headspace. Drums reverberate alongside a distorted synth melody, creating a beat that sounds like metal cans clanking in a gravity-free bunker. Meanwhile, Ishmael Butler and Seattle rapper Royce the Choice kick fly shit, dreaming up a future where everyone is comfortable and ready to vibe: “All I wanna do is see the girls get a chance/All I wanna do is see the bros gettin’ bands/All I wanna do is feel free in my mind/All I wanna do is grab hold of my time,” Ish raps. “Binoculars” gives those desires space to float and expand.