By Leslie Simon

According to legend and their first album Reachin’ (A New Refutation of Time and Space), Brooklyn-based Digable Planets was born when three insects from outer space (Butterfly, Doodlebug, and Ladybug Mecca) crashed down to Earth to “resurrect the funk.” They came up with these nicknames because of their appreciation of nature and the communal nature of insects.

Jazzy, intellectual, interstellar funk - these are words used over the years to describe Digable Planets. Famous for blending jazz-infused samples with vintage-sounding drum hits and socially-conscious lyrics, their style fits into the “Boom-bap” style, a subgenre of hip-hop that was popular on the East Coast in the 80s-90s. 

Other acts that could be described as Boom-bap include A Tribe Called Quest, KRS-One (who released an album called “Return of the Boom-Bap”), and De La Soul. Two members of De La Soul have gone on to have huge hits working with Gorillaz on songs like "Feel Good, Inc." which shows the staying power of this sound. The term “Boom-bap” is an onomatopoeia that represents the distinctive sound of hitting a booming bass drum followed by a snappy snare drum. 

Their 1993 debut album’s first single “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)” that sampled "Stretching" by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers became a major crossover Top 40 hit, reaching gold album status and winning a GRAMMY award. When they won their GRAMMY, Ishmael Butler (a.k.a. Butterfly and part of the duo Shabazz Palaces) took that moment to make a statement about social inequality and the need for change. 

Digable Planets "Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)"

Art Blakely & The Jazz Messengers "Stretching"

With much of their music focusing on uplifting messages, personal growth, authenticity, and community, and doing it in a positive manner without excessive profanity and explicit content, Digable Planets are suitable for a wide audience and family-friendly. With lyrics that reference Jean Paul Sartre, Camus, and bell hooks, they might even get you interested in philosophy and feminist theory!

Check out what some critics call “the pinnacle of jazz-rap” and come join us on July 9 as we gather together for positive vibes, fellowship, and cool tunes with Digable Planets. Get your tickets at their event webpage!