Let’s take it back, waaay back, to the early primes of the 1990s where hip-hop finally found its place in the music industry.

The deepest, most cultured excavations of the wonderful New York hosted spaces for MCs of all backgrounds to lay their lyrics down upon the intellects of the youth. One group in particular helped pave the way for lyricists of all kinds to travel down the winding road of the industry: Digable Planets.   

Digable Planets came into fruition in the early 90s when Ishmael “Butterfly” Butler and Craig “Doodlebug” Irving’s lyricism paired with Mary “Ladybug Mecca” Vieira fierce yet graceful femininity blessed the mics. The trio quickly became notable for their contributions to the subgenres of jazz rap and alternative hip-hop. 

Their unforgettable fusions of funk and jazzy instrumentals paired with the dope beats and wise lyrics added a new flare to hip-hop that quickly drew the public into their favor. The trio was unstoppable whenever they stepped foot into the recording studio, spittin’ their business into the mic, rocking the underground. 

Their first single, “Rebirth of Slick,” of their debut album, Reachin’: A New Refutation of Time and Space,  climbed the charts in an instant. The record grew so tremendously that the trio got to perform in the comedy show, In Living Color, while in the same year the record came out! This feature catapulted Digable Planets into the spotlight, and two years after the performance, “Rebirth of Slick” earned its place, peaking at #15 in the U.S. 

Most have definitely been able to recognize the beat to this joint, and this record earns its place as a gem to the revelations of hip-hop. Definitely give it a listen!