Digable Planets - Full Performance (Live on KEXP)

[@arize84]

This group has aged spectacularly well. The sax player (Carlos) lived on the same dorm floor I did freshman year, and he put me unto so many Bob Marley songs I wasn't aware of (this was pre streaming); shout out to a fellow Morehouse brother.

[@shannonwilson6216]

They sure did, all of them look good.

[@friendofthechannel-i6i]

Absolutely, they have!! a sin though, Not enough recognition

[@ImADumbRicePicker]

They also got his younger brother Kassa, another great artist, on the drums!

[@apexscape]

live performance is the litmus test of musicianship. Still got it & better than ever!

[@valteraugusto6617]

This sax player is brazilian!

[@ghettoblacktheater]

Real Hip-Hop won't ever die. This is real Hip-Hop.

[@harry.flashman]

sean price etc Amen or whatever real music wins

[@AAAASMAR]

I was just about to comment something to the gist of ehat you typed and boom I seen your comment. Bless you and our beloved Hiphop

[@danielroque8504]

Poetic Hip Hop!❤

[@tiffineyena7001]

Word!

[@Lola_Leo777]

Wooord!!!!❤🎉🎉

[@joedanero5360]

Digable Planets had more influence than they are given credit for. Amazing group.

[@marshallartist78]

Facts

[@diosa.loba333]

ladybug's voice is just like a ladybug...dainty, enchanting, and magical. she's so beautiful, cool and such a gem 🖤

[@indianrider956]

I'm 53, this group shaped my 20s in the 90s. Life long fan and supporter of this group. Peace and love to everyone

[@davidreaves6870]

In ‘93 saw them open for Sade on her Love Deluxe Tour. Yes…they were on that level!! Still sound good! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@johncampbell9812]

Lucky as hell

[@alisterfolson]

Same. Tinley Park, IL, '93. A club appearance was more live tbh opening for Guru back then, too

[@whitepowda1]

I'm green with envy.

[@natv55]

​@@whitepowda1me too!

[@the_late_theodore_reuben]

😭 that must've been something special

[@chris.langill]

Amazing! They would be awesome Tiny Desk guests :)

[@orzechowski_]

I thought same, seeing as they are still together, it could happen. 🤞

[@sereion]

Most definitely!!!

[@mrmass71]

Word!

[@sankofara]

YAAASSSSSSSS❤

[@TMYPiscesSunandMoonRising5548]

Yesss that would be Amazing 👏🏾

[@kesm66]

I saw them open for Sade. Ridiculously organic!😮

[@AnovaLisaDragonfly]

Ooooh…Digable Planets AND Sade?!? I know that was a great show!

[@aheroinheroin]

Omg cool. What year was this??

[@kesm66]

Summer 1993 Love Deluxe Tour…Digables opened…it was the trios hypnotic vocals backed by brass horns and drums (even bongos I think)..raw. I’ll never forget it…their combined cadence & flow on the mic is hallucinogenic.❤

[@marketingwithwilliam]

​@@kesm66man i wish i could get footage of this😮

[@hokmayen]

I would have died.

[@jcorey68]

The golden era of hip-hop still rules. Digable Planets still doing their thing!!🎉🎉 keep rockin Bugs 🐛

[@louiegalvan2613]

Still a fan after all these year. I'm 43 and remember hearing them in the 90s. They are the reason i got into jazz fusion.

[@joedanero5360]

Same

[@Dssan0905]

Yes!!!! I’m 44 and it’s the exact same for me!

[@chosen_remnant]

40, me too. They were always on the radio back then. They were the roots before the roots existed.

[@louiegalvan2613]

@@chosen_remnant well said and my exact thought about The Roots

[@juliusmcfadden5915]

48 shout out to all of yall

[@jillkltr]

Those just-behind-the-beat vocals by Ladybug are still hypnotizing! Love it!

[@boboloko]

And syncopated displaced backbeat on every other 4 for that first song is smooth AF

[@themayne6303]

Right. She always had the illest pocket.

[@simonbellmont]

The illest mcee. People talk about Lauryn..come on Bruh. Digable over the Fugees

[@boboloko]

@@simonbellmont I agree. I’m a sound engineer and Lauryn Defecated on my microphone. Not cool!

[@simonbellmont]

@@boboloko butterfly and doodle over Wyclef and Pras. Their is no way the Fugees would have a second chance with the 2nd album after that first wack one if the digable Planets was still around.

[@design1of470]

Digable Planets deserve to be on the same level as De La and Quest. that Reachin' record is just perfect, it's up there with Doggystyle and Nevermind.

[@Azabaxe80]

Hip hop is not my thing, but I happened to be in my late teens and early twenties when that art form's golden age happened ('86-'92) and this group's first album marked the end of that age for me. Surely there were bright lights that came after (Hove, Biggie, Wu), but they were simply representative of the commercialization of the form, not a progression of it. Like I said, this is not my thing, but you had to be dead inside to be young and around during that time not to be able to appreciate it.

[@chubbyballsack]

did you get to hear their 2nd album? perfection. so slick. so smooth!@@Azabaxe80

[@kimberlyking1563]

De La Soul and Tribe Called Quest. Is that who you speak of?

[@ILoveAnchovies334]

what do you mean deserve? they are on the same level. growing up in the 90s we played DP non stop

[@GODsCHILD-lm6df]

Nevermind the bollocks; Here's our Planets! Can you dig it?!? Can YOU dig it?!

[@artistlovepeace]

One of the baddest albums of all time is Blowout Comb. It's magical.

[@AndthefuturelookedBlack-hq7hy]

Ladybug sounds awesome! Healthy living preserves the vocals.👍🏻

[@OriginalDemGunz]

She has such a unique voice. Amazing

[@7prs965]

HU

[@The_Hagseed]

LOLOLOL... "Healthy living preserves the vocals" What?!!! One has nothing to do with the other. You may as well say eating an apple makes you drive a pencil faster.

[@AndthefuturelookedBlack-hq7hy]

@The_Hagseed Healthy as in DIET. Are you a Vocalist??

[@energ8t]

I always called Ishmael the Denzel of rap. The entire band still looks fantastic for their age. Ladybug still sounds perfect. No one else like her in rap. She is so coooool and graceful. Very rare these days.

[@blueknight5754]

He did that record with Camp Lo…he’s definitely “Cool like that”!

[@barbiefunkyfaceb]

They should do NRP Tiny Desk Concert on KZbin 🔥👍🏼MATTERS PEOPLE PEACE&LOVE

[@TrunkDaPhunk]

Proof that 90s hip hop is supreme. Stands the test of time.

[@dakotadedreu1451]

This shits a WHOLE ass vibe, and I'm here for it.

[@jblank1862]

Catfish Station (Austin), I was 16- used my sister's ID. I'm 46, phenomenal show! I was a weird little Black girl, they made me feel valued. I play DP for my students. They love em'! They also adore Shabazz Palaces. My classroom space is AFRO- CENTRIC. Thank you for the art.🎉🎉🎉

[@chosen_remnant]

Common would've fit in so well with this group. I'm surprised they didn't collab regularly back then.

[@juliusmcfadden5915]

You weren't weird you were in TUNE👑🌹🌹🌹

[@jblank1862]

I like that, in tune.

[@juliusmcfadden5915]

Thanks for teaching the kids 🎉🎉

[@jblank1862]

@@juliusmcfadden5915 The opportunity to serve my community authentically is a privilege.🥳 Thank you for the support and encouragement!

[@vincentcarwell7216]

Ladybug is still so amazing to me. I had the biggest crush on her back in the day.

[@1deonlucas9]

As a 14-year-old high-school freshman in 1998, I would listen to Rebirth of Slick from beginning to end.

[@dorion79]

In high school, I spent countless hours in my bedroom stoned listening to their two albums on repeat. The greatest hip-hop group to ever do it. Pure art.

[@Teetoy4]

One of

[@m0thdm]

what a time

[@chubbjack158]

The entire group sounds are amazing to this very day. Each member is still bringing it like they did back in the day. Proud of you all!

[@KingKongovOtec]

Mobb Deep & Digable Planets was the two CD's my childhood friend stole from my neighbor, after Wu-Tang Forever, these two albums formed first steps to my lifelong love for hip-hop. So Digable Planets will be always special for me. Much love from heart of Europe, Slovakia. Peace!

[@joedanero5360]

Check out the Roots Do you Want More

[@hbgoldylox]

Woohoo!! My two favs, wu tang & digable planets 🔥

[@chosen_remnant]

​@@joedanero5360Digable was the roots before the roots was even formed.

[@joedanero5360]

@@chosen_remnant Both were formed in 87

[@cluebcke]

Algorithm fucking did me right. I had no idea they were still performing, and this is incredible.

[@EB-ok3io]

Never seen a co-ed group with this much chemistry and still got it. Just smooth as hell.

[@OspreyVision]

Haha....I'm 50, too, and listen to this band weekly on Spotify. So cool that they're still performing. Such an original vibe and sound encapsulating the best hip hop from the 90's.....

[@TheTransitmtl]

Check out Ishmael's other project Shabazz Palace. Black Up is a masterpiece of funk, jazz, underground hip hop

[@chosen_remnant]

Word life

[@twotofourstudios224]

Digable Planets, some would say they are ahead of the times. While others say from a time all but forgotten. I would say time doesn't exist!

[@teetreadwell9290]

Way ahead of their time, they came back to claim their time and space . No matter how brief, I'm here for it!

[@lovevluv]

Just like on the level all the time resonating with the realness. Does that make sense?

[@juliusmcfadden5915]

Ahhh that was Dope

[@rhigan7622]

We’re just babies, man.

[@perrysaunders331]

This warms my 53 year old heart & soul. What a blessings, Lyricism, Vibes and Live Band!!!

[@angelmelendez2468]

In my office shedding a tear ...How does that saying go ... We dont search for great music , we search for great memories. Digable deserves its spot in hip hop history . So very unique so very hip hop that has not been duplicated since .

[@0ctoplasm]

they're all underrated but ladybug needs to be in the conversation of greatest female MCs.

[@j.taveras8447]

I respect your enthusiasm but no....she'd be lucky to even make in the top 10. She hasn't done anything significant solo nor has anyone even heard of her outside of NY, and I love Digable Planets.

[@labib3x]

Ursula Rucker

[@wariusgaius]

Take a chill pill.

[@jlilly7913]

Definitely in the convo of FINEST-LOOKING female MCs, but no there are some much greater female spitters. Respect to Ladybug tho. I've loved her vibe since the 1990's.

[@eddrupz1805]

Easily. Don't listen to the naysayers. Some folks don't know much about lyricism. All they know is simple punchlines.

[@benjaminhite5199]

I'm 47 years old I remember this like it was yesterday this was when music was music

[@Guswalz]

Man, they still sound the same. Incredible.

[@pacofernandez4591]

Tears in my eyes... these guys and KEXP are sheer beauty!

[@DeFiSiYT]

Absolutely! I remember Cool Like Dat coming out in ‘93 and I loved it so much! I listened to that album loads. Got Blow Out Comb too, on CD! So great to see these cats together and performing, sounding just like they did 30 years ago! Damn, I’m feeling old 😂 KEXP is gold! Thanks for all of the amazing concerts ❤❤❤

[@len1975]

Always loved Digable Planets. Still have my original cd and still bump them today!!!

[@ili626]

Drummer slick as hell

[@dbrice71]

52 here, Digable Planets still fresh since '93. Right about now it's the perfect time to drop a new album.

[@illgazillion]

I truly feel they were among the most underrated artists in the 90s. I absolutely loved them. I would love to see new material from them. Always smooth, beautifully meaningful lyricism and music you can lost in your thoughts.

[@staticvisionband]

The energy is so chill, positive and inspiring at the same time!

[@racializedkanadian]

It all takes me back to the days of De La Soul, Tribe, Basehead ....

[@SoulPowered]

They still sound amazing and serving up a nice vibe.

[@OromeVala]

💗 Shit so avant garde it stayed fresh forever. All natural. No artificial preservatives. The extraterrestrial emcees and organic O.G.'s

[@teetreadwell9290]

All these old cats are coming back to bridge the gap for us old heads! Got me loving and grooving to hip hop again! Much love and appreciation!

[@robertlewis5439]

Excellent performance, and great to see them performing again. Timeless.

[@327outkast]

Legends, truly. So glad to see they're still rocking together ❤

[@jworthe]

I remember buying their first album on cassette. Let that soak in.

[@MrDandanhesourman]

DPs have not slipped a bit all these years! They are like the finest of aged wines. They get better after every year that goes by.

[@topmogul3429]

I’m 48 yrs old still listening to their lovely classic hiphop songs from the 90’s. Lagos Nigeria 🇳🇬

[@SkyOrtizCreative]

Hands down my favorite hip hop poets, timeless masters, genuine artists, beautiful souls.

[@kesm66]

We need the DPs on NPRs Tiny desk music segment.😮

[@OddManOutInc.]

Digable Planets forever!!!

[@dwaynesbadchemicals]

I remember dancing to them on a balcony in the early 90’s.

[@tracymonroe6001]

I still have their cassettes! They remain so very good.

[@AnovaLisaDragonfly]

Ishmael Butler is still one of the finest men I’ve ever laid eyes on. Aging well. If you haven’t checked for his current music as Shabazz Palaces, you’re in for a treat. ‘Felt’ is such a composition. One of my faves.

[@juiceitup7915]

❤That's him? I thought he was a new member. Changed so much

[@Kingzall]

Thanks for providing

[@AnovaLisaDragonfly]

@@Kingzall - You’re welcome. The music is different from DP’s, and very interesting. Also, their music videos are like mini-film features with amazing artistry. Hope you like it.

[@jamietingey7498]

I love Shabazz Palaces. And yes, he's quite a handsome gentleman.

[@SusanD7112]

I saw him in person at the Blue Note jazz festival in Napa back in July. He’s absolutely stunning in person. 🥰

[@SolKonstrukt]

This is soul healing Much love Digable Planets

[@freddiecopeland6390]

I saw Digable Planets and it was one of the best shows ever ! The whole crowd was having a good time. The first group to Rap with a band playing music. They were way ahead of their time.

[@islandmanmikep]

Ladybug is still my crush. This group will always be one of my favorites.

[@derontillman7301]

OMG 😳 DOPENESS STILL EXISTS 👊🏿 🌹🌹🌹LADYBUG MECCA🌹🌹🌹

[@ericsolzak6019]

LADYBUG !!! Does not age! She is still beautiful! I just got their albums rereleased on vinyl! Awesome.

[@marcussykes4042]

It actually sounds better than the studio album!!🎉

[@mikebcreative]

Love this session with Digable Planets!!!!!!!! One of my favorite groups of All Time; and My Uncle who is in his 70's His Favorite Hip Hop Group PERIOD! End of Discussion!!!! lol!!!!!

[@tmherbamate]

I’m from where the fat beats stretch for mad blocks! These songs are just as good now as when I first heard em as a kid. Love love love digable planets and shout out that band!

[@LGKids]

I remember meeting them and interviewing on KJLU at Lincoln University! They didn’t act like the biggest group on the planet at that time, they acted just as humble and cool as if they knew us all their lives! Much peace and love to these Legends! Peace!

[@thegniffen4645]

Oh man! They still sound so freakin good! What a performance! Thank y'all for this. That's the good stuff right there.

[@SoniaErika]

LOVE TO HEAR LADYBUG 🐞 RAP!!!

[@dortmunderkelp1704]

Digable Planets, I had to see this clip. One of those truly unique groups from a truly unforgettable era.

[@keithshowell6688]

Just seeing baby-girl clapping to a classic in 2023 gave me life! Love you Digable Planet for making "Cool;" COOL! Thanks KEXP!!!

[@whitepowda1]

They should be in the Hall of Fame!

[@nnodw7721]

Totally agree, they should and hopefully one day they will

[@sovereigncosmicwildman]

Love Digable Planets🎹🎶🎵

[@Kahweekah2o2f]

Blowout comb was a game changer and one of my favorites

[@OspreyVision]

95....the year Jerry Garcia died....us Humboldt County pot growing Grateful Dead loving ❤️ hippies were bumping Digable Planets back in the day.....

[@OrganicAlumination]

Omg I'm over here stunned like I'm so happy

[@sankofara]

They look and sound so fine! Greatness doesn’t fade or age out, timeless 🎉

[@tulip2084]

Joint is on point spreading the joy!

[@PRESSHAM7883]

Wow!! This was my era right here! I was a young man in the Navy in the early 90’s and I was bumping DP! Definitely underrated and this brings back so many great memories!! Legends and true hip hop never dies!! Ladybug still just as beautiful as ever!! Thanks for the post!! 👍🏽❤️🙏🏽🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@maverickattacks7414]

Didn't find Digable Planets until 2008 but have loved them ever since. Ladybug still the coolest person in the world.

[@phillipwattsjr.4714]

It's good that they haven't forgotten how well liked their BLOWOUT COMB album was. Didn't make the impact they wanted, but still solid.

[@Danny-fs1hk]

Outstanding, organic performance and the band was tight. Love Digable Planets!

[@ShaggyJ1000]

This is the group that got me into Jazz Rap. I will always love Digable Planets ❤❤

[@g121176]

Saw them over 25 years ago at Cal State University Northridge... DP still got that same sound ❤ One of a kind! They're"Cool Like That"

[@mattforde7229]

true

[@xxxxxxxxx727]

saw them in cologne ✌️🍀🌞

[@lalocavixen]

Me too! Free lunchtime show at Cal State Northridge. Also in LA, 2020 and last year.

[@g121176]

@@lalocavixen right, lunchtime outside!

[@sojiogungbesan5547]

The crew did their thing as usual, shout out to my teenage years 😂. The band is truly exceptional

[@pbodyblaque2532]

Wow…That’s cool. Welcome back. I see u still preserve ur coolness. Nice show. Musicians are dope!. Butta Fly & Doodle Bug, my two dudes, are holding up well, as well as Ladybug Mecca. She still looks good. Stay Blessed & don’t change, but evolve, in 2024!. Imma go listen to my Fav: “Rebirth Of Slick”….Just for that!👍🏾

[@lowlowseesee]

im glad they all still get along and still perform together. they come to portland every new year. im too introverted to go see them live but one day I will lol. the blowout comb is one of the greatest albums of all time. up there with midnight marauders and wu tangs debut. up there with when the pawn as well.

[@garyvoigt321]

This was fantastic! Planets for life.

[@bdpyne]

I still remember Blowout Comb dropping around 93-94. I lived in Boston and picked it up from Mystery Train. When I heard Ninth Wonder, my walkman fell to the ground when Ladybug came on. No lady has ever been so cool and hot at the same time. I caught them at the Roxy with a British soul band called D-Influence opening. All the bodies were moving in the place. Golden era of hip hop with Digables and Tribe on the scene.

[@michaeledwardscarlton1484]

This Is Art ❤❤❤

[@smustipher]

This performance is sending chills down my spine. I was fortunate to grow up on old school hip hop and groups like this that were the move before gangsta rap, violence, profanity, and oversexualized themes infiltrated the genre. Glad to see that they are still rocking and putting out positive vibes!

[@TheBlackJewelz]

Oh. My. Freaking. Gosh. One of my fav groups ever. I went back through both their albums once I discovered them and was hooked for YEARS. So freaking glad to see them come together again. Ladybug still one of my fav female voices ever in hip hop

[@barbiefunkyfaceb]

We need a live album from Digable Planets..!🔥🎶 MATTERS PEOPLE PEACE&LOVE

[@AD-rg8tz]

They actually have one. I know it's available on Tidal.

[@POObumpoopo]

This arrangement of "Where I'm From" is just perfect.

[@jamalabdul2009]

This like taking a time machine back 30 years ago!!

[@JadenJahci]

Back to the future

[@auxbergine3249]

Digable Planets was the first concert I ever went to by myself, Blowout Comb tour (at the House Of Blues, LA when I was just 12).... Damn they have aged so gracefully, they are like the patron saints of hip-hop

[@Darthraiders561.]

One of the greatest hip hop groups of all time...

[@keithmayhew2161]

Back in the day this was the bomb.And still is..Very nice with cool vibes..

[@daphnecarpenter2794]

They all still so fly Ageing like the finest wine🌹

[@energ8t]

Fantastic! I missed one of their “recent” shows because I had to work, but i did catch Shabazz Palaces which was also a great band to see live.

[@christopherwall444]

Blowout Comb couldn't play it enough when it came out..I live in Brooklyn..the b and w videos were my favorite of any band ..I mean after the iconic video for Smells Like Teen Spirit....love this live set...will be watching for more...such cool talented people!

[@aaronribnicky9917]

One of the best things to happen to rap. It's almost beatnik, I thought they were the future of the genre. It broke my heart that they didn't find the degree of success that they deserved.

[@magroves]

They didn't water down their themes to be more commercial. They had some serious messages about community and Black pride and questioning capitalism. They found an amazing amount of commercial success for being the type of group they were. Also, I hope in their own definition of success they feel they were successful. That could include not sacrificing their message for more fame or money

[@sky-magnet]

You are talking about some of the GOATS of hip hop here.

[@DallasFiveTwo]

I will always LOVE Digable Planets! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@thursdaygrape]

DOPE AS EVER AFTER DECADES!

[@andylane3739]

Thankful that I'm hearing this performance for the 1st time on this day. ☸️