La Musica Coolica #37 (DP)

I had kind of forgotten about these guys, until one of my old homies from HS brought them up on FB. So, thanks, Mike! I first heard of Digable Planets on a compilation album that I picked up for free at this record shop I used to work out. The compilation is called “Jazzafunkapyschadelic.” It’s a mouthful. At the time I had no clue about organic New York hip hop. I thought the song was so great though. It was called “Time and Space.” I went straight out and bought “Blowout Comb” (1994). For me, it is one of those mellow albums that I can play straight through from track #1 to the end w/o skipping anything.

One of the many things that make this group unique, is the Lady Bug-factor. Black Eyed Peas weren’t the first ones to come up with the great idea adding some female vocals to spice things up. Only, in my opinion, Fergie ruined BEP, whereas, Lady Bug totally makes Digable Planets. She doesn’t even sing, but she doesn’t need to, because her voice has such a buttery sound, even when she is just reciting rhymes. The track that I’m sharing today is called “Where I’m from.” It was released on the “Reachin’” album, in 1993. Plug in the lava lamp, take a Valium, and press play.