Project Description

DIGABLE PLANETS

@ Astor Theatre, WA

13/12/19

(Live Review)

Reviewer: Melanie Griffiths

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Digable Planets the trio of Doodlebug, Ladybug Mecca and Ishmael Butler emerged during the ‘Golden Age’ of hip hop in the early 1990s. Known as a Brooklyn, USA outfit the MCs actually met each other in Philadelphia and Washington DC. Their debut release in 1993, “Reachin’ (A New Refutation of Time and Space)” was an alchemy of neo-soul, jazz and conscious rap. Walking the path with other, albeit more well-known contemporaries, like De La Soul, Jungle Brothers and A Tribe Called Quest, Digable Planets’ influence on defining that 90s hip hop sound didn’t get its dues. However, to many fans of the era, their music is seminal.

In Australia to headline Melbourne’s FLOW Festival, Digable Planets gave old school hip hop fans a treat by making their way westside with support given by the always good DJ Charlie Bucket, Grievous Bodily Calm and the moody Allysha Joy. 

 

“We’re here to spread love” Doodlebug extolled after arriving on stage and recognising the traditional landowners.

 

Appearing quite different from their old press release photos the three MCs came out on stage as individuals who have grown into themselves over the last 20 plus years. Doodlebug wore a floppy hat, khaki cargos, Ladybug exuded a sensual Badu energy with dark oversized sunglasses, a black crop top and metallic gold skirt. Butler in a blue floor-length tunic and grey beard capped off the unique personas of each. 

Starting strong with openers “Slowe’s Comb/The May 4th Movement” followed by “It’s Good To Be Here“. The group paid a lot of love to their first two albums 1993’s “Reachin’ (A New Refutation of Time and Space)” and 1994’s “Blowout Comb” recognised for their keen observations imbued with positivity and love of self, and the wider community.

Enticingly the group brought with them a rhythm section that gave a lot of needed oomph to their performance. The backing band consisting of a guitarist, bass player, drummer and keyboardist were a force unto themselves with the group several times moving to the side of the stage to let the audience drink in the talented players. Being a group whose music is so closely aligned with Jazz, seeing the band’s dexterity and talent were in many ways the high points of the show. It created spaces where the crowd could be surprised by where the musicians took the music and added a much need jolt of energy into the set.

Given their laidback delivery through songs like “Where I’m From” and “Pacifics” which lyrically pulse with a dreamlike vibe overall Digable Planets would’ve been better served in a smaller, intimate setting. Whilst there was a healthy crowd of eager fans it certainly wasn’t full (probably not a bad thing given the heatwave). And in the spacious Astor, there was a disconnection between group and fans. Technical issues seemed to be going on with Butler and members of the band going off stage to address (but wasn’t noticeable to the crowd), Ladybug also spent a good few confusing minutes with her back turned to the audience as she just watched the drummer. It just all ended up feeling very uneven, you want to see the artists you hold as trailblazers and legends to be present but tonight wasn’t going to be that night.

Still, the crowd rode on their memories, and you couldn’t deny how innovative and aware their music is. So as they moved the final portion of the night with their two arguably biggest songs, “Nickelbags” and “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)” which received the loudest reception, Digable Planets thankfully stuck the landing receiving much love from an appreciative crowd.

3/5 Stars

 

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AMNPLIFY – DB