Shabazz Palaces Will Release It's a Style Sport

The latest album from the Seattle-based project arrives on October 23, 2026.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Hip-Hop and Rap

Graphic illustration featuring layered chrome and purple geometric shapes and rhythmic sharp forms, evoking an experimental electronic music aesthetic. — Shabazz Palaces, the Seattle-based project led by Ishmael Butler, will release their latest studio album, It's a Style Sport, on October 23, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe local collaborations consistently improve the quality of new music releases?

Shabazz Palaces, the project led by Ishmael Butler, will release their new album, It's a Style Sport, on October 23, 2026. The album arrives through the Sub Pop label following an intense recording period.

Why it matters

Butler describes his approach to this project through the lens of sports teamwork and the necessity of shared sacrifice among collaborators. This philosophy governed the way musical ideas were brought to life by his ensemble during the development process.

The album was completed during an intensive eight-day session at the Hall of Justice studio. The project features contributions from musicians including Kassa Overall, Carlos Overall, Thaddeus Turner, Gerald Turner, Darrius Willrich, and Evan Flory-Barnes.

The players

Ishmael Butler

He is the creative force behind the Seattle-based musical project Shabazz Palaces.

Erik Blood

He provided guitar work and handled production and mixing duties for the new album.

Darrius Willrich

He is a collaborator who has worked with Butler for 20 years.

Sub Pop

This is the Seattle-based record label responsible for releasing the project.

The details

Butler initiated the project by presenting musical kernels to his collaborators, who were empowered to either flesh out the concepts or veto them entirely. Erik Blood managed the guitar work, production, and mixing for the final studio output.

Ishmael Butler gained prominence in the 1990s after winning a Grammy with Digable Planets.
The album It's a Style Sport is scheduled for release on October 23, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

The project reflects a significant transition from the artist's foundational success in the 1990s hip-hop era of Digable Planets. This release highlights the shift toward highly collaborative, lean production cycles that challenge traditional long-form studio norms.

Fans in Seattle and beyond can access the new material via the Sub Pop label starting on the release date. The album will be available through standard digital and physical distribution channels upon launch.

The takeaway

The collaborative focus of this album demonstrates how artists can utilize sports-inspired team dynamics to produce work quickly. Listeners interested in experimental production may find the eight-day recording process a noteworthy model for creative efficiency.