Shabazz Palaces' Ishmael Butler recruited by Sub Pop's A&R team

Hugely-influential Seattle imprint, Sub Pop have opted for the help of experimental hip-hopper Ishmael Butler of Shabazz Palaces in hope it will lead to the discovery of new, emerging talent.

Butler, already signed to the Sub Pop label, has been hired by its A&R team, with a view to unearthing and nurturing deserving new acts. Speaking to Consequence of Sound, Butler suggested that he wishes to avoid ‘corny’ and ‘self-aggrandising’ new music, scouring the buzz instead for ‘artists that are more musically inclined rather than image inclined, artists that are hard-working and… cool.’

Since the release of the revered Black Up in 2011, Butler has reportedly been working more closely with his label, honing his understanding of the music industry, in what is set to develop into a reciprocal and productive relationship.

The former Digable Planets rapper has expressed a more immediate focus to release a second Shabazz Palaces record, though any concrete details are yet to be announced. Sub Pop, meanwhile, have celebrated their 25 year anniversary.