Digable Planets perform at Thalia Hall in Chicago on Jan. 26, 2024.
Back in February of 1993, Digable Planets – Ishmael “Butterfly” Butler, Mariana “Ladybug Mecca” Vieira, and Craig “Doodlebug” Irving – released their debut album, Reachin’ (A New Refutation of Time and Space). The album went on to become certified Gold and solidified the trio as hip hop icons.
On Jan. 26, 2024, Digable Planets celebrated the 30th anniversary of the release with a sold-out show at Chicago’s Thalia Hall.
“Chi-Town, every time we come here you show us so many immense pounds of love,” said Doodlebug early in the night. “I can’t even describe it to you. We can only hope to reciprocate that love through this medium of music. So if you came here to have a good time with the Digable Planets, we want you to say, ‘Hell yeah.’”
Right on cue, smiling fans – some wearing homemade Digable Planets shirts – shouted “Hell yeah” right back and the evening progressed with a hit-filled setlist seasoned with immaculate vibes. “It’s Good to Be Here” and “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)” were among the Reachin’ favorites fans enjoyed while Blowout Comb tracks like “The May 4th Movement Starring Doodlebug” and “Graffiti” sounded as fresh as ever as the trio unleashed their dexterous raps with effortless cool.
Digable Planets perform at Thalia Hall in Chicago on Jan. 26, 2024.
It may have been a Friday night, but Butler conjured those easy like Sunday morning vibes.
“Mondays are bad, I take it or leave it. Tuesday is kind of the same. Wednesday is alright ’cause you know the end is almost here. Thursday is cool. You might go out and kick it. Get a drink. Get home later. Friday is tonight. Saturday’s sweet, but I don’t know,” he said. “As I think back 30 years I think to another day. My favorite day.”
He seamlessly transitioned into “Pacifics,” rapping, “Butterfly searching for a relax pulling from the jazz stacks cause it’s Sunday.”
Digable Planets were backed by a fantastic band that included the evening’s opener, Kassa Overall on drums.
“Thank you for your positive energy, enthusiasm, noise, screams, movement – all of that. That’s what keeps us going. That’s what keeps us coming back,” said Overall during his set before encouraging everyone to stop by the merch stand.
Overall played most of his performance as a quartet with Ian Finkelstein (keys), Bendji Allonce (drums/percussion) and Tomoki Sanders (saxophone/percussion). Special guests Winston Bell (saxophone) and vocalist Alexis Lombre – who sounded pitch perfect on “Make My Way Back Home” – added to the opening set’s enjoyment.
Kassa Overall performs at Thalia Hall in Chicago on Jan. 26, 2024.
In 2024, Digable Planets are at the top of their game. They are in the history books for their pioneering blend of hip hop and jazz, which has influenced countless artists across so many genres, yet their sound feels more innovative than ever. The trio is still reachin’ new heights each and every time they step on stage.
Check out photos from Digable Planets’ Jan. 26 stop – featuring Kassa Overall – at Thalia Hall below and click here to pick-up tickets to see them perform live in a city near you. More information can be found at Officialdigableplanets.com.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
