The Seattle-based rap vanguards are back with the follow-up to 2011’s acclaimed Black Up.

Comprised of ex-Digable Planet (and Sub Pop A&R man) Ishmael Butler and Tendai ‘Baba’ Maraire (son of Mbira master Dumisani Maraire), Shabazz Palaces understandably garnered plenty of hype when they made their official album debut with 2011’s Black Up. Thankfully, it was all worth it, and the album was among the year’s best, and one of the most intriguing underground hip-hop tomes in recent years.

Last weekend, the duo debuted their eagerly-awaited second album Lese Majesty at Seattle’s Pacific Science Center Laser Dome, and by all accounts it’s going to be another winner. Accompanied by a dazzling laser show (c’mon what show isn’t enhanced by lasers?) the duo rattled through their fresh material for a handful of lucky attendees.

The album’s name Lese Majesty comes from the French lèse-majesté, which is a term referring to an attack against an injured state. This would seem to hint that the record will be markedly more political than its predecessor, and for those of us who weren’t at the Laser Dome, we’ll have to wait until June 29 to hear the album in full, when it will be released on Sub Pop. [via Consequence of Sound]