Ishmael Butler Biography
Ishmael Butler (b. July 3, 1969) is a vast American rapper and songwriter best known for working with bands like Digable Planets in the 1990s and Shabazz Palaces in the 2010s which made him most famous.
Butler made a life-changing decision in 1989 by leaving college and relocating to Brooklyn. There, he recorded a demo of hip-hop tracks that would later find its way to Pendulum Records executive Ruben Rodriguez.
Fast forward to 1992, Butler, alongside his friends Craig Irving from Philadelphia and Mary Ann Vieira from Washington, D.C., came together, forming the iconic group Digable Planets.
The popular song “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat),” by Digable Planets, created waves in 1992. It not only had financial success but also received praise from critics by charting on the Billboard Hot 100.
The ensemble was renowned for its distinctive fusion of jazz and hip-hop, as well as for its philosophical lyricism. They split up in the middle of the 1990s after releasing two albums.
Butler continued to use the stage name Cherrywine to perform songs after Digable Planets split up. He also pursued a cinema studies degree at New York University.

Ishmael Butler Photo
He showed his commitment to his family and his own duties by moving back to Seattle in 2003 to take care of his mother. In 2009, Butler and his next-door neighbor Tendai Maraire founded Shabazz Palaces.
The pair signed with Sub Pop Records after self-releasing two EPs, and in 2011 they released Black Up, their debut album. Lese Majesty, its sequel, was published in 2014. In 2013, Butler also joined Sub Pop’s A&R staff.
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Ishmael Butler Age
How Old Is Ishmael Butler? He is 54 years old as of 2023, he was born on July 3, 1969, IN Seattle, Washington, in the United States. He celebrates his birthday on July 3rd every year.
Ishmael Butler Family
He was born and raised in Seattle, Washington, by his loving father a history professor at the University of Virginia, and a caring mother.
However, the details regarding his parents are undisclosed. In his middle school jazz band, he made his first venture into the world of music by playing the alto saxophone. He left Garfield High School in 1987 after receiving his diploma and relocated to Massachusetts to start college.
Ishmael Butler Wife | Coko
Butler’s previous marriage to Coko, the lead singer of the R&B vocal trio Sisters With Voices (SWV), adds an interesting layer to his personal life. The fact that they share a son named Lil Tracy, born in 1995, highlights the family ties that exist between them. Well, it is widely known it’s a family of musicians.
However, the reasons behind their divorce remain undisclosed, as is often the case with private matters in the lives of public figures. It’s not uncommon for individuals in the public eye to keep the details of their personal relationships and divorces private, allowing them to maintain a level of privacy and discretion in their personal lives.
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Wiki and Facts
Full Name | Ishmael Reginald Butler |
Age | 54 years old |
Birthday | July 3rd |
Nationality | American |
Relationship Status | was married to Coko |
Height | 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 meters) |
Known For | Digable Planets and Shabazz Palaces |
Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
Net Worth | $1.5 Million (Approx.) |
Ishmael Butler Son
Butler shares a strong bond with his son Jazz Butler, professionally known as Lil Tracy. His son was born on October 3, 1995, to Ishmael and Coko before they divorced. Lil Tracy goes by many names such as Souljahwitch, Persian Dolphin, Yung Karma, and Yung Dude. Likewise, Tracy is best known for his collaborations with the late rapper Lil Peep.

Ishmael and his son
Ishmael Butler Height
Mr. Butler’s physical attributes are described as having a height of 5 feet 9 inches (approximately 1.75 meters) and a moderate weight. This balanced physique typically reflects a healthy and well-proportioned frame.
Ishmael Butler Digable Planets
Ishmael teamed up with friends Craig Irving from Philadelphia and Mary Ann Vieira from Washington, D.C. to create the music group Digable Planets in 1992.
This collaboration marked a pivotal moment in Butler’s music journey. Digable Planets became known for their groundbreaking music, blending hip-hop and jazz in the 1990s. Their work is still acclaimed for its unique style and poetic lyrics.
Ishmael Butler’s Net Worth
Ishmael Butler’s estimated net worth of $1.5 million as of 2023 reflects the success and recognition he has garnered from his career in music, spanning songwriting, record production, and rap.
Simpler Facts About Ishmael
- Ishmael is currently 54 years old in 2023, born on July 3, 1969, in Seattle, Washington, USA. He celebrates his birthday on July 3rd each year.
- He was previously married to Coko, the lead singer of the R&B group Sisters With Voices (SWV). They have a son named Lil Tracy, born in 1995, and both share a strong musical background.
- Ishmael has a close relationship with his son Jazz Butler, who goes by the stage name Lil Tracy.
- He is approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall (around 1.75 meters) and maintains a moderate weight.
- In 1992, Ishmael collaborated with friends Craig Irving from Philadelphia and Mary Ann Vieira from Washington, D.C., to form the music group Digable Planets.
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Butler’s estimated net worth is $1.5 million as of 2023, reflecting his successful career in music, including songwriting, record production, and rap.
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