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De La Soul is an American hip-hop group that emerged in 1988 from the village of Amityville on Long Island, New York. They are widely regarded as one of the most original and inventive groups in hip-hop history, known for their eclectic sampling, quirky lyrics, and contributions to the evolution of the jazz rap and alternative hip-hop subgenres. Kelvin “Posdnuos” Mercer, David “Trugoy the Dove” Jolicoeur, and Vincent “Maseo” Mason formed the group in high school and caught the attention of producer Prince Paul with a demo tape of the song “Plug Tunin’”. With their debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising (1989), they became prominent members of the Native Tongues Posse, along with A Tribe Called Quest, Black Sheep, Queen Latifah, and the Jungle Brothers, among others.
Origins
De La Soul’s musical influences were diverse and eclectic, ranging from funk, soul, rock, pop, jazz, and reggae, to literature, philosophy, and spirituality. They also drew inspiration from their surroundings, such as the suburban environment of Long Island, the urban culture of New York City, and the Afrocentric movement of the late 1980s. They adopted their stage names from their personal preferences and interests: Posdnuos spelled backwards is “sound sop”, Trugoy spelled backwards is “yogurt”, and Maseo is a nickname derived from his middle name, Mason.
The group’s breakthrough came when they met Prince Paul, a former member of Stetsasonic and a pioneer of hip-hop production. Prince Paul helped them refine their style and sound, and introduced them to the art of sampling, which became a hallmark of their music. They used samples from a variety of sources, such as children’s records, instructional tapes, television shows, movies, and obscure records, creating a collage of sounds and textures that contrasted and complemented their rhymes.
Breakthrough
De La Soul’s debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising, released in 1989, was a critical and commercial success, reaching number 24 on the Billboard 200 and number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. The album was also certified platinum by the RIAA and won several awards, including the NME Award for Best Album and the Soul Train Music Award for Best Rap Album. The album featured several hit singles, such as “Me Myself and I”, “The Magic Number”, “Buddy”, and “Eye Know”, which showcased the group’s catchy and clever wordplay, positive and playful messages, and diverse musical influences.
The album also introduced De La Soul’s concept of the “D.A.I.S.Y. Age” (an acronym standing for “da inner sound, y’all”), which represented their vision of hip-hop as a creative and uplifting force. The album was also notable for its use of skits, which added humor and personality to the music, and for its cover art, which was designed by the British artist collective the Grey Organisation. The album’s title was a reference to the Johnny Cash song “Five Feet High and Rising”, which was about a flood in Cash’s hometown.
Masterpiece
In 1991, De La Soul released their second album, De La Soul Is Dead, which was a radical departure from their debut. The album was darker, more cynical, and more experimental, reflecting the group’s frustration with the music industry, the media, and the fans who labeled them as hippies. The album featured songs that addressed topics such as drug abuse, domestic violence, sexual harassment, and AIDS, as well as songs that parodied and criticized other hip-hop trends and artists, such as gangsta rap, MC Hammer, and Vanilla Ice.
The album was also a musical masterpiece, featuring some of the most complex and creative sampling and production in hip-hop history. Prince Paul and De La Soul used samples from over 200 sources, such as James Brown, Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, Lou Reed, and the Beatles, creating a rich and diverse sonic landscape. The album also featured guest appearances from other Native Tongues members, such as Q-Tip, Monie Love, and Black Sheep, as well as the legendary jazz saxophonist Maceo Parker.
De La Soul Is Dead was a critical success, receiving rave reviews from publications such as Rolling Stone, The Source, and Spin. The album was also a commercial success, reaching number 26 on the Billboard 200 and number 24 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts. The album was also certified gold by the RIAA and nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. The album featured several singles, such as “Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey)”, “A Roller Skating Jam Named “Saturdays””, and “Keepin’ the Faith”, which demonstrated the group’s versatility and innovation.
Legacy
De La Soul is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important groups in hip-hop history. They have influenced a diverse range of artists, such as Gorillaz, Outkast, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, and Tyler, the Creator. They have also received numerous honors and awards, such as the Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for their collaboration with Gorillaz on their single “Feel Good Inc.” in 2006, and the MTV Video Music Award for Best Hip-Hop Video for their collaboration with DJ Shadow on their single “Rocket Fuel” in 2020.
The group has continued to release albums and singles, such as Buhloone Mind State (1993), Stakes Is High (1996), The Grind Date (2004), and And the Anonymous Nobody… (2016), which have received acclaim and recognition for their quality and originality. The group has also faced legal and contractual issues, which have prevented them from releasing their music digitally and streaming their catalog online. The group has tried to overcome these obstacles by releasing their music for free on their website, and by launching a Kickstarter campaign to fund their latest album, which features guest appearances from artists such as Damon Albarn, Little Dragon, David Byrne, 2 Chainz, and Snoop Dogg.
De La Soul is a unique and visionary group that has created a rich and diverse body of work that transcends genres and boundaries. They are a true icon of hip-hop and culture, and a source of inspiration for many.
