De La Soul Vinyl, CD & Tape

Three school friends from New York

De La Soul is an American hip hop trio from Amityville, New York. The group was formed in 1987 and consists of Posdnuos, Maseo and Trugoy the Dove, who passed away in 2023. The three members met while attending school in Long Island and became fast friends through their love of hip hop music. In 1986, they released their first single, Plug Tunin’, to critical acclaim. This was followed by the release of their debut album 3 Feet High and Rising in 1989, which became one of the most innovative and influential albums in hip hop history.

Humor and social criticism as an ideal

De La Soul is Dead (1991), the second album by the hip hop group De La Soul, is a deep reflection on the hip hop culture of the 1990s. With their unique sound and humorous lyrics, De La Soul became an important part of the hip hop scene. The album is a masterpiece that should still be heard today. Stakes Is High (1996) marked a turning point for De La Soul. The album was more political and socially critical than their earlier works and contained some of their most mature lyrics. Art Official Intelligence – Mosaic Thump (2000) was a comeback album for De La Soul after a long hiatus. It was an attempt to keep up with the changing hip hop landscape and features guest appearances from artists such as Busta Rhymes and Redman. And the Anonymous Nobody (2016) was De La Soul’s last album and was praised by fans and critics alike. The album was a creative experiment in which the group turned away from samples and instead used live instruments and vocals.

Trailblazer and scout

De La Soul is considered one of the most influential groups in the history of hip hop. Their innovative sound and thought-provoking lyrics have had a lasting impact on the genre. Their debut album 3 Feet High and Rising was a turning point in hip hop, as it featured new sounds, samples and skits that were unheard of at the time. The album broke the boundaries of traditional hip hop and used samples from different genres such as rock, funk und jazz. This helped expand the spectrum of hip hop and added to the genre in new and exciting ways. The group’s style and creativity have inspired countless artists, including A Tribe Called Quest, The Roots und Kendrick Lamar. De La Soul has always been known for their socially conscious lyrics that address topics such as politics, race, and drug use. Their honesty and authenticity have resonated with fans and helped keep hip hop rooted in its roots. De La Soul’s influence can also be seen in the way they have used humor and satire in their music. Their music often contains humorous skits and parodies, which made them one of the first groups to bring comedy to hip hop. This style has become a staple in hip hop and has been used by many artists to poke fun at pop culture and address important social issues. The group’s longevity and continued relevance are a testament to their influence on the genre. Despite a hiatus of several years, De La Soul remains active and relevant, releasing new music and touring regularly.