De La Soul, a trailblazing trio hailing from Long Island, New York, has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of hip-hop since their inception in 1987. Comprised of Posdnuos (Kelvin Mercer), Dave (David Jude Jolicoeur), also known as Trugoy the Dove, and Maseo (Vincent Mason), De La Soul burst onto the scene with their seminal debut album "3 Feet High and Rising" in 1989. Their innovative sampling techniques and eclectic sound, as well as their playful and thoughtful lyrics, marked a departure from the more aggressive style of hip-hop at the time, laying the foundation for the alternative hip-hop genre and influencing countless artists.

Through a career spanning over three decades, the group has consistently defied the norms of commercial rap. Albums like "De La Soul Is Dead," "Buhloone Mindstate," and "Stakes Is High" showcase their evolution in sound and lyrical depth, tackling a range of topics from social issues to personal introspection. Despite their commercial peak in the early 90s, they remain highly respected in the hip-hop community for their creative integrity and have collaborated with a variety of artists across genres. Notable releases like "Oooh," "Itzsoweezee (HOT)," and "Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey)" continue to resonate, reflecting De La Soul's unique ability to blend infectious beats with cerebral wordplay. Their influence is woven into the fabric of hip-hop culture, and the legacy of De La Soul is one of boundless innovation and profound authenticity.

Genres

East Coast Hip Hop

Golden Age Hip Hop

Hip Hop

Jazz Rap

Related Artists

A Tribe Called Quest

Common

Mos Def

The Roots

J Dilla

Digable Planets

Black Star

Jurassic 5

MF DOOM

Madlib

Gang Starr

Little Brother

Latest Release

My Year

De La Soul•

Pharoahe Monch

Single - Released May 10, 2024