De La Soul is a hip hop group that formed in Long Island, New York in 1987. The group consists of members Kelvin “Posdnuos” Mercer, David “Dave” Jolicoeur, and Vincent “Maseo” Mason.
De La Soul gained fame in the late 1980s with their debut album, “3 Feet High and Rising,” which was released in 1989. The album was a critical and commercial success, blending eclectic samples, live instrumentation, and a positive, conscious message that set the group apart from their more aggressive and gangsta rap-oriented peers.
The group’s second album, “De La Soul Is Dead,” was released in 1991 and marked a departure from the bright, upbeat sound of their debut. The album tackled more serious subject matter and featured darker, more introspective lyrics.
Throughout the 1990s, De La Soul continued to innovate and experiment with their sound, releasing albums like “Buhloone Mindstate” (1993), “Stakes Is High” (1996), and “Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump” (2000).
In addition to their musical achievements, De La Soul is also known for their pioneering use of sampling and their influence on the development of alternative hip hop. The group has collaborated with a wide range of artists, from Gorillaz to Common to MF DOOM, and has remained active in the hip hop community for over three decades.
However, despite their success, De La Soul faced significant legal and financial challenges in the late 2010s due to disputes with their former label, Tommy Boy Records, over streaming royalties. The group ultimately parted ways with the label and launched a successful crowdfunding campaign to fund the digital release of their back catalog.
Today, De La Soul remains an influential and highly respected group in the hip hop world, celebrated for their creativity, innovation, and positive message.
