Formed while going to high school in New York, De La Soul was a trio of Posdnuos, Maseo and Trugoy the Dove (RIP). Catching the attention of producer Prince Paul, the group released their debut album 3 Feet High and Rising in 1989, smack in the middle of the golden age of hip hop. The album as a kaleidoscope of styles using samples from jazz, funk, soul, psychedelia, and rock records. Collaborating with like minded groups A Tribe Called Quest and The Jungle Brothers, De La Soul introduced their sound called the D.A.I.S.Y age (Da Inner Sound Y’all) to the rap community.
Based on a Schoolhouse Rock! track, “The Magic Number” is an effervescent song where “De La Soul posse consist of three/And that’s the magic number”. “Eye Know” takes a Steely Dan sample from “Peg” and adds horns from a Mad Lads’ track and Otis Redding’s whistling for a new sound as bright as a sunny day. “Tread Water” sees the trio introduce members of the animal community with a beat that keeps the story moving before the Hall and Oates sampling “Say No Go” tackles the crack epidemic sweeping through their neighbourhood.
“Me Myself and I” was the band’s first and only top 40 hit, it’s the one that helped their tape make into ghetto blasters in high schools around the world. The track sees each member sing about their own unique personality and style, downplaying the hippie image that was attached to them at the time. “De la soul is from the soul/and in fact I can’t deny../and from me, myself and I”. On that hit single and throughout the album – the band along with Prince Paul revel in a sophisticated and experimental sound that keeps it light and youthful. The sample heavy album was held back from digital release for years as they worked out agreements to clear samples (or make slight changes) that Tommy Boy Records originally neglected to bother with. Regarded as an 80s classic album, an all time great rap disc, and included in the US Library of Congress – 3 Feet High and Rising is a cultural landmark recording.
10/10
The Light Appears 