De La Soul is an American hip-hop group formed in 1987 in Amityville, New York. The group consists of Kelvin Mercer (Posdnuos), the late David Jude Jolicoeur (Trugoy the Dove), and Vincent Mason (Maseo). They are recognized for their innovative and eclectic style, as well as their significant contribution to the evolution of the genre.
Their debut album, “3 Feet High and Rising,” was released in 1989. This album is an important milestone in hip-hop, often praised for its inventiveness and pioneering use of samples. It includes iconic songs such as “Me Myself and I,” “The Magic Number” and “Eye Know. Praised by critics, the album achieved great commercial success.
‘3 Feet High and Rising’ is often considered one of the most influential albums in hip-hop. It introduced a new era of creativity to the genre, and paved the way for greater musical and thematic diversity in rap. Prince Paul’s production style, characterized by the extensive use of various samples ranging from funk to psychedelic rock, was particularly innovative.
The 35th anniversary of “3 Feet High and Rising” is an opportunity to revisit and celebrate an album that not only defined an era, but is still influential and inspiring. De La Soul, with their pioneering spirit and inexhaustible creativity, remains an iconic group whose impact transcends generations and musical boundaries.