De La Soul

De La Soul is a Long Island-based hip-hop trio that has made a significant impact on the music industry for over three decades. Comprising members Posdnous, Trugoy the Dove, and Maseo, the group emerged as pioneers of the "D.A.I.S.Y. Age" with their groundbreaking debut album, "3 Feet High and Rising," released in 1989. Together with A Tribe Called Quest and Jungle Brothers, De La Soul founded the Native Tongues collective, known for their clever and light-hearted tracks.

Their early singles, such as "Me, Myself and I," "Potholes in My Lawn," and "Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey)," showcased their unique style and witty lyricism. With their infectious beats and catchy hooks, De La Soul became synonymous with the carefree and positive vibes of hip-hop in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Their music was a refreshing departure from the growing gangster rap trend at the time.

Throughout their career, De La Soul released several critically acclaimed albums, including "3 Feet High and Rising," "De La Soul is Dead," "Buhloone Mindstate," and "Stakes is High." Each of these albums has garnered praise from both fans and music critics, cementing the group's status as one of the most influential and respected acts in hip-hop. Their groundbreaking use of samples and innovative production techniques have left a lasting impact on the genre.

In 2016, De La Soul made headlines when they turned to crowdfunding to finance their album, "and the Anonymous Nobody," through Kickstarter. This move showcased the group's dedication to their craft and their ability to adapt to the changing music industry landscape. The album received positive reviews and once again demonstrated De La Soul's ability to push the boundaries of hip-hop.

De La Soul's influence extends beyond their own discography. They have frequently collaborated with other artists, most notably the animated group Gorillaz. Their collaboration on the hit single "Feel Good Inc." introduced De La Soul to a new generation of music fans. Their seamless blend of animated visuals and infectious beats captivated audiences around the world.

Despite their numerous achievements, De La Soul has faced their fair share of challenges. For years, their first six albums were unavailable on streaming platforms due to a legal battle with their former label, Tommy Boy. This setback prevented a new generation of listeners from experiencing the timelessness of De La Soul's music. Fortunately, on January 3, 2023, it was announced that these albums would finally be available for streaming on March 1st, bringing much-awaited relief to fans worldwide.

Tragedy struck the group when Dave "Trugoy the Dove" Jolicoeur passed away on February 12th, 2023, at the age of 54. This devastating loss shook the hip-hop community and highlighted the lasting impact of the group's contributions. Despite the sorrow, Pos and Maseo celebrated Dave's life and the long-awaited release of their music on streaming services with a memorable event called "The D.A.I.S.Y. Experience" at Webster Hall in New York City on March 2nd.

About De La Soul

De La Soul, a hip-hop trio hailing from Long Island, New York, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Comprising Posdnous, Trugoy the Dove, and Maseo, the group emerged as key figures of the "D.A.I.S.Y. Age" with their debut album, "3 Feet High and Rising," in 1989. Alongside A Tribe Called Quest and Jungle Brothers, De La Soul co-founded the Native Tongues collective, exploring lighthearted and witty tracks that resonated with audiences.

Their early singles, including "Me, Myself and I," "Potholes in My Lawn," and "Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey)," showcased their distinctive style and clever wordplay. De La Soul's music offered a refreshing alternative to the emerging gangster rap scene, channeling a carefree and positive vibe that resonated with fans in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

De La Soul's critically acclaimed albums, such as "3 Feet High and Rising," "De La Soul is Dead," "Buhloone Mindstate," and "Stakes is High," solidified their status as influential figures in hip-hop. Through innovative sampling techniques and unconventional production choices, the group pushed the boundaries of the genre and left an indelible impact on the music landscape.

In 2016, De La Soul made waves by successfully funding their album, "and the Anonymous Nobody," through a Kickstarter campaign. This approach exemplified the group's commitment to their craft and willingness to embrace new avenues in the ever-evolving music industry. The album received widespread acclaim, showcasing De La Soul's continued ability to push boundaries and captivate audiences.

Beyond their own discography, De La Soul has collaborated with various artists, most notably the virtual band Gorillaz. Their partnership on the hit single "Feel Good Inc." introduced De La Soul to a new generation of fans, showcasing their infectious energy and seamless blending of animated visuals with their signature sound.

Despite their substantial success, De La Soul faced challenges when their first six albums were unavailable on streaming platforms due to a legal dispute with Tommy Boy, their former label. The absence of their influential albums limited accessibility for new listeners keen to explore the group's timeless music. Fortunately, on January 3, 2023, it was announced that these albums would finally be available for streaming on March 1st, providing a long-awaited opportunity for fans to enjoy their iconic tracks.

The group experienced a tragic loss when Dave "Trugoy the Dove" Jolicoeur passed away on February 12th, 2023, at the age of 54. This heartbreaking event reverberated through the hip-hop community, highlighting the enduring impact of De La Soul's contributions. Despite the profound sorrow, Pos and Maseo commemorated Dave's life and the release of their music on streaming platforms with a memorable event called "The D.A.I.S.Y. Experience" at Webster Hall in New York City on March 2nd.