In
1989, hip hop had a good amount of social and political awareness, largely
thanks to Public Enemy and Boogie Down Productions. You also still had the
usual hard beats and rhymes, thanks to the still growing East and West Coast
scene, but if there was one group who decided to emerge and be completely
different from everyone else (and it wasn’t heavily embraced at the time) is De
La Soul. Although the Jungle Brothers got started a year earlier with their
very good debut “Straight Out The Jungle”, De La essentially pioneered what is
now known as the “Daisy Age”. One of the things that was so good about Trugoy,
Pos, and Maseo is that no matter how different they came off as, especially in
the early stages of their career, they continued to do what they did best, no
matter where the criticism came from, and for that I’ve always respected what
they stood for. And speaking of doing what they did best and not changing, you
can say the same for the rest of the Native Tongues crew, which consisted of A
Tribe Called Quest and the Jungle Brothers, in addition to De La Soul. Now,
when the mid 90s came, De La did update their sound, and we’ll get into that a
little later in this post when I discuss “Stakes Is High”.
When
I think of this album, one of the first words that come to mind is creative,
and that’s what this album is. It was one of the great releases of 1989, and
arguably their best album. Something like this would completely go over the
heads of today’s generation, and again, one of the best things about this album
is how different it was compared to everything else out at the time. You got a
very fine balance with hip hop, and everyone wasn’t copying the latest trend or
trying to sound like the next person. You stood out more when you being
yourself. Oh yeah, I wish the “Buddy” remix was on this album!
Rating-
5 stars
5
favorite songs- Buddy, Potholes In My Lawn, Me, Myself, & I, Plug Tunin
(Last Chance To Comprehend), & Say No Go
This is another album that’s creative, and probably a little ahead of its time. This was one hell of a statement when it came to distancing themselves from the term “Daisy Age” (apparently all the criticism was causing more headaches, so I can understand why they would want to pursue another direction after this). It still holds up today and much like their debut, it’s timeless. I also have to mention they effective used skits in such a manner that you can’t help but to listen to them.
Rating-
5 stars
5
favorite songs- Pease Porridge, Bitties in the BK Lounge, A Roller Skating Jam
Named “Saturdays”, Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey), & Oodles of O’s
1993
and one of the latest beginnings of more changes in the landscape of hip hop.
With the West Coast (Death Row Records specifically) on top of the mountain and
the East Coast preparing for a memorable resurgence, De La’s 3rd
(and probably most underrated) album fell largely on deaf ears, as only the
most hardcore of supporters purchased this one. It’s still very good, just
certainly not on the level of their first two albums.
Rating-
4 stars
My
favorite songs on this album are “Breakadawn” and “Ego Trippin (Part Two)
One
of 1996’s most slept on albums, “Stakes Is High” is my personal favorite De La
Soul album. And when you listen to this one, you’ll notice a true difference
(and departure) from their first three albums. Pos and Trugoy got increasingly
better on the mic and the production followed suit as well. This also has the
strongest nostalgic vibe with me, which is always a plus. Excellent indeed.
Rating-
4.5 stars (This may change at some point.)
5
favorite songs- Stakes Is High, The Bizness, Long Island Degrees, Betta Listen,
& Supa Emcees
I don’t own either of the “Art Official Intelligence” albums. I have heard the “AOI: Bionix” album, but wasn’t too impressed.
(Update: These two albums have been added to my collection.)
This
was a semi quiet release in 2004, but make no mistake about it, it was one of
the best albums that year. It does give an album like “Stakes Is High” a run
for its money that’s for sure. It’s excellent all around. Trugoy and Pos were
still great on the mic, and with the production handled by the late J. Dilla,
Supa Dave West, Madlib, and Jake One, this is their last true great album.
Rating-
4.5 stars (This may be changed too.)
5
favorite songs- Much More, He Comes, Rock Co. Kane Flow, Days Of Our Lives, and
Verbal Clap

I
checked this album out on Spotify a few months back, and I was looking forward to it. And
needless to say, I wasn’t impressed whatsoever. I’m not sure why they decided
to take a more experimental direction on this album, but in my opinion it didn’t
work. Forgettable effort and I hope this is not their last album.
Rating-
2.5 stars
Overall,
they have a Hip Hop Hall of Fame career, largely on the strength of their first
album. They were one of a few artists/groups who made it cool to be different,
and for that, I have nothing but respect for what they accomplished over the
years.
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