Trailblazing trio De La Soul cemented their place in hip hop history with their astonishing debut album 3 Feet High and Rising which blended humour, playful samples and a flower power image that was at odds with gangsta rap ethos of the time.
Over 30 years and across eight more albums, Kelvin "Posdnuos" Mercer, David "Trugoy the Dove" Jolicoeur, and Vincent "Maseo" Mason have kept that inventive spirit alive, experimenting with concepts, skits, live instrumentation, obscure samples, eclectic collaborators and a sharp eye on social and political issues.
2023 has been a year of great highs and lows for the group—in February, Jolicoeur AKA Trugoy The Dove died at the age of just 54.
A few weeks later, the group’s music finally appeared on streaming platforms for the first time after decades of complex, and protracted battles with their label.
Joining the party to celebrate De La Soul on the eve of the 50th anniversary of hip hop is Sky High)'s Hau Latukefu , Urthboy, DJ Nick Toth, 1200 Techniques, Chief Xcel from Blackalicious and many more.
