De La Soul: An Introduction

De La Soul is an American hip-hop trio formed in 1987 in Amityville, New York. The group consists of David Jude Jolicoeur (a.k.a. Posdnuos or Plug One), Vincent Mason (a.k.a. Maseo or Plug Two) and Kelvin Mercer (a.k.a. Trugoy or Plug Three). The group is best known for their eclectic sampling, quirky lyrics, and their contributions to the evolution of the jazz rap and alternative hip hop subgenres.

Record Label & Early Albums

In 1988, De La Soul signed a recording contract with Tommy Boy Records and released their first album 3 Feet High and Rising that same year. The album was an instant success with its eclectic sampling, innovative production technique, wacky humor and positive messages. It was also notable for its diverse array of guest appearances from musicians like Prince Paul, Queen Latifah and P-Funk's George Clinton.

Collaborations & Recent Projects

Throughout their career, De La Soul has collaborated with a number of artists on various projects. They have worked with A Tribe Called Quest, Gorillaz and Little Dragon to name a few. In 2014, they released an album titled And the Anonymous Nobody which featured guests such as 2 Chainz and Damon Albarn. They also released a new project called For Your Pain & Suffering in 2016.

Legacy

De La Soul's influence has been widely recognized in the music industry as they have been credited for pioneering the alternative hip hop movement in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Their eclectic sampling technique and positive messages have helped shape the sound of modern hip hop music today.