DE LA SOUL 黑胶唱片和CD

Review: De La Soul have been ever present in the hip-hop scene for some 40-odd years. They redefined the genre early on with their positive messaging and flower power energy, and have always managed to stay fresh ever since without ever jumping on the sonic bandwagon of the day. They pulled that trick off once more with Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump which fuses r&b and pop with their usual hip-hop sounds, all finished with a nice and authentic raw edge. The guest are high-grade, too, with Redman, Xzibit, Busta Rhymes, Mike D and Ad Rock of the Beastie Boys, Freddie Foxxx and Chaka Khan amongst them.

Review: De La Soul will always be best known for their one superb and standout album 3 Feet High and Rising but the iconic band, who made such a fast rise to fame, continued to keep quality levels high in that classic album's wake. They remained one of the most original, authentic and creative groups and not just famed for their positive, happy, uplifting messages at a time when much hip ho was focussed on darker aspects of life. De La Soul is Dead came in May 1991 with visionary producer Prince Paul behind the beats which went on to top plenty of global charts and secured Gold status by the RIAA. 'A Roller Skating Jam Named Saturdays', 'Ring, Ring, Ring (Ha Ha Hey)' and 'Keepin' the Faith' are just some of the highlights.

Review: Chief among the multiple formats of De LA Soul's debut album is this lovely orange cassette edition. Often regarded as the inception of late 80s/early 90s 'alternative rap', the trio incited said era thanks to their declaration of the 'D.A.I.S.Y. Age' (da inner sound, y'all), consciously choosing a flowery, positive hip-hop sound, accessible to everyone. Trugoy, Maseo and Posdunos offer distinct personalities across the project, suggesting alternative ways in which to stay true to one's roots while keeping on the right path.