Bleep

The long overdue De La Soul renaissance is upon us. All of the vital New York group’s classic material has finally been reissued, a crucial step in re-staking their crucial position in the genesis of hip hop culture. Their 1991 sophomore effort De La Soul Is Dead saw the group build on the hype set off on their debut while refining their skill by sharpening their pens. Prince Paul’s lush production style continues to thrill, guiding heavyweights like ‘Keepin’ The Faith’ towards massive radio play and starry eyed reviews from the rap mags of the day. However, it’s the lyricism from Maseo, Posdnuos, and the late Trugoy The Dove that really shines here, taking even closer aim at the violence displayed in contemporary hip hop.