De La Soul - 3 Feet High and Rising

March 3rd, 1989.

Tommy Boy

De La Soul came fully formed on their debut. 3 Feet High and Rising welcomed in the Daisy Age; D.A.I.S.Y. - Da Inner Sound, Y'all - as well as the now common musical commodity, the skit. The Native Tongues Collective, consisting of De La Soul, Jungle Brothers, A Tribe Called Quest, Black Sheep, Monie Love and Queen Latifah, centered in on a positive and well natured output - a 'lifted' outlook and mindset. 

Hip-Hop production was elevated across 1988 and 1989; 3 Feet High and Rising ranks among the finest records ever produced. In the world of Hip-Hop, it exists within the 'Paul's Boutique' and 'It Takes A Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back' category - forward thinking, fine tuned, exquisitely manifested and innovative beyond a measurable manner. This particular point in time was the last frontier for musical freedom with relation to sampling; before the monetary value of Hip-Hop was fully realized. A crystalline moment - perfectly captured by the right people at the right time. The essence of creativity conjured up, De La flipped the old and made it new. Sounds found a fresh breath through the vision of Prince Paul - tasteful and textured sampling is an art-form. New contexts were added to said sounds through the diction of Posdnuos(Plug 1), Trugoy the Dove(Plug 2) and Maseo(Plug 3). 

Unlimited style stitched together with witty and carefree pieces. No other outfit brought the skills like De La while also having a good time - skilful and fun, feelgood and artistically in tune. Contrary to popular belief, quality doesn't have to be compromised in order to have a good time. 

A tightknit collective; one where each bolsters each other. 3 Feet High and Rising is a pure experience - music for the inner soul, and sunbeams from. Play this for anyone; there's something in it for them - a sample, lyric, rhyme scheme, general vibe and energy. 

Three certainly is the magic number.

RIP David Jolicoeur; Trugoy the Dove.