De La Soul's Consecutive Album Run: A Look at 3 Feet High Rising, De La Soul Is Dead, Buhloone Mindstate, and Stakes Is High
Four incredible albums that redefined the alternative rap genre.
De La Soul helped redefine the rap genre with their unique sound, which blends samples from various sources with witty lyrics and off-beat humor. One of their most impressive achievements is their run of four consecutive classic albums: 3 Feet High and Rising (1989), De La Soul Is Dead (1991), Buhloone Mindstate (1993), and Stakes Is High (1996). These records showcased De La Soul's musical range and demonstrated how they evolved as artists while maintaining their signature style throughout each release.
3 Feet High and Rising (1989)
The first album in this run was 3 Feet High and Rising. Released in 1989, it marked De La Soul's debut on the scene and immediately made an impact with its quirky beats and playful rhymes. The record drew heavily on sampling from various genres like funk, soul, jazz, and even children’s music - creating a dynamic soundscape that helped to define what would later become known as alternative hip-hop.
De La Soul Is Dead (1991)
Following up on such a successful debut could have been daunting for any group. Yet, De La Soul rose to the challenge with their sophomore effort, De La Soul Is Dead. Despite being less commercially successful than its predecessor due to more mature themes like death & disillusionment; it remains one of hip-hop's greatest achievements thanks to its heavy use of sampling that ranged across rock music alongside commentary about issues affecting black Americans at that time period.
Buhloone Mindstate (1993)
Buhloone Mindstate, released two years after De La Soul Is Dead, showed further growth both musically & lyrically by introducing new sonic textures into their mix, along with guest appearances from Guru & Maceo Parker, among others. It features songs like "Ego Trippin' Pt. 2" or "Eye Know," showcasing the group's ability to mix humor with social commentary in an entertaining and thought-provoking way.
Stakes Is High (1996)
Stakes Is High, released four years after Buhloone Mindstate, is considered one of De La Soul’s most important records. It saw them move away from their earlier sound towards more socially conscious themes - tackling issues such as police brutality, cultural appropriation & commercialization within hip-hop culture; all while maintaining their signature style of eclectic beats and witty lyrics. This album demonstrated how De La Soul had matured as artists while remaining relevant within an ever-changing musical landscape.
De La Soul's run of four consecutive great albums is nothing short of remarkable. These records showcase the trio's musical range and demonstrate how they evolved as artists while staying true to their unique sound throughout each release. Their use of samples from various genres helped redefine what would later become known as alternative hip hop; while at the same time incorporating socially conscious themes into their music without sacrificing any sense of humor or fun along the way.