Check out these new and used De La Soul vinyl records LPs for sale. We recommend starting your De La Soul vinyl collection with the essential albums De La Soul Is Dead, Stakes Is High and 3 Feet High And Rising. Our inventory is always changing, so check back often, or browse our list of vinyl records for sale from hip-hop and rap musicians.

De La Soul: A Journey Through Time and Groove

The Roots of De La Soul Vinyl

De La Soul Vinyl, the iconic hip-hop trio, emerged from the fertile grounds of Long Island, New York, in the late 1980s. Consisting of Posdnuos (Kelvin Mercer), Trugoy the Dove (David Jude Jolicoeur), and Pasemaster Mase (Vincent Lamont Mason Jr.), De La Soul quickly made a name for themselves with their unique sound, eclectic samples, and witty lyrics. The group’s debut album, “3 Feet High and Rising,” released in 1989, laid the foundation for their groundbreaking approach to hip-hop, blending humor, consciousness, and a vast array of musical influences.

The Debut Masterpiece: “3 Feet High and Rising”

“3 Feet High and Rising” remains a landmark album in the history of hip-hop. The title itself is a nod to the high energy and positive vibes infused throughout the record. The album’s production, characterized by innovative sampling and a mosaic of genres, showcased De La Soul’s refusal to be confined by conventional hip-hop norms.

Tracks like “Me Myself and I” and “The Magic Number” not only became instant classics but also exemplified the group’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of the genre. The sampling on the album ranged from funk and soul to jazz and psychedelic rock, creating a sonic tapestry that resonated with a diverse audience.

“De La Soul Is Dead”: A Bold Evolution

Following the success of their debut, De La Soul faced the challenge of avoiding sophomore slump with their second album, “De La Soul Is Dead” (1991). True to their artistic vision, the trio took a bold step by addressing the criticism they received for being too “hippy” or “soft” after the release of their debut.

The album’s title, coupled with its darker tone, signaled a departure from the playful exuberance of “3 Feet High and Rising.” Yet, it showcased the group’s growth and refusal to be pigeonholed. Tracks like “Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey)” and “A Roller Skating Jam Named ‘Saturdays'” demonstrated a seamless blend of social commentary and infectious beats.

The Experimental “Buhloone Mindstate”

“Buhloone Mindstate” (1993) marked another shift in De La Soul’s sonic landscape. With production influenced by jazz and a focus on introspective lyricism, the album delved into the complexities of the human mind. Tracks like “Ego Trippin’ (Part Two)” showcased the group’s lyrical prowess, while the collaboration with jazz saxophonist Maceo Parker on “I Be Blowin'” added a layer of sophistication to their sound.

The album’s experimental nature and genre-blurring approach set it apart, solidifying De La Soul’s reputation as innovators in the hip-hop realm. “Buhloone Mindstate” remains a testament to the group’s ability to evolve while staying true to their roots.

Stakes Is High: Confronting the Realities

As the hip-hop landscape continued to evolve in the mid-90s, De La Soul responded with “Stakes Is High” (1996), an album that reflected the changing socio-political climate and the challenges faced by the African American community. The title track, “Stakes Is High,” served as a poignant commentary on the state of hip-hop and society.

The album featured a more stripped-down production, with a focus on live instrumentation, providing a raw and authentic backdrop for the socially conscious lyrics. “Stakes Is High” showcased the group’s maturity and willingness to tackle pressing issues while delivering a groove that resonated with their audience.

A Return to Roots with “Art Official Intelligence”

In the early 2000s, De La Soul embarked on a trilogy of albums under the banner “Art Official Intelligence.” The first installment, “Mosaic Thump” (2000), brought the group back to their roots with eclectic samples and a diverse range of featured artists. Tracks like “Oooh” featuring Redman and “All Good?” featuring Chaka Khan exemplified the group’s ability to collaborate seamlessly with artists from different genres.

The subsequent releases, “Bionix” (2001) and “The Grind Date” (2004), continued the exploration of varied musical styles and featured collaborations with artists like Snoop Dogg and MF DOOM. The trilogy demonstrated De La Soul’s enduring relevance and their ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of hip-hop.

De La Soul Vinyl’s Influence and Legacy

De La Soul Vinyl’s impact extends beyond their discography. Their innovative use of sampling, commitment to lyrical depth, and refusal to conform to stereotypes have influenced a generation of hip-hop artists. The “D.A.I.S.Y.” (Da Inner Sound, Y’all) age, coined by the group, emphasized their positive and conscious approach, inspiring a new wave of artists to explore the limitless possibilities within hip-hop.

Similar Grooves: Exploring Kindred Spirits

While De La Soul Vinyl stands out in its unique blend of genres, there are other bands that share a similar ethos and approach to music:

1. A Tribe Called Quest:

• A close contemporary of De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest shares a commitment to innovative sampling and socially conscious lyrics. Albums like “The Low End Theory” and “Midnight Marauders” resonate with a similar fusion of jazz, funk, and hip-hop.

2. Jungle Brothers:

• As part of the Native Tongues collective alongside De La Soul, the Jungle Brothers brought their own brand of eclectic hip-hop. Their debut album, “Straight Out the Jungle,” showcased a mix of Afrocentric themes and diverse musical influences.

3. Digable Planets:

• With their debut album “Reachin’ (A New Refutation of Time and Space),” Digable Planets explored jazz-infused hip-hop, akin to De La Soul’s experimental phase. The laid-back grooves and poetic lyricism resonate with the spirit of the D.A.I.S.Y. age.

The Torchbearers: Artists Influenced by De La Soul Vinyl

De La Soul Vinyl’s influence extends to a wide array of artists, shaping the trajectory of hip-hop in profound ways. Several contemporary artists have acknowledged the impact of De La Soul on their music:

1. Kanye West:

• Renowned for his boundary-pushing production and genre-blurring approach, Kanye West cites De La Soul as a significant influence on his early work. The soulful samples and introspective lyrics in albums like “The College Dropout” echo the spirit of De La Soul’s pioneering efforts.

2. Kendrick Lamar:

• Kendrick Lamar, a modern-day lyricist and storyteller, has expressed admiration for De La Soul’s ability to merge consciousness with creativity. The layered narratives and social commentary in Lamar’s work draw parallels to the legacy of De La Soul.

3. Tyler, the Creator:

• Known for his genre-defying sound, Tyler, the Creator, acknowledges the impact of De La Soul’s experimentation on his approach to music. Both artists share a willingness to challenge norms and explore the vast spectrum of musical expression.

The Vinyl Legacy Lives On

As we reflect on the journey of De La Soul Vinyl, it becomes evident that their impact extends far beyond the confines of traditional hip-hop. The trio’s willingness to experiment

, blend genres, and tackle social issues has left an indelible mark on the genre’s landscape. From the playful exuberance of “3 Feet High and Rising” to the socially conscious reflections in “Stakes Is High,” De La Soul Vinyl has consistently pushed the boundaries of what hip-hop can be.

In a world that often categorizes and labels, De La Soul Vinyl remains a testament to the power of artistic freedom and the ability to transcend expectations. As their influence continues to ripple through the soundscape of hip-hop, one can’t help but appreciate the timeless groove of De La Soul Vinyl — a groove that lives on, etched in the heart of vinyl and the soul of hip-hop.