Reviews (page 5 of 13)
What a good time!! Doing the running man dance in my livingroom room rn, is that shuffle dance??? That was a fun time and I enjoyed it, lots of energy! 2 people doing synchronous twirly dances kinda vibe and I like that.
Classic 90s hip hop. The sampling set the standard.
Seminal, a little overstuffed.
So funny
Feeling bad about being so mean about Steely Dan two days ago. They did at least give us a tune to be sampled so delightfully here on Eye Know. This was a really fun listen: a few of the interludes don't really add much but overall it's a great debut and shows how far rap had progressed since the beginning of the decade.
It's De La Soul. In a genre where most at the time were taking things way too seriously, these guys were having some fun.
De La Soul uses the coolest samples and beats from early hip hop. I really enjoyed this
Not more to say than very fun! Stand-outs - Change In Speak - Eye Know - Say No Go - Plug Tunin’ (Last Chance to Comprehend)
I really enjoyed this album!! it was creative and fun, and really good vibes here. I will be hearing songs from this album again good vibe to start my day!
Finally a hip hop album that is not about drugs, sex, violence and misogyny. It's a really fun album (albeit the jokes are a bit childish here and there), the interludes are great, and the general vibe of the album is energetic, infectious and a real mood booster. The album is from the late 1980s but it doesn't dated at all which is another plus. De La Soul showed a new way for other hip hop bands with this record. It's a tiny bit long (with about 10 minutes more). A 4.5 star album, might round it up to 5 stars.
pretty fire
I wish I had heard the full album when it came out in 1989 to fully appreciate its freshness and innovation at the time. I can glimpse the surprise and fun of the samples selected and I love the sweetness and play of the trio, as well as their nods back to funk, soul and jazz. As younger men, they lean a little too into juvenile skits for me. Overall, it’s a four.
Lots of fun! Heavy on the interlude tho
De La Soul has always been on my radar but never directly on my radar. My love for rap somehow went from Eric B and Rakim straight to gangsta rap. I am an angry person, so gangsta rap took much of the space in my ears during the time when this album came out. I have heard individual songs but never this entire album. So, I was excited to hear this one. I really enjoyed this album and can't believe there is only one De La Soul album in this book. It feels like their catalog may have another great album in it somewhere, so I am going to investigate. This is considered "clean" rap I would guess because there is only one track that has an "E" for explicit. My favorite tracks are: (3 Is) The Magic Number Change in Speak Eye Know Say No Go Buddy Me, Myself and I
Everyone in the world you got dandruff lol can you keep a secret?
Fun upbeat hip hop. Has the skits between songs that continued to be popular years later. Solid listen.
Considerably too long but you can’t argue with the head-nodding beats and polite raps of De La. Fav tracks: Eye Know, Potholes in my Lawn, Buddy, Me Myself and I RYM: Y (#1,081) Saved a song: Y
Some call it the "Dark Side Of The Moon" des Rap. Maybe, maybe nicht. Aber das Ganze macht Spaß und hat offensichtlich bei der Produktion auch Spaß gemacht. Extrapunkt für die Gameshow-Skits
Really great, fun and ambitious, full of different sounds. It's pretty perfect, but I have a couple gripes, a little too much about sex (in a not clever way) and too long with some songs I would not have included too keep it concise. But as a statement of what you want to do, and as a record it is just cool, and I will listen to it again, very happy to discover it.
Me encantó, muy wholesome. 9/10
Belongs on the list of great 80s early hip-hop albums.
As a musical theatre fan I LOVED the feel of this album. The spoken parts of the songs and the upbeat vibes were amazing!! Would definitely recommend to a bunch of theatre kids :)
Fun. But I didn’t like the little comedic songs.
Great fun - way ahead of its time. Intelligent hip hop which handles some usual topics but with wit and humour instead of crudeness.
This is a fun happy record. I hadn’t listened to the whole album before but knew the hits, and the whole thing is great. Sometimes I don’t go for this sort of music because it isn’t very emotive but had it on when cleaning the house and it is very positive and cool. A great record.
I love the hip hop and rap, and much as I enjoy listening to songs about street politics on my daily commute, it’s also good to listen to an album that’s upbeat. This album is as much about the production and DJ skills of Maseo, as it is the rapping. I hadn’t heard much de la soul prior to this, and was blown away at how many samples I recognised from other songs created much after this one. So I guess that says a lot about their influence on hip hop through the years, and this album in particular
Last album of 2025 and its a good one to end on. This is an absolute classic, one of the best of 80s hip hop. The verses are great, the skits are fun, the sampling is godly and the vibes are off the charts. I do feel its pretty long and by the end I find that I start to lose interest but I wouldn't say it drops in quality or anything. "Eye Know" is a song that I overplayed the hell out of over the last couple years but I still think its undeniably the highlight of this album. De La forever! Favorite track: Eye Know
very groovy and hip hoppy, orgy song was weird as shit though
De La Soul’s debut is a lot of fun. I remember enjoying the singles at the time but never picked the album up. I should’ve done. Their approach was completely unique in 1989 and has weathered well. It’s had a couple of spins today, and the combination of smart wordplay and tunes that stick, still sound fresh as a d.a.i.s.y. – I went there. 8/10
Often cited as the "Sgt. Pepper of hip-hop," this album introduced a psychedelic, humorous, and positive alternative (the "D.A.I.S.Y. Age") to the aggressive gangsta rap dominating the era. It triggered a landmark legal battle with the band The Turtles over an unauthorized sample, which permanently changed the music business by making sample clearance mandatory for all future artists. Producer Prince Paul pioneered the concept of inserting narrative "skits" between tracks to create a cohesive album experience, a technique later adopted by artists like Eminem and Kanye West. The production is famous for its eclectic sampling, weaving together sounds as diverse as Johnny Cash, Steely Dan, and French language instruction tapes.
3.5 - Good
Fun, nostalgic, and clever. Love the samples and really takes me back to a specific time with this very (at the time) innovative sound. I’m taking off one star for the skits that are annoying and unfortunately influenced other rap artists.
7/10 maybe 8
I didn’t discover De La Soul until last year, and man, I’ve been missing out. This album is clever, playful, and packed with creativity. The samples are everywhere, and they make it all work without sounding cluttered. What really stood out was how smart the writing is. The double entendres, the humor, and the constant wordplay are on another level. tThey were clearly a horny bunch when they made this album, but they handled it with wit instead of just being crude. Favorite song: Jenifa Taught Me (Derwin's Revenge)
Really creative, I really liked the intro being continued throughout the album Not what I am normally into but a pleasant surprise Longer album than others so far fave songs: say no go me myself and i eye know like the music and vocals plus some of the features were cool 4.3 stars 8.5/10
Always a fan of jazz rap, and anything produced by Prince Paul really. This was really a precursor to 90s jazz rap and a great alternative to hardcore/gangster rap. I’m also extremely biased based on their samples like Steely Dan and Hall & Oates. It’s just an all around fun and good times record that’s great to throw on when you’re looking for some laid back good vibes due to the positive lyrics and funny skits.
This was such a fun era for rap. I grew up on Long Island, so the fashion and style of these bands — Tribe, Jungle Brothers, Black Sheep — were making their way to the suburbs from the epicenter of Queens and Nassau County. I don’t think this album was that well received at the time, though it’s critically acclaimed and stands up over thirty years later. These guys were all teens when they made these albums, which is incredible.
Sounds so contemporary!
Incredible! I enjoyed is album very much. Added 3 songs onto my everyday playlist. Favorite track: (3 Is) The Magic Number Least favorite track: De La Orgee
*Lots of talking / talk show vibes * hip hop / rap * eclectic *long 4/5
Some great tracks but also dodgy ones.
Eye Know is a god damn banger. Me Myself and I is great. Rest of the album is decent. 3.5⭐️
A bit all over the place, but non-stop up tempo beats and fun.
Repeat
Favorite Track: Me Myself and I
Definitely feels dated now, but the legs are there for a great album. Solid early rap styling with a great flow
Long album bit some bangers
I liked this a lot more than I thought I would. I knew it was hip-hop, but I have only listened to dark, gangsta rap. De La Soul is not this. it was funny, and light and inventive. I really enjoyed this album.
that’s what i’m tawking aboutttt
Quelle heure est-il? Il est l’heure d’écouter la musique sympa de De La Soul! Anybody who makes a good song about haircuts and dandruff is okay with me! Social commentary with a good beat.
Overall Rating: 8.7/10 Favorite Song: Tread Water
liked the instrumental but it wasn’t for me per say
This album is a fun ride with great flow, solid beats, and tons of clever little samples sprinkled throughout. I could definitely do with fewer of the comedy bits, but overall it’s an enjoyable, upbeat listen.
Fun album and clever lyrics, sometimes very naughty.
I think the algorithm must be checking my previous review because yesterday I said "hiphop isn't my thing" and today I get another hiphop album...and it's pretty great actually. Next up, please can I get some good country to get the taste of Loretta Lynn out of my mouth? It's just super fun. Certainly gets a bit too wacky at times (what the fuck is De La Orgee) but it's great fun to listen to and has a great funk to it. I might go back and listen to this again some day actually. If you're like me and think "nah hiphop isn't my thing at all", I'd strongly suggest giving this a listen. It really doesn't feel like it's a whole hour (!!) and it's damn good. Favourite songs: (3 Is) The Magic Number, Me Myself and I
Upbeat, optimistic rap. It's carefree in a 60s-hippie-Dr. Seuss kind of way. Had to do a double take on that one track tho 🤨
I love this style of hip hop. It’s got great beats, socially conscious lyrics, positive vibes, soulful, and smooth. The music is fun, funny, and clever. I bought this CD when it was first released and I’ve missed listening to it.
this was sooo fun!!!!!
some people just know how to have fun
Really fun!!!
I’d never heard this whole album before and it was clever and not as repetitive as some similar albums from that era.
Soooooo much fun
just nonstop fun!! comeon ... it kicks ass
Great classic stuff here, gets marked down for too many filler skits and stuff in between the actual songs
317/1089 - I'm not a fan of sex noises in music. Some production is grating and some other songs are very good like Me Myself and I and the Steely Dan one.
Some great late 80’s hip hop. A classic.
A difficult album for me to rate. De la is one of my favourite artists in any genre, but this is one of their weakest albums in my opinion. I recognize how inventive it is - its hard to overstate how different this was from any hip hop being released at the time, but so much of it is goofy shit and dick jokes (3 feet high and rising, get it?) that I can’t rate it as highly as a lot of hip hop heads would. They don’t hit their stride until their next album (De la soul is dead) which, in my opinion, is much more interesting and effective album. While the subject matter isn’t particularly interesting, the production certainly is (the say no go sample is inspired - how do we have 9 Steely Dan albums on this list but no Hall and Oates??). I never come back to this whole album but there are 5 or 6 great songs I do listen to still. Probably a 3.6 that I’ll round up to a 4 given how groundbreaking it is
Defnitely on of the best new discoveries on this list for me. It whet my appetite for more 1980s-HipHop.
Great old-school hip hop album with playful lyrics. Love the hits, could skip a few of the fillers.
strongest 4 to date.
I love De La Soul. Their sampling is incredible, the rhythm of their tracks is always spot-on, and their lyrics manage to be both clever and funny. They’re pretty much the only hip hop group I can consistently get into. 3 Feet High and Rising is brilliant. I couldn’t wait for the opening intro to finish so I could get straight into “The Magic Number” — what a superb song. The album is packed with tracks that live up to that standard too. “Tread Water,” “Eye Know,” and “Jenifa Taught Me” are all fantastic, and then it closes with the iconic “Me, Myself and I.” The whole thing is a joy to listen to. Favourite track: “The Magic Number” and “Me, Myself and I” — absolute hip hop classics Least favourite track: The intro felt totally unnecessary Album artwork: Great cover, colourful and iconic
Great
Full of great vibes
Standouts 3 is a Magic Number Tread Water Buddy Me Myself and I
just so fun the whole time. this is the typa stuff that makes the 80s better than the 90s for rap
album of joy and whimsy. there’s a perfect balance of 19 year olds making beautiful songs and 19 year olds just having fun and fucking around here. at first i was like “wow that’s a lot of interludes” but for the most part they don’t break up the flow at all. epic awesome sauce favorite: maybe jenifa taught me? least favorite: de la orgee 8/10
oh my goodness it's the epitome of a summer break. not only groundbreaking but just as warm and fuzzy as 1989. fav song: eye know
Rapp eins og ég fíla það.
Just freaking great
This was a lot of fun. Amazing production for their times, some of those beats made me dance in my kitchen with my toddler. Clever and light-hearted - they are serious when necessary, but never take themselves too seriously, which is so refreshing to hear. I'll be definitely coming back to this one. 4/5 with a strong potential for growth
Pretty dang good. A few great tracks. Makes me want to listen to their other albums.
Really fun songs and fun samples. A great way to end the week.
Why skits?
Not my usual genre but this one was quite fun! There were a couple of offputting tracks (orgee) but overall a solid listen.
4,5!! Rap springfyldt med personlighedbog gode beats ✨
I am not a hip hop guy but this is a classic
Cool
Groundbreaking group out of New York has some nice grooves and rap rhythms.
4.5
Great album, love the old school hip hop
Great stuff.
Thankfully I wasn't doing this challenge pre-2023, or else this would have been difficult to track down on streaming. Having De La Soul's entire catalog available online is a net positive in my eyes. Anyway, I'd consider this a significant album in the history of hip-hop. In a landscape where gangsta rap was pretty much dominating the genre, this stood out on its own with how...positive everything sounded and the unique samples used. Specifically the jazz and psychedelic-infused beats and samples make this an easily digestible listen for the most part (the sampling in "Eye Know"...*chef's kiss*). This album also sort of popularized the use of skits in hip-hop, for better or for worse. That's honestly the only slight I have with this album and the only part I'd argue that didn't age too well. (I mean, who's coming here to listen to "De La Orgee"? Come on, man...) There's some humor to be found in the quiz show skits, however. Despite some minor gripes, I'd still consider this album a cornerstone of hip-hop. The eclectic sampling and quirky lyricism quite honestly freshened the genre and De La Soul's contributions overall sort of ushered in the popularity of jazz rap/alternative hip-hop, which I'll always be fond of. R.I.P. Trugoy
Similar vibe to A Tribe Called Quest
Liked it a lot. Very danceable. Would have been a 5 if the running gag in-between tunes was missing.
I didn't even need to relisten, but I did. An eternal classic.
Innovative ✅ Influential ✅ Approachable ✅ Had fun doing it ✅ Fun to listen to ✅ Would listen to it again ❌
Well structured! Good sense of humor and nice vibes Highlights Me Myself and I, The Magic Number
Big beats and weird little skits, with a wide range of samples from the likes of Cymande, kids TV shows, Steely Dan, Funkadelic and Kraftwerk (to name but a few)... this is absolutely my type of hip-hop. De La Soul never seemed to take themselves too seriously, and, like The Beastie Boys, that irreverence and comedy comes across as a fun energy throughout the album. But the quality of this music is serious. 3 is a magic number, but this gets 4.5 stars.
That’s just fun
Had a lot of fun with this album. Very unique and goofy while having some great beats and east coast style
Ok
Sounds timeless. Great album experience with a few recognizable tracks from films I’ve seen.
Yeah this is really good stuff. Just something fun about it. Sounds great and really good lyrically. Always been on my list to listen to as well, I’ll delve further. Simpsons: Yes
And early hip-hop classic that delivers on its reputation.
Fun record
die dudes sind fun hahah. mega freudigi musig irgendwie. s intro check nöd aber isch sehr funny. die nögste zwei tracks sind huuere geili beats. bi can you keep a secret ischs zwor nöd agnehm zum lose dass sie flüstered aber funny isches scho. jenifa taught me au fun, aber find de stockend beat irgendwie nervig. nie würkli miis gsi. ghett thang checki nöd so ganz. aber ok. transmitting life from mars. quelle heute est-il? wiso lern ich horny französisch gad? ah des saucisses haha. eye know mega coole beat. isch das steely dan s sample? yeeep isch peg. geil. take it off checki weniger. sie hend halt platz gha ufere CD. mer merks würkli 90er albe hend immer bitz speck womer nöd brucht. a little bit if soap gad au. coole beat i guess. ok tread water isch en richtige song. alte de slappt sie reded zerst mitme fisch und denn mitme mister monkey. fuck yeah. say no go au huuere coole beat. i mag. do as de la does isch funny. you fuckin lasagnaheads isch huuuere lustig. sie hend so spass. buddy isch huere fun. me myself and i au haha sie sind cool. riese beat.
iwie findi de la soul easy en funny name hahah ahhh coole vibe, sochli unseriös falls das sinn macht change in speak gad wieder voll andersch! aber trz kohärent iwie cool breeze on the rocks bests lied bis jz ich lieb wie sie ihri samples ihbauet, prominent aber nöd, dass es obnoxious isch transmitting live from mars hani mega geil gfunde hahaha hahaha little bit of soap INSANE dumm aber funny (und riese sample (find cool, dass es nie ufegaht)) OMG HOI MR. MONKE NEIII SINI BANAN EYE KNOW MITEM OTTIS REDDING ERST JZ GSEH hahaha s jodel-sample riesiiig do as de la does gaht ja DUMMM OMGGGG S SAMPLE "I'd like to return to the classics" HET DE NOTHING,NOWHERE AU MAL GSAMPLED IN BETTER de la orgee chli unnötig aber was wetsch mache q-tip am annefizze! jaa wie so hüfig halt eifach z lang es knapps 4i. d lieder sind megaa kreativ und immer chli laidback, doch es het mich au chli wenig gecatched. und ebe für mich z laaang
I found 3 Feet High and Rising to be a very good listen, especially since hip-hop isn't usually my go-to genre. The sound is notably mellow, rich in melody and groove, with rhythms that are far from monotonous or predictable. The vocals are excellent and never get tiresome. While the album starts strong with "The Magic Number," the following few tracks are merely good. The album truly hits its stride and takes off starting with "Eye Know" and continues to deliver from there, making for an overall happy vibe and an enjoyable listen. Even the skits didn't bother me! Four stars. 1 "Intro" (4/5) 2 "The Magic Number" (5/5) 3 "Change in Speak" (3/5) 4 "Cool Breeze on the Rocks" (3/5) 5 "Can U Keep a Secret" (3/5) 6 "Jenifa Taught Me (Derwin's Revenge)" (3/5) 7 "Ghetto Thang" (3/5) 8 "Transmitting Live from Mars" (3/5) 9 "Eye Know" (5/5) 10 "Take It Off" (4/5) 11 "A Little Bit of Soap" (5/5) 12 "Tread Water" (5/5) 13 "Potholes in My Lawn" (4/5) 14 "Say No Go" (5/5) 15 "Do as De La Does" (3/5) 16 "Plug Tunin' (Last Chance to Comprehend)" (4/5) 17 "De La Orgee" (3/5) 18 "Buddy" (featuring Jungle Brothers and Q-Tip) (4/5) 19 "Description" (3/5) 20 "Me Myself and I" (5/5) 21 "This Is a Recording 4 Living in a Fulltime Era (L.I.F.E.)" (4/5) 22 "I Can Do Anything (Delacratic)" (3/5) 23 "D.A.I.S.Y. Age" (3/5) Total - 87 Average - 3.78 137/1001 71/137 albums reviewed were new to me.
Wahou ! C'est frais, c'est dynamique et y'a une petite vibe nonchalante qui fait trop kiffer
This was great. I don’t think I ever heard an album with more fun in it. This made me chuckle multiple times, it’s just so charming and loose. It’s musically interesting, the whole concept of a game show being called back to again and again was so unique and cool as well. It’s such a shame I never heard of this before because I really enjoyed my time listening to it. I respect an artist that can make crowd work sound enjoyable but an artist that can make crowd work enjoyable with me being the crowd is marvelous. I don’t think I would want to listen to individual songs much but the album as a whole? Great. Also happy to announce it’s on Spotify now
When a group has great chemistry and is having fun, you get a great album like this.
Hip Hop - Late 80s hip hop was playful sounding and certainly unique. They have a "sound" but it wasn't repetitive. I like the late Tribe Called Quest feature on the album. The simulated orgy track though was….uh….something…. I would listen to this album again.
The production and DJing on this album is still unparalleled, and the rapping is fun but definitely of it’s time.
Overall still a classic, but I was fighting a vague sense of disappointment where my memories of the album were better than the reality. Kinda like visiting your parents
Great artists. A witty and poetic approach to reality through hip hop, an enjoyable alternative to wannabe gangsters. Fantastic sampling and flow, which make a great album experience that transports you with the group. Didn't need to take us to De La Orgee, though — we could purge that track from every platform. Highly original, groundbreaking, and positive. But hasn't aged as well as Tribe. 4.5/5 I believe this work was also a huge influence for two of the greatest hip hop albums of all time, which shockingly are missing in 1001AYMHBYD: Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star Black on Both Sides
Very fun and interesting album with impeccable rhythm
Awesome. A classic. Hip hop is so steeped in the culture of the moment that listening to old albums can be a bit like a time capsule. Overall, it holds up. A bit long, but I enjoyed it.
What a blast. The energy, the humor, the imagination — it all feels alive. The beats are fresh even decades later, and the interludes actually enhance the concept rather than bog it down. 3 Feet High and Rising pulls off something rare: it’s both playful and technically sharp. I’m not always drawn to hip-hop concept records, but this one works start to finish.
I had fun, so did the artists. All around a good time!
Heel lekker
89 was the year of guilt free sampling apparently. This and Paul’s Boutique changed the game. Note to self: Stock up on Ludens
This is really fun. It’s wild that these guys almost single handedly invented the rap album skit concept. I grew up in a world where this was so much a part of hip-hop that I never even considered who started it. Now I know. There’s maybe a little TOO much going on with this album that keeps it from being perfect, but it’s still a lot of fun just the same.
What a fun album! Hip hop is not normally my jam, but this was really good. The Magic Number, Eye Know and Say No Go are exceptional.
Like it when a nice hip hop album turns up on a day when you really need it.
3.6 stars rounded up.
it was good, not really a hip hop fan but has really enjoyable tracks that really are worth the listen, I've loved the concept too
Fun one. Weird in a good way. Love a good math song.
Well, that was sheer joy. Really playful. Lovely crunchy beats. Some nice crocodiles. A bit long but peng.
Lush and lovely, expansive, playful, innovative hip-hop. Great to revisit this band and hear the whole album. Cheered me up on a bit of an urgh work day, but really this should be for lounging about in a park on a hot, bright day feeling free I think. I found it a bit long, but I don't think I would in that context. Eye Know is such an amazing tune.
Didn't realize how many of these I already knew, or how many felt familiar. Maybe that is a sorta Mandela effect, but I can tell this album has gone on to influence a lot of artists. A lotta saved songs on this album, I will be coming back to it.
Good and not as good
Good and fun
Banger album, some of the best 90's hip-hop has to offer
Just a fun time.
I'm not typically a fan of this era of hip hop for some reason. This album is definitely an exception to that and I'm confused as to why I haven't heard of them before. Reading through some of the other reviews, it looks like it's because they weren't available on some streaming services before so I'm glad they are now (at least on my streaming service of choice). This will go into my rotation.
man I listened to this a lot when it was new. mostly harmless. may be responsible for the "skits in hip-hop" trend it took a decade to stamp out?
Cool simpling. Really enjoyed this.
YES
4/5 Really enjoyed listening to this on this Friday morning. Overall great vibes and a couple iconic songs. Will be adding a few of these to my library
4.5
Not normally my thing, but there are some serious foottappers on this.
I love a skit in a Rap Album. Researching the efforts behind this album's creation is where I learned the term "sampledelia," which is still one of my favorite traits in music. It's like an audible collage (which also happens to be one of my favorite physical art mediums.) The amount of fun they're having on the album is just fun to hear. Feels like the pinnacle of late 80s/early 90s rap, where charisma was just as important as rhyme. Tracks like Jenifa Taught Me, and Do as De La Does shows the lasting impact disco has had on hip-hop, such fun danceable tracks. It's a challenge to review music that you can tell inspired so many later artists, because it sounds so familiar it's almost boring, immediately this album reminded me of The Pharcyde's later album Bizarre Ride II (and that album is more confrontational in its sound - it is very much of this sampledelia era) so in a way it played like something I had already heard 100s of times before.
this was really good and cool conceptually. I feel like it dragged on a little long but I liked the storytelling and tracks a lot. Fav songs: eye know, tread water
I adore this album. Great lyrics, great samples, great execution. Only thing I’ve ever not liked about it is the skits.
After a spell of mostly dreary albums, this came with a breath of fresh air. Some energy and solid beats even if it is a bit dated at times. Still, an essential old school hip hop album that deserves its spot in the book.
This is giving fun & playful energy throughout, with consistently interesting samples & beats. As far as hip-hop albums go, this one is particularly light-hearted and upbeat. Very enjoyable!
Would have been a five star album if not for the number of filler tracks. Masterclass in sampling, Prince Paul is top notch. De La has a relaxed but crisp vibe that balances your focus between the music and lyrics perfectly.
This is a classic…it grew on me as I got through the album, but I feel a little guilty about how it doesn’t always totally hold my attention. Very unique vibe/beats, creative songs, but maybe some primitive production and the vocals are mixed quite low relative to other hip hop. Love “Eye Know” “Tread Water”, and “Potholes in my Lawn”, and of course “Me Myself and I” is a classic…great recognizable samples from Led Zeppelin, Funkadelic, Steely Dan, James Brown, etc. I appreciate the way this album perfectly captures a young, and sort of light, late 80s/early 90s NY hip-hop, and builds on music that came before it while maintaining its own identity. Also feel like it might be like 3-4 songs too long and (as with most hip-hop albums) i could do without some of the skits.
I think it's aged the worst of the jazz rap classics, but is also responsible for like all of my favorite hip hop, so....
Is there a 3rd alt hip-hop entity starting with the letters D-E-L with a song about how you need to stop stinking?
Good stuff. Fun and upbeat with some classics. Skits are a bummer, but at least they're short.
One of the most fun and unique albums on the list. The game show theme and joke tracks fit the music perfectly. Jam packed with great tunes and iconic hip hop. That being said, joke tracks do limit the number of relistens I can do, and this combined with the length means that I will rarely stick it on - so leaving this with an 8/10.
Not usually my type of music, unlikely to listen to it frequently, but really respect the idea behind it and the music itself
One of my hip hop favorites. I always enjoyed the grooves and attitudes from this group and from the Native Tongues collective RIP David "Trugoy the Dove" Jolicoeur
H: you can tell immediately that this album is from the 90’s, solid story telling and overall good driving beat. 8/10 H fav song: Eye Know (this was a hard choice for me, a lot of good songs on this album) Z: such a fun hip hop album. The sampling must’ve been groundbreaking at the time— the song choices flowed perfectly with the upbeat, positive direction of the album (I recognized Hall and Oates and Steely Dan, among others). Mix that with eclectic lyrics and textbook storytelling of late 80s-90s hip hop, undeniable chemistry/flow between members of the group, and fun interludes (with the exception of ‘De La Orgee’) and you get a classic like this one. 8/10 Z fav song: Eye Know
solid classic Hip Hop album. wasn’t necessarily my style, but was still enjoyable!
Overall great album, lot of classics, but in my opinion, just a smidge too long. Funky, tons of cool samples, great rhymes.
I don't listen to much of De La but I do know this album is a classic and legendary. I know this record is one of the best in hop-hop.
Classics or Classics for a reason
Another 80's hiphop album, I am getting more accustomed to listening to albums of this genre. I read that this was their most critically acclaimed album and their most famous song "Me, Myself and I" was one of it's tracks. I enjoyed listening to it but it isn't one of my favorite hip hop albums. I like more 90s to modern hiphop but it was still interesting how hiphop has evolved throughout the years. As a sidenote, this album reminded me of Insane Clown Posse as its formatted as a game show in the beginning and end of the album. I found that pretty interesting.
3.5 stars rounded up What a fun album. We haven’t had enough of that on this list. I already had a fondness for De La Soul for their work with Gorillaz. I knew a few of the songs on this album but it was my first time listening to it in full. De La Soul are funny, eclectic, a little dorky, and a bit absurdist (“Everybody in the world, you have dandruff” lol) - a great mix in my books. There are 3 fantastic standout songs on this record - (3 is) The Magic Number, Eye Know, Me Myself and I. The songs in between aren’t quite as good, though I like Buddy too. Where it gets questionable are the recurring skits (did they invent this?) and random interludes that really push the length of this album. It definitely does run long. It could all get stupid and annoying - as we’ve heard with some other old school hip hop on this list. De La are endearing enough that it didn’t annoy me as much here. And they sequenced the album well - just when I might have lost interest, they pull out another good song. Rounding up for 3 great songs and the overall good vibes. You could throw this on for a fun chill house party and I think everyone would be happy.
Favorite songs: Tread Water, Eye Know, Me Myself and I, (3 Is) The Magic Number, Change in Speak, Ghetto Thang, Jenifa Taught Me (Derwin's Revenge), Say No Go Least favorite songs: Intro, Cool Breeze on the Rocks, Transmitting Live From Mars, Take it Off, A Little Bit of Soap, De La Orgee, I Can Do Anything (Delacratic) (fuck skits), Can U Keep a Secret 4/5
Wonderful album full of whimsy and joy. "fuckin lasagna heads"
Of the golden age hip hop groups I think I've known about De La Soul the longest but listened to them intentionally the least, though not for any particular reason. I know and like 3 Is the Magic Number and Me, Myself and I pretty well, and I enjoyed the rest of the album just as much. 3.5/5
Great album. I could do without De La Orgy, but otherwise really great. It's a bit long, but not too bad. 4.25/5
Great. Not an album thats just a collection of good tracks but an overall good album experience. Insane production, unreal this is from the 80s
Fun and groundbreaking. Good combo.
Fun album. I've given 3s to better stuff, but such is my new grading system.
Fun poppy hip hop. The vibe is infectious! One of my besties was a huge fan, RIP JWS.
It's a very 80s/90s sounding hip hop album but also a lot of fun. You can tell they really enjoyed making each song and playing around with their wordplay and the samples to make the poppy beats, and the vibe is infectious. Just like every other hip hop album on this list I don't like the skits. Favourites: Magic Number, Eye Know, and Me Myself and I.
Macht sehr viel spaß 4/5
We are really enjoyed this album.
Really cool
Heavy on the amen break, for magic number, but a great warm sound filling the space. This whole album has a warm enveloping feel without being overly nostalgic. 4 stars for sure. The vocal style sometimes gets to the stilted and forced rap that strated the genre ("Jenifa"), that's a little hard to listen to. The smoother rhythms and rhymes from "ghetto thang" are much improved.
Samples, influential, has it all, hip hop skit Eye know Tread water
Very interesting listen. Beats are good, rhyme flows. It might be to explicit in some parts though.
Fantastiske beats, selv på de der dumme mellem-numre.
DLS is just fun. Pioneers of hip hop, sure - but mostly just fun.
Dad- 8 Mom- 5 Mike-8.5 Lori- 8.5 Michael-8 Miles- NA Cole- 8 Avg- 7.67
One of my all-time favourites. It was revolutionary when it came out (I bought it that week) and the standout tracks still sound great. I'm still not convinced that hop hop lends itself to the album format, however and some of the skits and lesser tracks mean it's not a stone cold classic.
I think it's good, I think the lyrics are clever and the gameshow bit was funny, v enjoyable
A Classic
This album never hit me like it did everyone else. It’s dope it’s original and groundbreaking just not my fave.
An impressive first album that aged relatively well, considering how old-school it is at heart. For new listeners, however, it’s probably hard to measure the sheer novelty De La Soul represented back in the days. They didn’t check any of the boxes rappers were supposed to check in terms of fashion, lyrics and attitude (they were even called the hippies of hip-hop for a while...). The music, driven by the innovative work of Prince Paul, was also a bit of a revolution, injecting new diversity into hip-hop with samples from all over the musical spectrum. Their humorous lyrics, laid-back attitude and festive vibe made them rightly famous. It was nice to refresh my memory on an album I hadn’t listened to in a decade. Still very pleasant in my opinion, even if a few tracks sound a bit dated now. It’s also not my favorite DLS album, I personally prefer their later, slightly darker work. Technically, I’d rate this album a 3,5* - but this list suffers from such a massive inbalance between pop-rock and rap (not to mention other less popular genres) that I’ll round it up to a 4* to make a point.
A friendly, fun and accessible hip-hop album. Very little of the usual sophmoric hip-hop themes. This is the only hip-hop album I've heard that I'd like to hear again.
the humorous and creative lyricism makes it a very fun listen. you can tell they had a lot of fun making it. this album came at the right time considering i've been listening to a lot of tribe called quest. the interludes/game show skit was entertaining too - you have to avoid taking it too seriously really enjoy it. the singles were a great listen, particularly 'eye know' with the otis redding sample. probably wouldn't listen to the album in full again but i'll definitely go back to certain tracks.
This album showed me that I like hip hop more than I thought I did. I love the creativity in the beats, sampling, etc.
Very chill and laid back
Very good but not quite up to the 5 level I expected from this album. Some of the tracks just felt like they fell flat. Also a lot of songs that seemed between a skit and a song and I just couldn’t understand it fully
Aah, De La Soul... This hip-hop/rap album was entertaining to listen to. Their approach of using unusual samples and sometimes even surreal lyrics, while projecting generally positive vibes, is a welcome relief after all that gangsta rap stuff.
Love it. Great sampling, nice lyricism, not overly showy, just all around good 90s hip hop.
Cut the skits and you have the perfect album.
Quite enjoyed this but a bit saccharine. In a terrible mood when I listened to it though which probably didn’t help
As someone who is really not a Hip-Hop guy, I absolutely loved this. The lyrics, the sound. The gameshow theme that ran through the album. This felt like a bunch of guys just having fun and making whatever the hell they wanted. Put me in a good mood!
Great album
A Tribe Called Quest but with a sense of humor
This is the one for me for them. What a time capsule.
I’m not the biggest rap fan but this was still really good. It’s a fun album overall but I think it could do without some of the shorter tracks and skits. As far as early rap groups go, I still prefer A Tribe Called Quest but I’m glad to have finally listened to a full De La Soul album
This one is all buddy, bubby, buddy in my face. How did the kookiest, most unique hip-hop album at the time resonate with everyone at school? I think it’s 'cause it's crafted by hand with 💛 and 🌼
Very good album. A little repetitive though.
Really enjoyed this one. Thought the game show concept album thing was strange but fun. Some tracks I didn’t enjoy as much and sometimes the humour wasn’t my thing, but as a whole I liked it a lot. Fav song: Eye Know - might be partly because I really like the Steely Dan song it samples. Also liked (3 Is) The Magic Number and Transmitting Live From Mars
Enjoyable but not quite as mind blowing as the Wikipedia article suggests it was. Definitely had influence though. Enjoyed the skits. Except the orgy one what the hell was that about. Specific rating- 3.9 Fav song- say no go Least fav- de la orgee
Fun to have a song that samples a song we’ve already had in the 1001 albums! Think how much I liked the first song made the rest of the album a little bit disappointing but still really enjoyable. Favourite song: (3 is) The Magic Number Least: De La Orgee
81/100. A great debut and truly an iconic hip-hop record. It's witty, playful, and packed with clever skits and fun, sample-heavy beats that helped redefine the genre. The album's creativity and originality make it feel fresh and engaging even today.
As classic as it gets. Eye Know is an all timer
3 Feet High and Rising is a bit on the lengthy side, and not all of the skits work, but there are still many classic hip hop songs on here, especially "Eye Know," so I'd say it deserves its classic status.
I pretty much missed this when it was new, but it feels absolutely right to the time, and I dig it.
“How many fibers are intertwined in a shredded wheat biscuit?” 72/100 Favorite(s): Say no go/buddy
Gode samples, fin flyt i albumet, men bittelitt langt
Pro: A mostly outstanding album. Certainly unique in its time period. Introduced the idea of sampling as a legitimate art. Gave a career boost to Q-Tip with his feature on "Buddy." Con: It's way too long. Introduced the concept skits and interludes on Rap albums.
Fun album
It’s better than I expected. I’m getting a whole education in 80s and 90s hip hop. It’s fun and funky. I have a little issue with some of the samples. Would be better if they were less obvious. But overall a fun listen.
I loved the prodiuction on this and it had loads of great songs. the skits werent bad. they wee funny and short. I likeed the collabs w/ q tip. Lots of fun uses of samples
Classic.
I like the style and the more playful lyrics.
This was just plain fun. Remember when hip hop was fun? Like, DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince silly, but Dre/Snoop serious and quality? That's De La Soul, and I am here for it.
Decent
I don't listen to much hip hop from this time but I really liked this album. I love the samples, the raps flow very well and I love the humor!
Loved it. Listened while driving around in the week it first turned summer here.
lov this album. hate interstitials. the duality of man.
Fun and a great change of pace after Paul's Boutique Fav Track: The Magic Number
very fun!! loved that. love the old school hip hop rhythms and the game show concept too. Fav tracks: Jenifa Taught Me; Ghetto Thang; Eye Know; Say No Go
first, some context: I listened to this in Porto, an incredible city, cutting around on an early morning walk in the sunshine. That'll help. Arguably, this absolute gem doesn't need the added stimulus, but it didn't hurt. Anyway, it's everything that hip hop should be - fun, upbeat, cool - while avoiding all the traps that most people fall into of bravado and violence. They even manage funny skits! It's long, maybe too long, but a lovely pastel de nata and coffee accompaniment.
3 feet high and rating this bitch.
This is fun music
Funky album. A little goofy compared some other similar era hiphop which probably looses points for some but I it was a pretty enjoyable listen.
Rap and hip-hop is a major blind spot for me, mostly because I’ve really struggled to find artists I actually enjoy. At this point, the only hip-hop artists I actively listen to are Aesop Rock, Beastie Boys, and MF Doom. However, I think I’ll be adding De La Soul to that list! This album is so much fun and feels to be the opposite of a lot of the rap trends that I can't stand, and after reading their wiki, it seems that this was actually a large focus of their music. It really sounds like they were having an absolute blast making this album!
4
The magic number.
Hell yeah
Very fun, takes me back. I did not listen to this type of music back in 1989, but it is fun today.
J - 4/5 Best Track - "The Magic Number" F - DNL
I wanna win all da money
Never really listened into De La Soul even though I always knew they were one of the early pioneers of the hip hop. Should obviously have done. Love the laidback beats and the flow is impeccable. Also love how the scratching etc. is not over done. Not too much of a faen of all the skits that often is included in this age hip hop. Definitely hear a lot of this in modern hip hop that I lesten to, so they have probably inspired a lot of MCs coming after them.
Album de rap US essaye de pas avoir des sons de femmes qui gueulent comme dans un porno challenge : impossible. (Sinon c'était cool)
Classic
A hip-hop album, heavy with samples and opening with a skit - I should hate this, right? Wrong. Compared to other hip hop albums of the era, this is playful, jazzy, progressive and funny too. The samples here are eclectic choices (and also from a time before anyone thought to get clearance for them from copyright holders!). As well as classic soul and funk, we get artists like Hall & Oates, Johnny Cash, Steely Dan and The Turtles. There's also a cheeky French language tuition record thrown in for fun! Legal problems with the samples used kept this album off digital platforms for a long time, causing the band to release everything for free on Valentine's Day 2014 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this album's release. The good news is that an edited version with the samples still causing problems removed or replaced is now available to stream. Three-tastic!
A great hip-hop album, very fun, playful, great samples, good flow.
Twy
Muy bien, padre y divertido. Yo solo le hubiera quitado los tracks hablados en donde se supone que están en un programa de concursos, pero pues bueno, autores y conceptos que a mí me parecieron de más. Pero la música, bastente padre.
A certified classic! So many fun samples
What to say about De La Soul's joyous and witty 3 Feet High and Rising in 3 run-on sentences — no more, no less (you see what I did there)? There are more than 3 songs to be charmed by on this record that imprinted itself on my young mind, but I think of “The Magic Number,” “Eye Know,” and “Me Myself and I” as the pillars the rest of the tracks flow around effortlessly — thanks to 3 qualities: playful production, lyrical sincerity, and fresh tracks on wax. Can U Keep a Secret? — I could do without most of the skits (they’re part of why this is a 3-star rating — that and the cheekiness, you know I love you better), but they don’t drag the album down enough to dim its charm.
Pretty grooving good. Good rhymes on good beats, what more could a man ask for? I like the consistent theme of it being a game show, and it feels like they really tried to experiment with what's out there on the album.
Fun samples combined with excellent rapping make for a layd back summery listen. They occasionally drop real lyrical gold nuggets but some of the in between songs take the flow out.
Feel the damned groove.
Great 80s hip hop. Love the beats, love the rhymes, it sounds like a classic.
way better than run-dmc that’s for sure
molte canzoni sono ben all'interno della nostra cultura bello bello, soprattutto 'eye know' e 'me myself and i'
Sounds like a summer's day 😎
Lots of brilliance. But so many skits. So many.
❤️❤️❤️❤️Nostalgic
Remember when rap used to be the most fun genre of music? De La Soul was the pinnacle of that. Extra points for how thoroughly happy this album made me.
Silly, in the best way.
I'm not a huge hip-hop fan but I really enjoyed this!
I think about 3 Feet High and Rising as the most kind, and Enter the Wu-Tang as the most evil on the spectrum of influential group-style rap albums. Both great in their own way, only one you’d play with your parents in the room.
What's 3 feet high and rising? Funk? I think it's funk.
Real nostalgia
Would have got full marks, but those skits and humor were seriously not funny at all.
Just a name to me before yesterday, and let me tell ya, I frigged that one up. Right up my alley, hip hop wise. Dense, kinda fun, good sampling. Sick
Honestly I like this a lot I know more songs (three) than I expected to so thats good! I liked this album. It's pretty funny. I enjoyed listening to it. Overall: 4/5
8/10.
Not as good as I remember. Magic Number / Eye Know / Potholes in my Lawn / Me Myself and I are still laid back classics. Unfortunately there is alot of filler tracks and crappy skits that disrupt the listening experience and unfortunately means its a 4 and not a 5.
30/04/2025 I'm not into rap or hip hop, but this was alright.
Fantastic, awesome beats and samples. Mostly avoids the usual misogyny etc, but marked down a point for De La Orgee which was gross. Favourite tracks: The Magic Number, Jenifa Taught Me & Eye Know. Definitely worth a relisten. 4/5
Atemporal.
3 Feet High and Rising is a hugely important album in hip hop history, and you can hear why—it’s playful, inventive, and completely unlike anything else that was around in 1989. Instead of leaning into aggression or bravado, De La Soul built a colourful world full of quirky samples, light-hearted skits, and offbeat rhymes. Tracks like Me Myself and I and The Magic Number are infectious and clever, with an easygoing charm that's hard not to like. That said, the album’s constant skits and chaotic pacing can sometimes make it feel a bit bloated and uneven as a front-to-back listen. The creativity is undeniable, but a little trimming would have made the overall experience tighter. It’s a landmark album for sure, but it doesn’t always hit as hard emotionally or sonically as later hip hop milestones. Still, it’s a brilliant, joyful piece of work that changed the rules for what hip hop could be
Good flows and beats. I usually don't like skits on rap albums, but the skits on this one were funny, so I dug them a bit. This album might have been a 5 if it wasn't so fucking long.
Iconic! Great songs, but some filler tracks stops it being a 5.
Can definitely do without the faux orgy sounds, but otherwise, incredibly fun, smart album.
Still sounds like a modern album which sometimes difficult with sample based music. A worthy inclusion here 4.5*
I had this one on tape! I was a big Me Myself and I fan, so the album never really became a regular for me as the track is buried. Relistening it's so good, so many creative samples and completely new ideas. It was one of the last hip hop albums I ever owned as there seemed to be a split between dance hip-hop and 'serious' hip-hop, and I veered into indie rock.
Поймал Flow и мне вкатило
Cool transition hip hop album. This and the triple called quest albums are great.
This was so much fun! I couldn’t stop giggling my way through it.
8/10 Forgot how enjoyable de la soul is and hadn’t listened all the way through an album of theirs in far too long. Favorite Song: The Magic Number
Fun concept well executed. Naughty samples
Hér er heilmargt af skemmtilegu síðníundatugar hip-hopi. Smá filler með líka, en mér finnst þetta gott stöff heilt yfir og sum lögin eru klassík.
I like this kind of hip hop but I'm not sure how it's classified to be able to look for more.
Such a good old school hip hop album
🎧Good stuff, nice alternative to gangsta rap. Also it’s crediting with introducing the hip hop skit, so that’s a hell of a legacy.
Great album
Had high hopes for this, I think if I wasn't expecting a great album I'd have been happier because it was still good but not as good as it could have been. It was too long, lots of small throwaway songs that didn't really add anything. Strip those out and there were some quality songs. Magic number, Eye know, Me myself and I, daisy age all great. Think it's a 3.5 because I still like the sound but could have been more.
Terrific use of samples. The Magic Number and Eye Know stood out. Sounded decades ahead of its time. Lost a bit of spark because of the rotten interludes, so was too long, but overall closer to a 4 than a 3. Nice.
Enjoyed this, was maybe a bit silly in parts, but largely what I expected and recognised a few tracks. 3.5 but closer to 4
Can U Keep a Secret made me chuckle aloud. Eye Know and Me Myself and I were really good. A fun early hip hop album
So much fun! The rhymes are from a different era (and often a little juvenile). But the party vibe is timeless— turn this in at a party now and people will think: “that guy/gal throws a great party.” Will listen again when I’m not on a plane. At least, a four.
A mix of 80s hip hop and what was yet to come in the 90s. Superb album. A bit too much filler and skits though.
So glad it’s streaming now. I got to see De La Soul at Bumbershoot years ago, and briefly confused them for Yo La Tengo because I’m an idiot. I make it up to them by listening frequently. I’m not sure this one’s their best when there are so many to choose from. My name’s Plug Four.
aint too shabby actually quite fun
Classic and an enjoyable listen.
Loved the overall sound and vibe. Definitely deserves a fourth star for The Magic Number, Say No Go, Eye Know, Me Myself and I, and its sense of fun. I definitely get on with this kind of hip hop much more readily than with the sweary stuff that seemed to take over later on. A tad long, though.
This was amazing. Awesome and revolutionary production topped by clever wordplay along with funky chemistry between the three. This album revolutionized Hip-Hop and I can see why it's so highly rated. 4/5
It was a change to hear a rap album from a group that was very young when it was recorded. On the one hand, there is a youthful exuberance that isn’t full of weight from adult life and problems. On the other hand, there’s a lot of juvenile content like Orgee or the pointless skits that rap albums of the time had. When it hits, it really hits. But when it’s childish it becomes far less enjoyable.
Dit is best wel vet Doen alsof het een soort freestyle rap-battle is waarbij mensen zelf beats kunnen kiezen, maar de beats zijn allemaal bekende melodieën. Vooral mooi dat ze ook van die tussenstukjes met aankondigen enzo hebben Zou dit wel als geheel luisteren maar losse nummers denk ik dat niet echt werkt in een playlist. Wel hard
If I get anything out of this musical journey, it's a new appreciation for late 80s/early 90s hip hop.
De La debut still cooks
3.5 Fun, not spectacular but a fun listen faves: the magic in number, change in speak
First Listen: Feb 14 2023 one of my favorite old-school rap albums. makes me so happy
Gear: Focalman Cleardara Artwork: 🟨🌼🔃 Production: 🎛️👍🕺 Music: 🎤🌈🔥 Rating: 🌼🌼🌼🌼(🌼)/5
Smoove grooves. Added. Perfect music for getting work done.