Reviews (page 7 of 13)
If I heard this in 1989 it would have radicalized me. I loveeee hip hop and old school hip hop specifically. It’s fun, it’s whip smart, it’s funky, it talks about serious issues without bumming you out. I was smiling the entire time I listened to it. I’ve been told so many times that I would love de la soul but WOW I didn’t expect to love then this much. It’s just so fun. I’d watch this as a full movie. I’d love to have this on vinyl! It makes me want to walk around outside in a big city in the summer. The perfect album for that.
Early Hippy Hop fun times
I was back in high school for about an hour!
This is the one for me for them. What a time capsule.
Some stand out tunes. Great production. Not for me as a whole album
One of the finest hiphop albums created. I remember this being the first album the showcased the poetry, intelligence, and humanity of hiphop. 5/5
Not into Hip Hop, but this was pretty exciting. Fav: The Magic Number
One of the more interesting rap albums I've listened to. A bit lengthy at over an hour. This comes with a lot of filler tracks. What may or may not be a filler track, "Can U Keep a Secret", had me laughing out loud. Favorite lyric being "Everybody in the world, you have dandruff." When you get to what feels like the meat of the album with some of the more traditional tracks, there are some good ones, favorites outlined below. Didn't know they made Me Myself and I. After hearing basically the whole album before this song, it tracks so hard. Overall, this was enjoyable. A definite early rap sound, great sampling, some good record scratching and a large dose of goofy. These guys seem like they'd be a good hang. 3.5/5 Favorites: - (3 Is) The Magic Number - Eye Know - Me Myself and I
I had a good time listening to this album over the weekend. I really enjoyed a lot of the sampling and beats — particularly on “Eye Know”. The skits and short tracks were fun, though I probably won’t revisit those as often… although I did Google the answers to the game show questions. On the borderline of a 4/5. Favorite tracks: - (3 Is) The Magic Number - Eye Know - Me Myself and I
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
It was alright enough
Too many interludes and overlong. Annoying in places too.
Great album, probably the De La Soul record I enjoy the most
Not sure I've ever listened to them before and I didn't know what to expect. I seriously enjoyed this and am looking forwards to checking out more.
A little too long but honest, excellent.
Funny album, feel like on a few listens I may upgrade to a 4 but on first attempt it’s a 3
Great beats/sampling vs. Boring rapping/skits (The latter wins handedly, alas)
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 🌼
weak
Very good album. A little repetitive though.
Relativt trevlig o harmlös lyssning för att vara hiphop. Good vibes men inget för mig.
Rätt kul lyssning! 3 Is the Magic Number är visst inte bara en reklamlåt
Meh
Not my style
intro- interesting intro. 6 the magic number- 7 change in spark- 6 cool breeze on the rocks- 5 can you keep a secret- 6 jenifa taught me- 6 ghetto thing- 6 or 7 transmitting live from mars- 5 eye know- 5 take it off- 5 little bit of soap- 5 or 6 tread water- 6 or 7. i love all types of rap and rap is definitely an effective way to spread very serious messages, but i love when rap is goofy. who else is rapping about talking to squirrels. pot holes in my lawn- 7 say no go- 7 or 8 do as de la does- 6 plug turnin- 5 de la orgee- 5 buddy- 5 description- 5 me myself and i- 5 this is a recording- 5 i can do anything- 6 daisy age- 5 very interesting. will return to this later
avoided the issue on spotify since that removes a few samples (man, copyright law makes me so mad). god this album is so great. cracked wide open the possibilities of what hip hop music could be. sunny and bright, and with brilliant production courtesy of Prince Paul. delightfully on the same wavelength as the acid house from across the pond, but in a completely different context. Me, Myself and I is a massive tune. fairly backloaded but god is that back half good deserves to be one of the 1001? mhm mhm! a rare album that really could not be made today in all its sampledelic glory. simply essential. one of the most important 80s hip hop albums
Started off pretty strong but got boring
Whatever - how do all the 1990s rap bands manage to sound the same?!
A great album from my favourite era of hip hop. Doesn’t take itself too seriously. A classic album to play in the car in summer with the windows down. At times it crosses the line into goofy but I’ll forgive it because the beats are great and I love these three guys.
One of the greatest hip hop albums of all time, nay, albums in any genre
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
Bouncy 90s hip hop.
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.
Alegre pero perecita la verdad. Sexo en De la Orgee???? This is a recording is nice. Jenny only thought about Jenny
Might be the first 5 star album on the list. Funny, clever, and sampling so good that it's hard to clear to repress or put on streaming services. - mitona
3.5 - liked the vibe, but didn't grab me
I pretty much missed this when it was new, but it feels absolutely right to the time, and I dig it.
Reminds me of some other stuff I like (Digable Planets, Arrested Development, Tribe Called Quest) except singing about potholes, soap and other random shit.
“How many fibers are intertwined in a shredded wheat biscuit?” 72/100 Favorite(s): Say no go/buddy
I was a little iffy on this album at first because of the more old school style of hip-hop/rap it goes for - it feels a little "My name is De La Soul and I'm here to say, I gonna rap and rhyme in a major way" at times - but it started to grow on my a fair bit the further I got into it. There's some fun catchy stuff on here, and it's got me interested in giving it a second chance.
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.
3.5
Look, it's highly influential and there are some great songs, but the skits really mess with the flow of the album. It's also too long, and can get kind of irritating.
Had some fun beats, but not my jam as a whole.
Nice and unusual samples that make this album quite eccentric for Hip Hop. Good but not totally my vibe
Intro is like a game show? Hmm... Mostly spoken Whole song about dandruff? I don't think this is for my demographic Ghetto Thang is interesting Eye Know isn't too bad Random cleanliness theme that I don't quite understand Potholes In My Lawn was kinda fun Rating: 1 star (definitely will not listen again)
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
Не врубаюсь. Ну и коллажи сэмпловые не увлекают.
Classic.
I like the style and the more playful lyrics.
tut nicht weh. ganz gut aber nicht ganz mein style
One of my favorite albums ever. The samples r outta this world.
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.
Laidback interesting production, innovative lyrics, and making their own lane
lots of goofy skits and a lot of talk about needing a luden
Decent
Old school hip hop
Ritmos frescos y las voces rapeadas mantienen la vibra
I'm enjoying the game-show intro. I hope the rest of the album is a full game-show. Wow, "(3 Is) The Magic Number" is a song that I heard once in a while a LONG time ago, and I've never known what it was. I love the hook, and the verses. "Can U Keep A Secret" is a weird song, it's a funny idea but isn't that great to listen to. Lots of people have dandruff. "Eye Know" sounds like its sampling just Otis' whistling, which is funny. This is a great song, the other sample is great too. "Take It Off" is another weird song. "A Little Bit of Soap" has dope flow and a fun beat. It's also funny. Please use soap. "Tread Water" is back to the fundamentals with a dope beat and bars. I forgot to write my thoughts on the back half of the album, but it was all pretty good. "This Is A Recording" was my favorite. I maintain that an hour is too long for almost any album, and this album had its boring sections. Despite that, the highs were high enough that I'm willing to give this a 9. 9/10
If you cut out the 10 worst tracks it'd be a phenomenal album.
it's ok
Sublime
Love this album!
Ik heb nog wat achterstallige albums liggen, maar ik ga deze even tussendoor pakken want de boog kan niet altijd gespannen zijn. De La Soul: heerlijke rapgroep. Een hoorbaar oldskool album. Maatschappijkritisch maar niet zonder plezier. Het is een beetje melig en op een geinige manier wat afgezaagd en het staat daardoor lijnrecht tegenover de veel te stoere gangsterrap waar je misschien al gauw genoeg van krijgt. Af en toe is het me net iets te simpel (track 6 bijv.), maar het stoort niet echt. Wat ik lees op de wiki is dat dit album verantwoordelijk is voor skits op hiphopalbums en daar heb ik een haat liefde verhouding mee die iets meer richting haat dan liefde leunt. Maargoed. Ik vind ze op dit album wel geinig. Een liedje over hoofdroos, een Frans intermezzotje met lekker beatje, een kort trackje waarop ze aangeven dat ik me een keer moet wassen. Prima. Alleen De La Orgee is een hard skip voor mij. Het is niet altijd zo geweest, maar tegenwoordig vind ik De La Soul een feest om te luisteren. Ik denk dat zelfs rap- en hiphop haters groepen als De La Soul en A Tribe Called Quest over het algemeen nog wel kunnen waarderen. Terecht wat mij betreft. Ik vind het niet eens het beste rapalbum ooit (die eer gaat natuurlijk naar Lange Frans en Baas B - Supervisie (2004)) maar het is wel een essentiële. Ik geef hem 5 sterren.
Excellent and fun and feed good!
bouncy, trouncy, flouncy, pouncy fun, fun, fun, fun, fun! Hmmm maybe 45RPM got inspired by them?
It's one of the classic Hip hop albums that I really just don't like, it's kinda dumb and annoying.
Other than a couple interesting sample choices this is pretty… not great.
I liked a couple of the tracks but it seemed like it had a lot of filler. There's probably a great 30 minute album in there somewhere.
I didn't really care for this the first time I heard it. I still don't really care ABOUT it now. Some of the rhymes were clever, but overall it's a forgettable album. It's also too long, some editing may have made something better.
5/5
Similar sound to almost all tracks. Not my style of music.
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!
It’s been ages since I last listened to this. Me Myself & I was one of the first non-Eminem hiphop songs I ever heard and showed me the genre could be fun and light without coming across as corny. This album has flashes of brilliance, but it suffers from the usual issues sold the era: its way too fucking long and the skits are dire. But the way the three of them throw the bars back and forth to each other is sublime and the production is top notch. This still holds up as a great hiphop record, even if you do feel its age slightly now.
fun
Loved it. Listened while driving around in the week it first turned summer here.
This is the best De La Soul and the stings and skits don't feel like an interruption as they do for a lot of its peers
lov this album. hate interstitials. the duality of man.
After reading other people's reviews maybe I'm just having a really bad day or something because I couldn't find the fun or the banter in this and it just felt grating.
Both, this album and the previous one have opened my eyes and heart to rap and hip hop. I really liked it.
Fun and a great change of pace after Paul's Boutique Fav Track: The Magic Number
Unique but overrated 3/5
3.3 2x catch up on Youtube, 5/12/26
Loved it front to back!
Fine. Unlikely to listen again.
this is the ultimate boy best friends album. i enjoyed it so much. fun, funny, funky. i also love their long island accents. fav tracks: 3 is the magic number; change in speak; eye know; transmitting live from mars; me myself and i
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
Um dos álbuns seminais de um estilo de rap ligado mais ao Groove, com uma pegada jazzística e livre. É sempre reconfortante voltar nesse disco e ver a criatividade dos samples utilizados. Só considero cansativo ele ser tão longo, mas não sei como eu o diminuiria.
2.5 Too long and the sketches were awful.
Pretty chill
All bangers the past 3 days. Incredible album.
A favorite of mine. I like how cohesive the album is and I like how much fun they’re obviously having. Probably a top 5 of all time for me
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.
very good
This was pretty fun in a turn of the 80s/90s kind of way
just all sound the same idk some do groove tho
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!
It was aight not my favorite
I'm really tired so I'm going to go over it fast great vibes great lyrics and unmatched production while listening to the first half of the album I was just disappointed that there are other genres in music Also loved the beastie boys reference
Rædsom start. Bliver ved med at være rædsomt. Lytter ikke færdigt
A hip-hop masterpiece. From start to finish, this is a complete banger. Every song, every skit are incredible. The sampling is top notch and it 's a bridge between the drum breakdown beats of the 80s and the melodic beats of the 90s. From social commentary to incredible humour, the lyrics are great. It's flawless. 5/5
I am ASHAMED I love Gorillaz so much and never bothered listening to them. This is a very repetitive album which can be fun but with the amount of short songs on the track, it got old. Album art is pretty and feel ahead of its time.
kid friendly hip hop?
4
Funky and fun. Not my style.
that album sounds sooooooo dated now. early hip hop if you like that kinda thing. Not pour moi
очень концептуально и не отложилось. какой-то деловой реп про геймшоу
The magic number.
the magic number
This was a fun album. Upbeat vibes, mostly lighthearted songs. Good samples and beats. Enjoyable, would definitely throw it in the mix for an outdoor gathering playlist (if I did stuff like that, which I don't).
de la seussical I turned it off at orgee and cannot bring myself to go back
the intro REALLY sets the stage for how “funny” this album is this shit made me wish I was 6 feet and sinking 💀 not for me
I met a monkey and I walked around! I did a dance but I didn't frown! Life is cool when you have friends. Giraffes, lions, in a pig pen! That's how this shii sounds to me 💔 Fav song: Eye Know
Total classic. One of the best hip hop albums of all time. This is what party should sound like.
Hell yeah
Three very good and well known singles here (3 is the magic number, Eye Know and Me, Myself and I) but the rest of the album is poor
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
9/10 Still remains as an all time classic, one of the most witty and creative pieces of Hip Hop in history, RIP Trugoy
Круто узнать истоки экспериментального хип-хопа, заметил элементы, которые в некоторой степени, как мне показалось, переняли тайлер создатель и клиппинг. Просто невероятные вайбы девяностых - нулевых
This is one of those albums that hasn’t aged all that well. It definitely had a strong run for about 15 years, but listening to it now, over 30 years later, it just doesn’t hit the same. The humor that once made it stand out has worn thin, and overall, it doesn’t hold up as well as some other classic hip hop albums.
It’s my favorite De La Soul album!
I like the vibe but did not get into this one.
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.
Wow so much rap. And it all is bad
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
Obviously a classic. Quick upbeat and intelligent. King of the samples
Not my usual genre of music, but I enjoyed it.
Still "The Magic Number"
Standout Songs: Jenifa Taught Me (Derwin's Revenge) Eye Know Say No Go Me Myself and I
Heard of the group before. I might go to hell for this but I really don't vibe with most of 80s/90s hip hop. In my defense I'm a music over lyrics girl so hip hop is the literal opposite of what I'm looking for and the instrumentals of early hip hip have quite a same-y beat throughout the entire song 2/5
This one is tough. Like Paul's Boutique, it features an insane smorgasbord of samples (famously or infamously). It's got a flow like De La Soul, it's a complete product as an album (which I always give respect to) but here comes the BUT! It features some...youthful exuberance that I'm a little old for now? I dinged the beastie boys for it. It's a little long, I complain about many albums being too long. Can I hold this against it? After sitting and listening, I can't, even though I've held it against other albums. Fun almost all the way through, and anywhere it trips it gets right up and keeps going, which is almost inspiring. It's a great.
Är det här Just D fick sin inspiration? 😂
I think this album is a bit too long but is dotted with some solid tracks with decent beats, I just lost a bit of interest by the end. Have never listened to De La Soul purposefully but heard them a few times on Gorillaz songs, definite overlap explaining why I generally liked this. I think without that link I might have struggled a bit more through it.
Not entirely sure what genre this sits in. I can hear so much of other songs in this. They must have created a large impact and influence on what came after them. For example gorilaz, will smith or Fat boy slim have similarities with this and many more I cant put my fingers on! Unlike some other similar hip hop / rap I didn't find their "message" irritating, overly macho or self indulgent. Just a playful appraisal of their view of life that seemed a bit funny and real. Crème del la genre! Just shame not my thing but they must be great if it wasn't for me reviewing them!
I really don't understand this album. It listens like a bunch of college mates just went to a recording studio and fucked around for an hour with a drum machine. I've come in blind so I might be missing some cultural significance but it sounds like a complete hodgepodge of simple, repetitive beats and one tempo raps with some in-jokes and teenage humour. On a plus note it's quite joyful and they seemed to have a good time.
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.
## In-Depth Review of *3 Feet High and Rising* by De La Soul De La Soul’s *3 Feet High and Rising* (1989) stands as one of hip-hop’s most inventive and influential albums, reshaping the genre’s sound, aesthetic, and thematic possibilities. This review examines its lyrics, music, production, themes, and lasting influence, while weighing its strengths and weaknesses. --- ## **Lyrics** De La Soul’s lyricism on *3 Feet High and Rising* is marked by wit, offbeat humor, and a playful approach that was a radical departure from hip-hop’s prevailing trends in the late 1980s. While much of the rap landscape was dominated by the aggressive narratives of gangsta rap, De La Soul’s verses were “bizarre and surreal,” often focusing on everyday topics with a whimsical twist—ranging from personal hygiene (“A Little Bit of Soap”) to gardening metaphors, and even anthropomorphic animals (“Tread Water”)[1][3][7]. The group’s lyrics are packed with clever wordplay and layered references. Tracks like “Me Myself and I” champion individuality and self-acceptance, while “Eye Know” delivers a breezy, romantic message using a Steely Dan sample as its backbone[3][5]. “Ghetto Thang” shifts to a more serious tone, reflecting on urban life and systemic struggles, yet even here, the delivery is thoughtful rather than confrontational[3][7]. De La Soul’s use of the “D.A.I.S.Y. Age” motif—an acronym for “Da Inner Sound, Y’all”—was both a statement of their ethos and a recurring lyrical device, signaling a “sunnier,” more positive outlook[1][3]. Their verses often eschew profanity (with rare exceptions), favoring positivity, introspection, and humor over aggression or materialism[5]. **Pros:** - Highly original, playful, and intelligent lyricism - Wide thematic range, from the deeply personal to the absurd - Positive, non-confrontational tone that was rare at the time **Cons:** - Some rhyming patterns and references may feel dated to modern listeners[2] - Occasional skits and humor may not resonate with all audiences --- ## **Music and Production** Prince Paul’s production on *3 Feet High and Rising* is nothing short of revolutionary. The album is a sample-heavy collage that draws from an eclectic mix of genres: funk, soul, jazz, psychedelic rock, doo-wop, and even children’s music[1][3][4]. The result is a sonic landscape that is unpredictable, vibrant, and endlessly inventive. Sampling is at the heart of the album’s sound. Iconic tracks like “Eye Know” utilize Steely Dan’s “Peg,” while “Say No Go” flips Hall & Oates’ “I Can’t Go for That (No Can Do),” and “The Magic Number” borrows from Schoolhouse Rock[5][7]. The album’s production is dense and layered, with snippets of old music, quirky sound effects, and unexpected transitions. Prince Paul’s use of the Casio RZ-1 drum machine and Eventide harmonizer enabled the manipulation and blending of disparate samples into cohesive tracks[1]. The album’s structure is also notable for its inclusion of skits, particularly the recurring game show theme, which ties the project together and adds to its playful atmosphere[1][3][7]. These skits, rather than feeling like filler, are integral to the album’s personality and flow. **Pros:** - Groundbreaking use of diverse and unconventional samples - Inventive, psychedelic, and unpredictable soundscape - Skits enhance the album’s concept and cohesion **Cons:** - The dense, sample-heavy production can be overwhelming on first listen - Some samples and production choices may sound dated or less impactful today due to changes in hip-hop’s sonic landscape[2] --- ## **Themes** *3 Feet High and Rising* is thematically rich, exploring a broad spectrum rarely seen in hip-hop at the time. The album’s central message is one of positivity, individuality, and creative freedom. The D.A.I.S.Y. Age philosophy embodies a rejection of hip-hop’s growing materialism and violence, instead embracing peace, harmony, and Afrocentrism[1][3][7][8]. The album tackles love (“Eye Know”), coming of age and sexual awakening (“Jenifa Taught Me”), social commentary (“Ghetto Thang”), and self-acceptance (“Me Myself and I”). Even when addressing serious topics, De La Soul maintains a sense of optimism and playfulness. The group’s willingness to be vulnerable and self-deprecating set them apart from their peers[5][7]. The use of humor and absurdity—whether in lyrics about dandruff or surreal storytelling—serves to both entertain and disarm, making the album accessible without sacrificing depth[1][3][5]. **Pros:** - Emphasis on positivity and individuality - Wide thematic scope, blending humor with introspection - Subverts genre conventions, expanding hip-hop’s thematic boundaries **Cons:** - Some themes may come across as naïve or lightweight compared to the era’s more hard-hitting social commentary - The album’s quirky tone may not appeal to those seeking more traditional hip-hop bravado --- ## **Influence** The impact of *3 Feet High and Rising* on hip-hop and popular music is immense. The album is widely credited with pioneering alternative hip-hop and jazz rap, opening the door for acts like A Tribe Called Quest, The Pharcyde, and later, OutKast[1][3][5][7]. Its sample-heavy production set a new standard for creativity and experimentation in hip-hop, influencing producers and artists for decades. De La Soul’s embrace of Afrocentrism, individuality, and positive messaging helped anchor the Native Tongues collective, which would become a major force in early 1990s hip-hop[7]. The album’s use of skits became a template for countless hip-hop records that followed, and its eclectic approach to sampling demonstrated the genre’s potential for musical collage and cross-cultural dialogue[1][3][7]. Despite its influence, the album’s legacy was complicated by legal issues surrounding sample clearance, which kept it off digital platforms for decades—a factor that arguably limited its exposure to new generations until its recent re-release[1][2]. **Pros:** - Pioneered alternative hip-hop and jazz rap - Inspired a wave of creative, experimental artists and producers - Helped establish the Native Tongues movement **Cons:** - Sample clearance issues delayed its availability on digital platforms, impacting its long-term visibility and influence[2] - Some later listeners may find its innovations less striking due to the many artists it inspired --- ## **Pros and Cons Summary** | Pros | Cons | |---------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | Highly original, playful, and intelligent lyricism | Some rhymes and references feel dated | | Groundbreaking, eclectic sample-based production | Dense production may overwhelm some listeners | | Positive, wide-ranging themes; subverts genre conventions | Quirky tone may not appeal to all | | Integral, entertaining skits that enhance the album’s concept | Some themes may seem lightweight or naïve | | Pioneered alternative hip-hop, jazz rap, and hip-hop skits | Sample clearance issues limited digital access for years | | Helped establish the Native Tongues and influenced generations | Innovations may feel less novel to modern ears | --- ## **Conclusion** *3 Feet High and Rising* remains a landmark in hip-hop history, celebrated for its fearless creativity, humor, and positivity. De La Soul and Prince Paul crafted an album that broke every rule, inviting listeners into a world where intelligence, individuality, and fun reigned supreme. Its inventive sampling, witty lyricism, and thematic depth set new standards for what hip-hop could be. While some aspects of the album may feel dated or overly quirky to modern ears, its influence is undeniable. It opened up new possibilities for hip-hop, paving the way for alternative voices and experimental production techniques. Even decades after its release, *3 Feet High and Rising* stands as a testament to the power of innovation, reminding us that the genre’s boundaries are always meant to be pushed.
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
Great hip-hop music.
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.
not a big fan of the album, but when it was done playing, it lead to some good/fun 80s rap/hip-hop vibes.
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.
I liked it and then the orgy part happened and I wasn’t prepared and thought it was weird
Feel the damned groove.
I think this is the easiest album to describe with one word so far: Groovy. Literally the definition. Honestly, not sure I vibed the entire time with individual tracks, or the interludes, but the overall album was a vibe. Just something to put on when you want to vibe and chill. I'll be coming back, may go higher later but for now solid 3.
This was a fun listen for a Friday, but it got repetitive after a while
Great 80s hip hop. Love the beats, love the rhymes, it sounds like a classic.
way better than run-dmc that’s for sure
I have long familiarity with this album, and while it’s fun, I wish it didn’t have so many skits in it. That game show theme wears a bit thin for me. The album is fun and poppy, a bit cheesy at times, but it has some great sampling on it and the tracks are groovy and a bit trippy. Probably can be described as the hip hop Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. It’s a fun album, it’s got a relaxed vibe, but the skits could be fewer. It’s obviously influential and deserves its place on the list. I would listen to it again, it just wouldn’t be in my heavy rotation list.
This was just corny as hell. Painful.
Not my cup of tea
I didn’t like it too much but I liked some of the drums and the experimental vibe
molte canzoni sono ben all'interno della nostra cultura bello bello, soprattutto 'eye know' e 'me myself and i'
Очень необычный пльбом особенно для своего времени, вся музыка в нем совершенно разная, "основные" треки очень хорлши а все эксперементы просто прекрасны и экслюзивны
Sounds like a summer's day 😎
Almost too positive, threw me off.
Lots of brilliance. But so many skits. So many.
Would make for decent background music if it weren't for the interspersed sketches. The album is also already long enough without them, so they make it a bit of a slog to get through. But the music is nice enough and makes me want to move, which is always a good thing in my book
Syns da va ganske nice
Ik ben geen liefhebber van rap, maar dit is wel lekker fris en kan ik goed luisteren. De beats zijn eenvoudig en de stemmen zijn aangenaam. Leuk album met twee bekende nummers. ***
❤️❤️❤️❤️Nostalgic
two
Alright, fun, but also kind of repetitive
Complete
An explosion of hip-hop treacle
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.
Not my favorite but a fun album I’d put on again. 3.5
What's 3 feet high and rising? Funk? I think it's funk.
its good
Real nostalgia
This was fun and v. 80s.. kinda went on but it dropped on a sunny chill day so it fit the mood, might come back to it. Idk maybe I wasn't paying full attention bc I can't think of much to say
1,6/5
So many layers, musically and lyrically. Brilliant and creative.
What a great, classic hip hop album this is. It's fun, energetic and incredibly tight. The production by the amazing Prince Paul is perfect. Thankfully, they cleared the samples to get this one onto streaming sites, which was long overdue. Even the skits (very often the low point of albums from this era) don't detract from how impressive this collection is. This is easily one of the best hip hop albums of the 80s. I can't stop listening.
A glorious album.
Eye Know
langweilig 2
Not my bag. Sorry
I wanted to love this more than I did
A solid solid and groovy album
I tried. I thought it was different. But after a while I had to stop it. It's a no for me.
It was a jam, but probably needed to jam out to it a bit more for a higher rating...
Hell yeah, this album was a ton of fun. I've never been able to get into hip hop and kept looking for something that would click for me. This is definitely that.
DE LA SOUL YES!!!!! Easy5 star: )
Maybe the most missed potential in this entire list. The beats are fun but (mostly) incredibly difficult to latch onto as a listener. What can you really sing along to, other than a scant few tracks near the beginning of the album? Where's the concept, the album flow, the lyricism? Does the percussion sound messy and off-beat on purpose? The Magic Number and Change In Speak, two early tracks with a bit more melody and soul than usual, are fairly memorable/singable. But what of the rest of the album? What of Intro, Cool Breeze On The Rocks, Can U Keep a Secret, Jenifa Taught Me, Ghetto Thang, Transmitting Live from Mars, Take It Off, A Little Bit of Soap, Do as De La Does, Plug Tunin', Buddy, Description, This is a Recording 4 Living in a Fulltime ERA, I Can Do Anything, and D.A.I.S.Y. Age? This honestly may be the most filler-heavy album I've ever heard, and that's saying something. (The genre of industrial rock gives this kind of music a run for its money. But even in that case you can kind of understand that most tracks aren't meant to be filler. In this case? 90% fluff. Insane.) The fact that 3 Feet High and Rising made it into the "significant" list of the National Recording Registry, alongside Dookie, Minecraft: Volume Alpha, Synchronicity, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Stairway to Heaven brings a metaphorical tear to my eye. Eye Know, which is otherwise a standard/decent hip-hop track, is lifted orders of magnitude by the sample of Steely Dan's Peg (in my opinion, a near-perfect song). But then you realise that De La Soul's version is outshined, and you feel this inexplicable urge to abandon 3 Feet High and Rising in favour of the infinitely superior Aja. Yet you persist onward, forever reaching for musical quality, hooks, melody, or instrumental prowess that this group's supposed to have. Then you get over a minute of sexual moans ("De La Orgee") and you finally feel comfortable giving this the 1-star rating it was begging for since track 1. The saddest part is, these guys are obviously having a blast. As another reviewer wrote: "They are clearly having so much fun making this album. The friendly comedy sketches. The playful dissing (“everybody in the world, you got dandruff”, “you got doo doo in your pocket”)." Take it from me and the countless 5-star reviewers here: the musicians are pretty effortlessly cool. But the musical quality, on average, is just not there. 1/5 Key tracks: The Magic Number, Change In Speak, Eye Know
Would have got full marks, but those skits and humor were seriously not funny at all.
Oh my, what a perfect album, loved this at 18 still love it
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
Fun, weird, tons of samples. Skits that started the trend?
The Magic Number is a good track but I didn't have lasting power with this album. It is not a genre I listen to often. I would not be opposed to listening to this album again, but I would not be searching for opportunities to do so.
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
Xxx
2,5
Straight positive vibes and good beats, I really enjoy this album
DNF. Stopped at the orgie song and turned it off. Didn’t intentionally keep it off, just never turned it back on again. Not my cup of tea but also not the worst thing ive heard
8/10.
Had some really good songs, a lot of the good ones had samples. Then a whole bunch of annoying crap that took up time.
A good hip-hop album. A recogniseable sound, better lyrics than most.
Positive Rap.
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.
3 Feet High & Rising So many great memories of this album, helped by not being able to listen to it between getting rid of all my cds and all the rights being sorted and it coming on streaming. To get the one negative out of the way first, like many Hip Hop albums, the skits and fillery tracks do disrupt the flow, and apart from the ‘gonna win all the money’ line, they don’t bear the weight of repeat listens. But apart from that it absolutely holds up as a brilliantly joyous, inventive, kaleidoscopic record of samples and vibes - it still is a fantastic album. The Magic Number, Eye Know, Me Myself and I are high water marks for sunshiney, catchy golden-age hip hop, but there are superb songs throughout - Change in Speak, Jenifa, Ghetto Thang, Tread Water, Potholes in My Lawn, Say No Go, Plug Tunin’, Buddy, This Is a Recording. Samplewise its as dense and as intricately constructed as Paul’s Boutique, but I couple I really love are, Kraftwerk on Ghetto Thang, Peg on Eye Know, I Can’t Go For That on Say No Go. The overall atmosphere and feel is fantastic, even the skits and filler cant bring down the mood, it still one of the funnest and most enjoyable listens - easy 5 🦶🦶🦶🦶🦶 Playlist submission: Eye Know
The De La Souls take on humour, surrealism and tasty samples, focusing on melodic funk hooks rather than dissonant sampling. There's a smattering of romance as well, pretty non-existent in the rest of the hip-hop world ("Hold my hand, and we'll pick my plantation of daisies for a bouquet of soul"). Optimism and positivity leap off the vinyl, giving a joy rarely found in their competitors. It is a long album at over an hour, and it would sound a lot tighter if chopped a bit. There are a few (e.g. 'This is a Recording') that don't add much to the album. But the modus operandi is one of psychedelic journey; so, unlike many an album, the hefty album length doesn't sink it, but adds to the mystique. I love all the elements of this, the joy, the dispassionate delivery, surrealism, the overriding creativity. Something of a treasure trove.
Hip Hop for kids
30/04/2025 I'm not into rap or hip hop, but this was alright.
Super cool record, aside from that super fucking weird skit towards the end. Liked it overall, though, despite the runtime being so long. I would revisit this if it were shorter for sure.
Shit intro Maybe the song magic numbers is used by jack black in school of rock continue refrencing it. I like the frequent use of old piano in the background good hip hop Too many songs, one thing i HATE about hip hop albums. Like pharacydes etc.
Shout out to Amityville.
not my fav TBH
3,5
I’m not sure why I assumed this was going to be a Soul album (probably the name of course) but I was pleasantly surprised to hear a hip hop album. The whole album was enveloped in a “game show” type skit. The lyrics were comical and it was a fun listen.
Very 90s rap sounding. Very jokey and unserious album
Old school hip-hop is cool, gives me boy vibes too with the beats. Simple and clean 3
Just as good throughout as it was back in college. Maybe a bit silly in places but ultimately it adds to the albums charms. Sure, it’s great to roll with BDP and Public Enemy but at times it’s cool to roll with the smart and creative nerds.
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
A classic. This lives in my top 5 albums of all time, where it belongs. The beats, infectious. The humor, nonstop. The writing and structure, timeless. I’ve literally listened to this everyday on a long afternoon walk for a month straight just to see if I pick up something new.
Atemporal.
Prince Paul always knew how to put a beat together. Playful lyrics on the non-serious side of hip hop but I find it wearing after half an album. How you gonna put Me, Myself, and I 20th?!?!?! The skits are grating and far too numerous.
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
Kind of all over the place. I wasn't into it.
ni
Old school hip hop group with a lot of charm. Definitely has got an aged sound to it. I have listened to the album twice and i think i like it but not a lot of emotion was felt while listening. Dont really remember much of the tracks too, but i did appreciate the humour especially because of the time it was released in. I think i have to give it a strong 3/5 rating. I kind of want to put it higher because i did like their energy but i just dont really fuck with the music that much
Classic rap album, heel veel verschillende geweldige samples, zo enorm veel highlights op dit album. Je kan horen dat ze gewoon aan het genieten waren met alle skits en vage nummers. Misschien niet voor iedereen, maar zeker wel voor mij
boring
Interesting album but not really my taste, liked all the samples that I recognised from other songs
There is a couple of minutes of decent ideas here. Problem is there is an hour of Rap around it. 2 stars or D-.
Prince of Bel Air vibes
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.
There are a couple of bangers in this album. Lots of throwaway tracks as well which was annoying.
I wanted to love this album but I only like it. I know De La Soul by reputation. I love Tribe Called Quest and Del's work in all its forms. From the singles I've heard I assumed I'd be all about this crew, but the album feels a bit corny and overly long. Tracks like Can U Keep a Secret, Jenifa Taught Me, and Take It Off all felt like filler and bad filler at that. I don't know if things are going over my head but the lyricism feels lackluster too. There are some clever bars and the flow is strong but they don't really add up to anything fun or otherwise. Let's also never touch De La Orgee again. On the positive side, the production is on point and, for the era, pioneering. The crew seems like they're having a blast. The skits are fun and dont overstay their welcome. I'll keep the highlights in my rotation. Eye Know, Tread Water, The Magic Number and Me Myself and I are all great. I also loved Do as De La Does; I wish more of the album could be that silly. Looking forward to digging deeper on later albums to see how it comes together, but this was uneven.
What is it with the skits?
Most of the album was okay but not great; I liked "The Magic Number" up at the front and maybe a few other tracks. The humor mostly didn't land for me. Speaking of which... reading about this album, it looks like this one is credited with starting the trend of hip-hop albums having skits? Hip-hop skits have been a continual source of fascination to me since starting this project so I'm actually pretty grateful to have a bit of that background filled in. It's weird because... the recurring skit here is pretty bad? Real cornball.
Love the samples and the direction it was going with hip hop but it fell short for me.
I put Tribe above them
Funky, upbeat. Little too long. Fun album.
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.
I thought I looked old school hip hop but this didn't really do much for me. There was some funky tracks in there and some classic tracks which I have heard samples from in Krafty Kuts sets.
This is one of the best rap and hip hop albums I've ever had the pleasure of listening to. Most of the album immediately went on my personal playlists. Once again, the list is proving it's worth. Absolute gem of an album. 5/5
Not my thing
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.
I’m just happy I can hear this on Spotify after De La’s unfortunate contract deals. One of the best by one of the best.
un peu country
Loved this album!
Поймал Flow и мне вкатило
The Good: late ‘80s hip-hop The Bad: late ‘80s… The Ugly: hip-hop… De La Soul… what is there to say? It seems that my musical pallet is not in-synch with what great musical journalist would argue, as this, so it seems, is definitely one of the greatest albums ever… For me, I appreciated the Me Myself and I song, and enjoyed the fact that these three cats were out there trying to stay positive and have a good time. So, yeah, good for them. But I listened to this song playing far on the background, mainly because the rhythm in the rhyming was starting to get on my nerves as it is so basic, and the drum machine too monotonous for my liking. Still, in stark contrast with the east/west coast bashing that was going on, it is refreshing to have this album to listen to at least once in one’s lifetime. So, shooting it straight down the middle… 3* GASP
Summer vibes need a Green Day
Cool transition hip hop album. This and the triple called quest albums are great.
A cool sound but the record does stay past it's welcome
This was so much fun! I couldn’t stop giggling my way through it.
Bastante bueno, tiene ritmos muy cool y la vibra es alta
Awesome album, one of my favorite rap styles
Singular and ever defiant. In a genre that is inherently contrarian and marginalized, De La would come to define a sound and voice in hip-hop that was contrarian and marginalized. I can't say they are my favorite or that I necessarily agreed with their issues with gangsta rap, but their contribution to hip-hop is unimpeachable. I like to think they stand for the idea that every space should welcome varied expression. I imagine all the black kids that didn't see themselves in the hardcore gangsta rap of the late 80s but still loved the genre. De La made sure they knew hip-hop was still for them. A monolith rebuked and a plurality embraced. This is their Plymouth Rock. No doubt about it. But it's never been my favorite. I prefer their more cutthroat approach on Stakes is High, but I won't speak on it like this isn't just my opinion. R.I.P. Trugoy 8/10 Favorite Song: Eye Know
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.
Rating: 3.5/5 | Favorite Track: Say No Go --- I really liked this album and there quite a few outstanding tracks. There are a few songs however that keep me from giving this a 4 star rating; I just wish the trackless was a bit tighter. Still a good listen!
Borderline novelty music at times (dandruff song??) but the beats are cool and the whole thing feels sunshiney. 3.5
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
Cool concept and funny album, but I wouldn’t necessarily rush back to it. 3.1
🎧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.
Nice tunes and listening but not my style :( thx!
Classic
Great album
Interesting
quite o.k. for a hip-hop album - but it stays hip-hop for me.
Overestimated
Chill easy to listen too and good vibe
This album isn't perfect, but it is still amazing. The range of samples and what's created from them is pretty brilliant, even if it could be trimmed a bit. I also feel like this is one where I feel the goofy skits are sometimes a lot of fun, even if I usually skip them. This is one of my favorite albums of this era.
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
The beats weren't bad. The vocals, however, were annoying most of the time, and Can U Keep A Secret was deeply upsetting. It made my skin crawl. And everything else is, at best, pretty lame.
I played it so loud that I went def.
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
Unique record with amazing lyrical chemistry and some cool samples. However, as always, I hate skits on albums. Standout tracks are: “The Magic Number” and “Eye Know”.
Not bad but the whole intro/game show bits were just a bit too much for me so got knocked down a star for the non music bits.
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.