Reviews (page 7 of 13)
I like the idea, sounds kinda childish though. Maybe that’s just 90s rap though.or maybe that’s the vibe…
Pretty classy hip-hop. Liked the beats, liked the flow. I am up for the classic hip-hop and that is a fine example. Favourite track - Jenifa Taught Me.
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.
Ahh the hip hop skit. Apparently it worked for people! My guess is the extended length afforded by the CD and increasing the number of songwriting credits per album did a lot of the heavy lifting there. But, it fits in with Prince Paul’s whole sensibility even if I still find myself skipping ahead. What to make of early De La? They were always just a little too cartoonish and childish for me to enjoy back whenever, which is too bad. I blame the Beasties’ image joking around as a way of life for this to some extent but also trying to reconcile “serious music” like PE and NWA with the adolescent focuses of these 3 (4) goofs. Their flow’s always comfortable and easygoing, the samples criminally good and catchy, the lyrics always relatable and clever, but yooooo the skits can fuck off.
Fun! But I believe this is the start of the destruction of music. Synthesized, nothing really new. In fact it keeps stealing from other songs.
versteh warums influential is aber es is oft a richtig nervig lol
Beats fra allerhøjeste hylde
Fantastiske beats, selv på de der dumme mellem-numre.
Alright. I understand this was the OG skit album... I just didn't find it funny at all. The songs were good.
I did not mind this album. There were some great songs and beats on it.
DLS is just fun. Pioneers of hip hop, sure - but mostly just fun.
Hauska levy ja hyvä kuunneltava, mutta yksittäiset kappaaleet ei ollut sillein normaalia erikoisempia. Ei ollut tuttuja kappaleita. Parhaat: Me Myself and I, Ghetto Thang
Some bops but some songs felt more like novelty tracks because of lyrics.
Dad- 8 Mom- 5 Mike-8.5 Lori- 8.5 Michael-8 Miles- NA Cole- 8 Avg- 7.67
5/5. When imagination is not limited by copyright or ego, we get great and unique albums like this. The diverse samples with the upbeat and progressive lyrics, it is clear how the rap game changed after this album, with Tribe called Quest releasing their debut shortly after this. Jazzy psychedelic hip hop with chill beats and funny lines here and there, it's complex while still keeping a more down to earth energy. The sheer creativity across the record alone gives it that perfect score but as a listener, I am just curious to explore than the first couple listens. It's long but it is entertaining so it never gets boring, not taking up too much time to explore new ideas, bringing them up and putting them back when they are done. A great record of inspiration. Best Song: Eye Know, Me Myself And I, Potholes In My Lawn, The Magic Number
Always a favorite and has been for a few decades at this point. Love the samples and think there are 8 to 10 hip hop classics on here. Two favorite songs, which is what I'm trying to pull out for each album are "Buddy" and "Me Myself and I." Obviously the latter was a huge breakout for them, while the former is essentially a De La Quest song because Jungle Brothers and Q-Tip feature. Always fun to listen to this album.
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.
Loved it. Was an awesome good mood vibe setter.
I think it's good, I think the lyrics are clever and the gameshow bit was funny, v enjoyable
3 Feet High and Rising es un disco que me gustó por sus sonidos experimentales y la “historia” que cuenta. Investigue un poco sobre este y resulta que tuvo un gran impacto en el hip hop y entiendo por qué tuvo tanto impacto: en su momento rompió con lo que se venía haciendo en el rap, fue más experimental, positivo y lleno de samples raros que abrieron la puerta a otro tipo de hip hop. Igual, aunque prometía mucho y tiene ideas muy creativas, algunas canciones no me convencieron y en general no me terminó de atrapar tanto como esperaba, pero suma puntos por el impacto histórico.
The first and best de la soul album. Funny, tuneful, peerless rapping. Say no go is magnificent, me myself and I is funky, 3 is the magic number always brings a smile to the face. The comedy songs and skits are also worthy of their spot which isn't always the way in a lot of hiphop albums. Best hiphop album of all time without question.
Really nice beats - the uplifting funky vibe makes it a good listen. I don't know that anything really jumped out as a relisten, cleary an important piece of music culture and history.
I get it. Just don't like it much.
2/4
A Classic
it was quite enjoable
This album never hit me like it did everyone else. It’s dope it’s original and groundbreaking just not my fave.
Classic material! This is a sampling masterpiece! So many amazing sounds that somehow work so well together, dope lyrics and a new and refreshing sound! I love this record and it's not even my favorite De La record!
amazing album
funky, my kinda rap
# 539 : 3 Feet High and Rising by De La Soul This album feels like a hip-hop carnival—bright, bouncy, and occasionally baffling. It’s packed with charm and goofy skits, but also kind of overstays its welcome like a guest who won’t leave after dessert. A funky, feel-good time capsule of late-80s hip-hop that’s more of a vibe than a must-revisit. Great for a one-time joyride, but maybe skip the extended stay. Listen out for: (3 is) The Magic Number Listened : 05/08/2025
Listened on August 5th 2025 Highly overrated. 5/10
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.
Banger
Good late 80s hip-hop record tho a bit long
Pretty classic, although the skits are kind of blah and De La Orgee is downright cringe-worthy. Not perfect but the highs make up for the lows.
As a big tribe guy how have I not heard this until now? Its not the same but its from the same vein for sure. The production is so not typical for the time. Its not the real old school style nor is it the gangster stuff on the horizon. It feels like it was so far ahead of its time that it jumped a generation almost. Its still kinda basic flows but they are fun and funny at times. Just a really really good time. I can't belive it took this long oh my god. Everyone else should jump on this too please pleeeeaassseee
Made me realize and learn once and forever that you create art for yourself and if others enjoy it all the better. This is one of the most creative and expressive albums ever. Every song on it has something in common with all others but is also totally different.
Very chill and laid back
Superb album for the year it was released.
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
Still one of the greatest after all these years. The high point for sampling based production and an innovation in rapping.
Fun listen with an interesting beat.
Pretty one-note
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.
Ég hlustaði á De La Soul í gamla daga og fíla alveg fönkið í þeim. Kemst í fínan gír. Mér fannst það svolítið eyðileggjast með þessum spurningaþætti þeirra á milli lagana. Þetta er 2.5 en ég gef þeim þrjár fyrir nostalgíuna
I remember this release and how different it was than the other rap/hip-hop that was prevalent at the time. It sounded smarter, a bit more relaxed and funny, not gangsta and made more for a larger audience. A far cry from NWA, Public Enemy, etc. There is one hit we all knew with "Me Myself & I" (brain worm song!) and a few songs you'd hear at frat house parties like "(3 Is) The Magic Number" and "Eye Know". It was never my thing but I wasn't opposed to it either. In listening to it today I remember why, not enough hooks, no savage bassline, no cutting edge or questionable lyrics and some silly ass songs ("Can U Keep A Secret", "Jenifa...", "Take It Off"). There are some funky beats, that make you wanna get up and dance. Favorite tracks I don't remember? "Ghetto Thang" and "Potholes In My Lawn". 3 stars, it's good, it introduced a new form of hip hop to the masses and they were talented. Doesn't stand up super well today, they aren't mentioned in the all time greats or 80's/90's legends, and it doesn't have songs on the radio anymore so the longevity isn't there.
Cut the skits and you have the perfect album.
Really good hip hop album. So many great samples and beats with good lyricism and flow. My only complaint with this album is the padding. I didn't need to hear "De La Orgee", longest minute of my life But outside of that, this is great stuff
I bought this CD on a whim during a recent charity shop hunt, so 3 Feet High is very much a new "previously heard" for me. I generally struggle a lot with hip hop - the lyrical themes often don't feel relatable to me, and the lack of sonic variety and dynamism across lengthy albums can very quickly become tiresome for me. My personal exceptions tend to occupy the more experimental or industrial spheres of the genre - Billy Woods, Clipping., Dälek, Danny Brown, Death Grips, DJ Shadow, Injury Reserve, JPEGMAFIA, MF Doom et al. I am also partial to some earlier "boom bap" in intermittent, infrequent doses. This album, whilst of a different era and template to the aforementioned artists, takes my interest in that it similarly provides for an unorthodox experience. Its playful nature, combined with its psychedelic tendencies, the strong production for its time, the conscious themes explored and its adept utilisation of sampling, puts it in a league above the fairly limited pool of comparison points that I can draw upon. Does this sound attributable to its era? Yes, very much so, but I can align with the argument that 3 Feet High forms essential listening within the genre. Is it something that I'd come back to with any sense of regularity, however? Perhaps not, I only tend to put on a hip hop album once a month or so, but this would definitely fit within that rotation.
Entiendo el valor histórico que se le da a este álbum en tanto que: Eligieron tocar elementos líricos humorísticos, absurdos o surreales, evitando conscientemente los elementos machistas clásicos que han estado en el hip hop. También popularizaron el concepto de sketch en el hip hop, que ha sido utilizado hasta hoy en día como una parte esencial de los álbumes de este estilo. Dicho esto, no puedo decir que me haya gustado este álbum, no es mi estilo. Tiene "buenas vibras", pero la música es repetitiva hasta el cansancio, y los samples no son de mi agrado. Además es un álbum muy largo para lo que llegan a desarrollar con el concepto (tanto lírico como musical). Si el álbum durara la mitad de lo que dura tal vez tendría una mejor experiencia de escucha, e incluso de repetición. Pero así solo estoy esperando a que termine mientras lo escucho. "Ghetto Thang" y "Me Myself and I" tienen un groove que si me gustó, pero lamentablemente son las únicas canciones con las que conecté un poco. Tal vez en 1989 el álbum generó más impacto, pero hoy en día hay álbumes de rap muy superiores en todos los aspectos.
my impression of this album before a certain video came out: aren't this album by the rap group who were featured on feel good. inc? my impression of this album after a certain video came out: https://youtu.be/ZT2uYUlcE5g?t=20 so Mr. John Flansburgh... i 100% agree with your approval of this album. i really like the creative way they used sampling and how this album radiates positivity and fun instead of anger and dissatisfaction at the modern society, or money, violence, the hood, and women like what the genre looked like back in the day. and the skits are absurdly funny as well. 4.5/5
Quite enjoyed this but a bit saccharine. In a terrible mood when I listened to it though which probably didn’t help
LOVE this album
this was such a fun listen, the grooves on it make you wanna bop your head, the bars are smooth, the interludes are funny, this album is a great listen, very ahead of its time for the 80s
A return to the classics
This album is just so much fun. This is why I listen to this list - I never would've listened to this organically.
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!
Not bad
Well, if they'd just stuck with the hits & got rid of the dross, this might have been the making of an ok album. As it is, far too long, too much filler, not for me I'm afraid.
How charming
Again my era . This album only came onto Spotify last year or so. So my vinyl copy was nearly worn out I have had it since the 80s can only give 5 stars would give it more.
Best Song: Me Myself & I 2/5. Not my thing!
Great album
Chaotically slick production and cool and relatable lyrics from The Plugs. 10/10
A Tribe Called Quest but with a sense of humor
The opposite of gangsta rap, it is warm, jazzy, light, and funny. A classic of the genre and great memories for me. Their next album is much better though.
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