What does 3 Feet High and Rising sound like?

A playful fusion of eclectic samples and clever wordplay that redefined hip-hop's creative boundaries. Rooted in hip-hop and alternative hip-hop. Start with "The Magic Number".

Is 3 Feet High and Rising a good place to start with De La Soul?

Yes, 3 Feet High and Rising is recommended as a starting point for new De La Soul listeners. A playful fusion of eclectic samples and clever wordplay that redefined hip-hop's creative boundaries. Released on March 3, 1989, '3 Feet High and Rising' marked De La Soul's debut album, establishing them as pioneers of alternative hip-hop. The album arrived at a time when hip-hop was transitioning from party-centric tracks to more introspective and diverse themes, positioning De La Soul at the forefront of this evolution in sound and style.

Who is 3 Feet High and Rising for?

3 Feet High and Rising works well if you're into playful wordplay and clever samples, dynamic flow with varied energy and short tracks for quick enjoyment.

How many songs are on 3 Feet High and Rising?

3 Feet High and Rising has 23 tracks, running approximately 61 minutes.

3 Feet High and Rising

De La Soul · 1989

61 min · 23 tracks · hip-hop · alternative hip-hop · East Coast hip-hop

A playful fusion of eclectic samples and clever wordplay that redefined hip-hop's creative boundaries.

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Best for: Energetic

Why this album works

'3 Feet High and Rising' is widely recognized for its innovative approach to sampling and lyricism, garnering critical acclaim and commercial success. It reached No. 24 on the Billboard 200 chart and has influenced countless artists across genres, earning a spot on numerous 'greatest albums' lists over the decades.

Best for: playful wordplay and clever samples dynamic flow with varied energy short tracks for quick enjoyment
Context: Released on March 3, 1989, '3 Feet High and Rising' marked De La Soul's debut album, establishing them as pioneers of alternative hip-hop. The album arrived at a time when hip-hop was transitioning from party-centric tracks to more introspective and diverse themes, positioning De La Soul at the forefront of this evolution in sound and style.
Stylistic neighbors: Linkin Park· Mariah Carey· Jennifer Lopez· LL Cool J· Pitbull· Missy Elliott· Mary J. Blige· Black Eyed Peas
If this clicks, go next to: De La Soul Is Dead — This album continues the playful experimentation while deepening lyrical themes.

Tracklist

New here? Start with "The Magic Number".

1 Intro 1:41
2 The Magic Number Start here 3:14
3 Change in Speak 2:32
4 Cool Breeze on the Rocks 0:37
5 Can U Keep a Secret 1:40
6 Jenifa Taught Me (Derwin’s Revenge) 3:23
7 Ghetto Thang 3:34
8 Transmitting Live From Mars 1:11
9 Eye Know 4:12
10 Take It Off 1:52
11 A Little Bit of Soap 0:49
12 Tread Water 3:44
13 Say No Go 4:19
14 Do as De La Does 2:06
15 Plug Tunin’ (Last Chance to Comprehend) 4:06
16 Da La Orgee 1:12
17 Buddy Standout 4:54
18 Description 1:30
19 Me Myself and I Standout 3:40
20 This Is a Recording 4 Living in a Full Time Era (L.I.F.E.) 3:09
21 I Can Do Anything (Delacratic) 0:40
22 D.A.I.S.Y. Age 3:55
23 Potholes in My Lawn 3:47

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata

What to play next

Listen next

De La Soul Is Dead

1991

This album continues the playful experimentation while deepening lyrical themes.

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Buddy

Full De La Soul discography Artists like De La Soul

East Coast hip-hop alternative hip-hop hip-hop