3 Feet High and Rising cover

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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Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • playful wordplay and clever samples
  • dynamic flow with varied energy
  • short tracks for quick enjoyment
  • wave-like pacing keeps engagement

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer longer, cohesive albums
  • dislike eclectic and quirky styles

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Debut album that established De La Soul as pioneers in alternative hip-hop.
Themes
playful wordplay· self-acceptance anthem· collaborative hip-hop spirit
Career 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
A Tribe Called Quest· The Roots· J Dilla
If this clicks, go next to
De La Soul Is Dead — This album continues the playful experimentation while deepening lyrical themes.
Sounds like this from elsewhere
People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm by A Tribe Called Quest — Shares playful wordplay and eclectic sampling that redefined hip-hop's creative boundaries.
Do You Want More?!!!??! by The Roots — Combines live instrumentation with introspective lyrics, echoing De La Soul's collaborative spirit.
Quality Control by Jurassic 5 — Features intricate wordplay and a playful vibe, emphasizing community and creativity in hip-hop.
New to De La Soul? Find your way in →

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 4:54
  • 18 Description 1:30
  • 19 Me Myself and I 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

What to play next

This album is considered a Breakthrough in De La Soul's catalog. Debut album that established De La Soul as pioneers in alternative hip-hop.

De La Soul Is Dead
Listen next

De La Soul Is Dead

1991

This album continues the playful experimentation while deepening lyrical themes.
Buddy
Go back to

Buddy
Full De La Soul discography Where to start with De La Soul Artists like De La Soul
East Coast hip-hop alternative hip-hop hip-hop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata