De La Soul Is Dead cover

De La Soul Is Dead

De La Soul · 1991

73 min · 27 tracks · hip-hop · alternative hip-hop · East Coast hip-hop

A vibrant collage of playful samples and introspective lyrics that challenge hip-hop norms.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • playful, whimsical listening experience
  • short, engaging skits throughout
  • dynamic shifts in mood
  • reflective and introspective moments
  • longer tracks for deep dives

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on May 13, 1991, 'De La Soul Is Dead' was De La Soul's second album, following their groundbreaking debut, '3 Feet High and Rising'. At this point in their career, the group was transitioning from carefree positivity to a more complex and darker lyrical landscape, reflecting their struggles with fame and the pressures of the music industry.
Stylistic neighbors
A Tribe Called Quest· The Roots· J Dilla

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Intro 2:14
  • 2 Oodles of O’s 3:33
  • 3 Talkin’ Bout Hey Love 2:27
  • 4 Pease Porridge 5:02
  • 5 Skit 1 0:26
  • 6 Johnny’s Dead a.k.a. Vincent Mason (live from the BK Lounge) 1:57
  • 7 A Roller Skating Jam Named “Saturdays” 4:02
  • 8 WRMS’ Dedication to the Bitty 0:46
  • 9 Bitties in the BK Lounge 5:40
  • 10 Skit 2 0:31
  • 11 My Brother’s a Basehead 4:20
  • 12 Let, Let Me In 3:26
  • 13 Afro Connections at a Hi 5 (In the Eyes of the Hoodlum) 4:03
  • 14 Rap De Rap Show 2:20
  • 15 Millie Pulled a Pistol on Santa 4:09
  • 16 Who Do U Worship? 2:00
  • 17 Skit 3 0:33
  • 18 Kicked Out the House 1:56
  • 19 Pass the Plugs 3:30
  • 20 Not Over Till the Fat Lady Plays the Demo 1:30
  • 21 Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey) 5:06
  • 22 WRMS: Cat’s in Control 0:34
  • 23 Skit 4 0:12
  • 24 Shwingalokate 4:13
  • 25 Fanatic of the B Word 4:09
  • 26 Keepin’ the Faith 4:45
  • 27 Skit 5 0:33

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata