What makes De La Soul Is Dead by De La Soul notable?

'De La Soul Is Dead' is significant for its critical reception and impact on alternative hip-hop, showcasing the group's willingness to challenge mainstream conventions. The album received acclaim for its innovative sound but also faced controversy due to its raw approach to themes of mortality and identity, solidifying De La Soul's influence on later artists in the genre. 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.

Who is De La Soul Is Dead for?

De La Soul Is Dead works well if you're into playful, whimsical listening experience, short, engaging skits throughout and dynamic shifts in mood.

How many songs are on De La Soul Is Dead?

De La Soul Is Dead has 27 tracks, running approximately 73 minutes.

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.

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Why this album works

'De La Soul Is Dead' is significant for its critical reception and impact on alternative hip-hop, showcasing the group's willingness to challenge mainstream conventions. The album received acclaim for its innovative sound but also faced controversy due to its raw approach to themes of mortality and identity, solidifying De La Soul's influence on later artists in the genre.

Best for: playful, whimsical listening experience short, engaging skits throughout dynamic shifts in mood
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: Linkin Park· Mariah Carey· Jennifer Lopez· LL Cool J· Pitbull· Missy Elliott· Mary J. Blige· Black Eyed Peas

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 Standout 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 Standout 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) Standout 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

What to play next

Listen next

Buhloone Mindstate

1993

Go back to

3 Feet High and Rising

1989

Full De La Soul discography Artists like De La Soul

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