Me Myself and I
De La Soul · 1989
21 min · 7 tracks · hip-hop
A vibrant blend of playful lyrics and jazzy beats that redefine the boundaries of hip-hop identity and self-expression.
Top tracks — play these first
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Me Myself and I (radio) Start here — This track encapsulates the album's core theme of self-identity, featuring catchy hooks and a laid-back groove that contrasts with mainstream hip-hop norms.
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Ain’t Hip to Be Labeled a Hippie — This song challenges stereotypes and labels in society, showcasing De La Soul's witty lyricism while embracing their unique artistry.
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Brain Washed Follower — With incisive commentary on societal pressures, this track exemplifies De La Soul's ability to blend humor with serious critique, making it a standout moment on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The single's playful lyrics and jazzy beats mark it as a distinctive entry in alternative hip-hop.
What we noticed
- The lead track features a prominent bassline and layered samples that create a rich, jazzy backdrop for the playful lyrics.
- The second track, 'Ain’t Hip to Be Labeled a Hippie', contrasts with the lead by adopting a more straightforward lyrical approach over a simpler beat.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short energetic listening burst
- playful lyricism for fun vibes
- laid-back atmosphere for relaxation
- quick bursts of creativity
Maybe skip if you
- prefer lengthy immersive albums
- seek serious, heavy themes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This debut single established De La Soul's reputation in hip-hop.
- Themes
- self-identity exploration· label-defying artistry· societal critique humor
- Career context
- Released in 1989, 'Me Myself and I' was De La Soul's debut single, marking a significant entry into the hip-hop scene. At this time, the group was emerging from the underground with their unique style, following their first album '3 Feet High and Rising,' which had just gained traction and acclaim.
- Stylistic neighbors
- A Tribe Called Quest· The Roots· J Dilla
Tracklist
- 1 Me Myself and I (radio) Start here 3:45
- 2 Ain’t Hip to Be Labeled a Hippie (vocal) 1:54
- 3 Me Myself and I (instrumental) 3:35
- 4 What’s More (from the movie soundtrack Hell on 1st Ave) (vocal) 2:10
- 5 Me Myself and I (Oblapos Mode) 3:38
- 6 Me Myself and I (Oblapos instrumental) 3:24
- 7 Brain Washed Follower (vocal) 3:01
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm
A Tribe Called Quest
Shares playful lyricism and jazzy beats, exploring identity and culture with a laid-back vibe.
Things Fall Apart
The Roots
Combines introspective lyrics with rich instrumentation, blending hip-hop and jazz in a thoughtful exploration of self.
Quality Control
Jurassic 5
Emphasizes clever wordplay and collective identity, merging upbeat rhythms with a sense of humor and social commentary.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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