Plug 1 & Plug 2 Present... First Serve cover

Plug 1 & Plug 2 Present... First Serve

De La Soul · 2012

54 min · 16 tracks · hip-hop · alternative hip-hop · East Coast hip-hop

A playful blend of nostalgic hip-hop and jazz-infused rhythms, celebrating the art of collaboration.

Why this album works

This album is notable for its unique storytelling format, presenting a narrative-driven concept that explores themes of creativity and collaboration in the music industry. It received positive critical acclaim, including praise from publications like 'Rolling Stone', which highlighted its inventive sound and lyrical depth, further solidifying De La Soul's influence in hip-hop.
Career context
By 2012, De La Soul had experienced significant shifts in their career, marked by a hiatus since their last studio album 'The Grind Date' in 2004. 'Plug 1 & Plug 2 Present... First Serve' represents a return for the group, showcasing a fresh collaborative approach with fellow artist plug 2, while simultaneously honoring their legacy.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Opening Credits 3:37
  • 2 Pushin’ Aside, Pushin’ Along Standout 4:13
  • 3 The Work 4:05
  • 4 Small Disasters 2:38
  • 5 We Made It 4:27
  • 6 We Made It (interlude) 0:47
  • 7 Must B the Music Standout 4:07
  • 8 Goon TV (interlude) 1:20
  • 9 The Book of Life Standout 3:59
  • 10 Clash Symphony 3:23
  • 11 Pop Life 5:15
  • 12 Tennis 4:13
  • 13 The Top Chefs 2:58
  • 14 Backstage (interlude) 1:30
  • 15 Move ’em In, Move ’em Out 5:06
  • 16 Ending Credits 3:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata