What makes Superfast Jellyfish by De La Soul notable?

The track gained attention for its fusion of quirky lyrics and catchy production, showcasing De La Soul's continued influence in the hip-hop genre. It was also notable for its collaboration with Gorillaz, reflecting the band's ability to engage with contemporary acts and maintain relevance. Released in 2010, Superfast Jellyfish marked De La Soul's return to the music scene after a five-year hiatus following their album The Grind Date. This single was part of their broader effort to re-establish their presence in a changing hip-hop landscape dominated by newer artists.

How many songs are on Superfast Jellyfish?

Superfast Jellyfish has 2 tracks, running approximately 5 minutes.

Superfast Jellyfish

De La Soul · 2010

5 min · 2 tracks · hip-hop

An eclectic blend of playful beats and witty lyrics that encapsulates De La Soul's signature alternative hip-hop sound.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Superfast Jellyfish — This track features an infectious hook and clever wordplay, embodying the playful spirit and experimental sound that defines De La Soul's artistry.
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Superfast Jellyfish (instrumental) — The instrumental version highlights the innovative production techniques, allowing listeners to appreciate the intricate layering of sounds that underpin the vocal performance.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The single blends clever lyrics with engaging production, maintaining De La Soul's unique sound while appealing to contemporary audiences.

What we noticed

The track features a rapid-fire delivery of verses layered over a playful, upbeat instrumental that incorporates electronic elements.
The instrumental version strips away the vocals, allowing the listener to focus on the intricate production and arrangement.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Superfast Jellyfish

The narrative shifts from a whimsical depiction of jellyfish to a more serious critique of consumer culture.

This juxtaposition between lighthearted imagery and critical commentary showcases De La Soul's skillful storytelling and their ability to address profound themes within playful contexts.

Tracklist

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

1 Superfast Jellyfish 2:59
2 Superfast Jellyfish (instrumental) 2:48

What to play next

Listen next

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2012

Go back to

Are You In?: Nike+ Original Run

2009

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