What is the best De La Soul album to start with?

The best album to start with is "3 Feet High and Rising" (1989). It's the most representative of what makes De La Soul worth hearing.

What are the best De La Soul albums?

The essential De La Soul albums include "Plug Tunin'" (1988), "Potholes in My Lawn" (1988), "Eye Know" (1989), "Me Myself and I" (1989) and "Buddy" (1989).

How many albums does De La Soul have?

De La Soul has 43 releases in their discography, including 12 albums and 6 EPs.

Photo: Matti Hillig · CC BY-SA 3.0

De La Soul

Q: Who is De La Soul for?

If you're into hip-hop and alternative hip-hop, De La Soul is worth your time. Their tracks pulse with intricate rhythms and layered sampling that create an immersive experience, inviting movement while maintaining an undercurrent of playful experimentation.

Their tracks pulse with intricate rhythms and layered sampling that create an immersive experience, inviting movement while maintaining an undercurrent of playful experimentation.

East Coast hip-hop · alternative hip-hop · hip-hop · jazz rap

United States Est. 1987

Read about De La Soul on Bookshop

Start here

The album

3 Feet High and Rising album by De La Soul

3 Feet High and Rising (1989)

This album captures their signature sound with playful experimentation and layered sampling, making it a cohesive introduction to their style.

The song

“Me Myself and I”

This track has an immediate hook that showcases De La Soul's unique style and lyrical approach, serving as a strong standalone introduction.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Oodles of O’s" — from De La Soul Is Dead (1991)

accessible entry with immediate hook
2

"Me Myself and I" — from The Best of De La Soul (2003)

establishes the sonic palette early
3

"Pushin’ Aside, Pushin’ Along" — from Plug 1 & Plug 2 Present... First Serve (2012)

accessible entry with immediate hook
4

"The Future" — from The Grind Date (2004)

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"Supa Emcees" — from Stakes Is High (1996)

accessible entry with immediate hook
6

"Bionix" — from AOI: Bionix (2001)

accessible entry with immediate hook

About De La Soul

De La Soul carved out a vital space in hip-hop, challenging the genre's norms with their playful yet thoughtful approach.

By infusing their music with eclectic samples and an unorthodox lyrical style, they have reshaped how artists engage with culture and community, promoting positivity and self-expression amid a landscape often dominated by aggression. Their influence has been a catalyst for generations of artists seeking to explore more nuanced themes and sounds within the genre. At the forefront of their innovation is a commitment to experimentation, both sonically and lyrically. They seamlessly weave together disparate musical elements, blending jazz, funk, and soul into their productions, creating a soundscape that feels rich and vibrant while remaining accessible. This willingness to veer off the beaten path encourages listeners to embrace diversity in their musical tastes and inspires other artists to take creative risks. Lyrically, De La Soul often explores themes of identity, societal critique, and personal introspection with a distinct voice that balances sincerity and irony. Their storytelling approach invites listeners into relatable narratives infused with wit and humor, making serious subjects feel approachable without losing depth. This duality fosters a connection that resonates on multiple levels.

12 studio albums· 43 total releases· 3 decades· United States