De La Soul is a legendary hip-hop group that emerged in the late 1980s and has since become one of the most influential acts in the genre. Comprised of Posdnuos, Trugoy, and Maseo, De La Soul’s innovative style, positive messaging, and eclectic sound have won them legions of fans across the globe. With a career spanning over three decades, the group has released several critically acclaimed albums and singles, establishing themselves as pioneers of alternative hip-hop. In this article, we will be exploring the 10 best De La Soul songs of all time.
From their debut album, “3 Feet High and Rising,” to their most recent release, “and the Anonymous Nobody,” De La Soul has consistently pushed the boundaries of hip-hop and challenged its conventions. Their music draws from a range of genres, including funk, soul, jazz, and rock, resulting in a unique sound that sets them apart from their peers. Their lyrics are witty, introspective, and often socially conscious, tackling issues such as inequality, racism, and urban life with a refreshing honesty and humor. With so many great songs to choose from, selecting the 10 best was no easy task, but we believe that the following tracks represent the very best of De La Soul’s discography.
1. “Buddy (Native Tongue Decision)” feat. Q-Tip, Phife Dawg, Queen Latifah, Monie Love and Jungle Brothers (1989)
“Buddy (Native Tongue Decision)” is a classic hip-hop anthem released by De La Soul in 1989, featuring guest verses from Q-Tip and Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest, Queen Latifah, Monie Love, and the Jungle Brothers. The song showcases De La Soul’s signature style of playful rhymes and funky beats, with each guest rapper adding their unique flavor to the track. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it an instant crowd-pleaser, while the collective energy of the Native Tongues crew gives it a communal feel. The lyrics celebrate the camaraderie and unity of the Native Tongues collective, a group of like-minded hip-hop artists who shared a commitment to positivity and social consciousness. The song has since become a beloved classic in the hip-hop canon, cited as a landmark moment in the genre’s history and a testament to the power of collaboration and community.
2. “Eye Know” (1989)
“Eye Know” is a smooth and soulful single released by De La Soul in 1989, taken from their debut album “3 Feet High and Rising”. The song is built around a sample from the 1970 hit “Peg” by Steely Dan, with its groovy bassline and melodic guitar riff providing the perfect backdrop for De La Soul’s laid-back rhymes. The lyrics of “Eye Know” are a love letter to a special someone, with Posdnuos and Trugoy expressing their affection through a series of clever wordplay and metaphors. The song’s romantic theme is balanced by its playful humor and light-hearted vibe, making it a standout track on the album. “Eye Know” became a hit for De La Soul, reaching number four on the US Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and solidifying their status as one of the most innovative and exciting acts in hip-hop.
3. Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey) (1991)
“Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey)” is a catchy and upbeat single released by De La Soul in 1991, taken from their second album “De La Soul Is Dead”. The song’s title and chorus are inspired by the sound of a telephone ringing, with a sample from the classic soul hit “Funky President” by James Brown forming the backbone of the track. The lyrics of “Ring Ring Ring” satirize the music industry and its obsession with commercial success, with De La Soul poking fun at themselves and their peers for selling out to the mainstream. The song’s playful tone and witty lyrics are matched by its infectious groove, making it a favorite among fans of the group. “Ring Ring Ring” was a hit for De La Soul, reaching the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot Rap Songs chart and helping to cement their status as one of the most innovative and influential groups in hip-hop.
4. “Keepin’ the Faith” (1991)
“Keepin’ the Faith” is a soulful and introspective track released by De La Soul in 1991, also taken from their second album “De La Soul Is Dead”. The song’s mellow groove is built around a sample from the classic soul hit “The Message From the Soul Sisters” by Myra Barnes, with its smooth horn section and funky bassline providing the perfect backdrop for De La Soul’s reflective lyrics. The song explores the challenges of staying true to oneself in the face of adversity, with Posdnuos and Trugoy delivering poignant verses about their personal struggles and triumphs. The song’s message of resilience and perseverance resonated with fans, and “Keepin’ the Faith” became a beloved track in De La Soul’s catalog. While it was not as commercially successful as some of their other singles, “Keepin’ the Faith” is widely regarded as a standout moment on “De La Soul Is Dead”, showcasing the group’s ability to create thoughtful and emotionally resonant music.
5. “I Am I Be” feat. Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley and Pee-Wee Ellis (1993)
“I Am I Be” is a jazzy and funky track released by De La Soul in 1993, featuring guest appearances from jazz legends Maceo Parker, Fred Wesley, and Pee-Wee Ellis. The song’s smooth groove is built around a sample from the classic jazz standard “Take Five” by Dave Brubeck, with its swinging drums and horns providing the perfect foundation for De La Soul’s laid-back rhymes. The lyrics of “I Am I Be” are a meditation on identity and self-discovery, with Posdnuos and Trugoy exploring their personal journeys and the challenges of staying true to oneself in a changing world. The guest appearances by Parker, Wesley, and Ellis add an extra layer of sophistication and musicality to the track, elevating it to a whole new level. “I Am I Be” was a critical success, hailed as a standout moment on De La Soul’s third album “Buhloone Mindstate” and a testament to their ability to fuse hip-hop with jazz and funk influences.
6. “Stakes Is High” (1996)
“Stakes Is High” is a socially conscious and politically charged track released by De La Soul in 1996, taken from their fourth album of the same name. The song’s ominous beat is built around a sample from the 1967 song “Ashley’s Roachclip” by the Soul Searchers, with its hard-hitting drums and haunting melody setting the tone for the lyrics. The song’s title and chorus serve as a warning about the state of the world and the high stakes involved in the struggle for social justice and equality. Posdnuos and Trugoy deliver powerful verses about the systemic issues facing black communities, from police brutality to poverty and discrimination. The song’s message struck a chord with fans and critics alike, and “Stakes Is High” became one of De La Soul’s most beloved and influential tracks. Its legacy can still be felt today, as the song continues to be a rallying cry for those fighting for social justice and equity.
7. “All Good?” feat. Chaka Khan (2000)
“All Good?” is a feel-good and upbeat track released by De La Soul in 2000, featuring legendary singer Chaka Khan. The song’s infectious groove is built around a sample from the classic disco hit “Different Strokes” by Syl Johnson, with its funky bassline and catchy chorus making it an instant party anthem. The lyrics of “All Good?” are a celebration of life and positivity, with Posdnuos and Trugoy delivering joyful verses about the simple pleasures of existence. Chaka Khan’s powerhouse vocals add an extra layer of soulfulness to the track, making it an unforgettable collaboration. “All Good?” was a commercial success for De La Soul, reaching the top 40 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidifying their status as one of the most innovative and enduring acts in hip-hop. The song’s message of positivity and optimism continues to resonate with fans today, making it a beloved classic in De La Soul’s discography.
8. “Trying People” (2001)
“Trying People” is a poignant and introspective track released by De La Soul in 2001, taken from their fifth album “AOI: Bionix”. The song’s mellow groove is built around a sample from the 1973 soul classic “What It Is” by Jonathan Scales Fourchestra, with its smooth guitar riff and laid-back drums providing the perfect backdrop for De La Soul’s reflective lyrics. The song explores the challenges of navigating difficult relationships and the toll it can take on one’s mental health and well-being. Posdnuos and Trugoy deliver verses filled with raw emotion and honesty, expressing their frustration and disillusionment with the world around them. “Trying People” is a standout moment on “AOI: Bionix”, showcasing De La Soul’s ability to create thoughtful and emotionally resonant music that speaks to the human experience. While it was not a commercial hit for the group, “Trying People” has become a beloved track among fans and a testament to their enduring creativity and artistic vision.
9. “Rock Co.Kane Flow” feat. MF Doom (2004)
“Rock Co.Kane Flow” is a slick and stylish track released by De La Soul in 2004, featuring the iconic rapper MF Doom. The song’s jazzy beat is built around a sample from the classic jazz standard “Take Ten” by Paul Desmond, with its smooth guitar riff and swinging drums providing the perfect foundation for De La Soul’s and MF Doom’s intricate rhymes. The lyrics of “Rock Co.Kane Flow” are a masterclass in wordplay and clever references, with each rapper showcasing their unique style and flow. The song’s catchy chorus and infectious energy make it a standout moment on De La Soul’s sixth album “The Grind Date”, while the collaboration with MF Doom adds an extra layer of hip-hop authenticity and coolness to the track. “Rock Co.Kane Flow” was a critical success, hailed as a standout moment on the album and a testament to De La Soul’s enduring relevance and creative vitality.
10. “Royalty Capes” (2016)
“Royalty Capes” is a powerful and poignant track released by De La Soul in 2016, taken from their eighth album “and the Anonymous Nobody”. The song’s haunting beat is built around a sample from the classic soul track “Stairway to Heaven” by O’Jays, with its somber piano melody and mournful horns creating a sense of melancholy and reflection. The lyrics of “Royalty Capes” are a meditation on loss and grief, with Posdnuos and Trugoy delivering verses about the challenges of facing mortality and the legacy we leave behind. The song’s message is amplified by its video, which pays tribute to fallen hip-hop icons such as Phife Dawg, J Dilla, and Tupac Shakur. “Royalty Capes” is a testament to De La Soul’s ability to create music that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating, showcasing their enduring relevance and impact on the hip-hop genre. The song is a standout moment on “and the Anonymous Nobody”, hailed as one of the group’s most mature and sophisticated works to date.
Erica Henderson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
