De La Soul

De La Soul redefined hip-hop with their eclectic blend of jazz rap, alternative hip hop, and conscious lyrics, making them a cornerstone of the golden age hip hop era. Their groundbreaking debut album, “3 Feet High and Rising” (1989), released under Tommy Boy Records, showcased a playful yet profound approach to music, setting a new standard for creativity in the genre. Tracks like “Eye Know” and “Buddy / The Magic Number” from the same year further solidified their innovative reputation. With influences spanning across boom bap and east coast hip hop, their sound resonates alongside the likes of A Tribe Called Quest and Jungle Brothers, securing their legacy in the progressive rap scene. De La Soul’s work remains a must-have for vinyl collectors seeking to explore the roots of abstract and alternative hip hop.