Three That The Magic Number De La Soul
De La Soul is a hip hop group from Long Island, New York, known for their innovative and eclectic style. They burst onto the scene in 1989 with their debut album, "3 Feet High and Rising," which was praised for its use of sampling, humor, and positive messages.
The Importance of Three
The number three has played a significant role in De La Soul's career. Not only did it appear in their debut album's title, but it has also been referenced in many of their songs over the years. The group's name itself is a play on the French phrase "three of the sun," which is a reference to the three members of the group.
But why is three such a magic number for De La Soul? According to the group, it represents balance and harmony. In an interview with Rolling Stone, member Posdnuos explained, "If you have three elements, you can create a balance. You can also create a tension. But it allows for a lot of creativity."
The Legacy of "3 Feet High and Rising"
"3 Feet High and Rising" is often cited as one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time. It was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop chart and peaking at number 24 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album's unique sound, which incorporated a wide range of samples from various genres, helped to usher in a new era of hip hop.
But the album's impact goes beyond just its musicality. It also had a significant cultural impact. The group's positive messages about individuality, creativity, and peace helped to counter the negative stereotypes often associated with hip hop at the time.
The Evolution of De La Soul
Over the years, De La Soul has continued to evolve and experiment with their sound. They have released several albums, including "De La Soul Is Dead," "Buhloone Mindstate," and "Stakes Is High." Each album has showcased the group's versatility and willingness to push the boundaries of hip hop.
One of the group's most recent projects is a collaboration with the hip hop producer Pete Rock. The album, "De La Soul and the Anonymous Nobody," was released in 2016 and features guest appearances from a variety of artists, including Snoop Dogg, 2 Chainz, and David Byrne.
The Influence of De La Soul
De La Soul's impact on hip hop cannot be overstated. They have been praised for their innovative use of sampling, their positive messages, and their willingness to experiment with different genres. They have influenced generations of hip hop artists, including Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, and Chance the Rapper.
In 2019, the group was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of their contributions to the music industry.
Conclusion
De La Soul's use of the number three as a symbol of balance and harmony has been a consistent theme throughout their career. From their debut album "3 Feet High and Rising" to their most recent project "De La Soul and the Anonymous Nobody," the group has continued to push the boundaries of hip hop and inspire new generations of artists.
Their impact on the genre cannot be overstated, and they will always be remembered as one of the most innovative and influential hip hop groups of all time.