De La Soul

Formed from Long Island, NY roots in 1987, De La Soul changed the landscape of hip-hop as we knew it.

For an incredible 30 years they have rocked us with inscrutable samplings, whimsically irreverent lyrics, social commentary, light rhythm and laid back rhymes. They have gained respect within and outside the hip hop community with their contributions to rap, as well as jazz, funk, soul and alternative genres. Not only are their musical innovations acclaimed and respected worldwide, but they paved a path for many alternative rap groups to come after them.

Grammy Award winning group De La Soul’s latest album “And The Anonymous Nobody” debuted at No. 1 on the US Billboard hip-hop chart. The group’s first album in 12 years was crowdfunded and became the second most funded Kickstarter project in history, with over $600,000 pledged. “And The Anonymous Nobody” featured contributions from Damon Albarn, David Byrne, Little Dragon, Snoop Dogg, 2 Chainz, Usher, Estelle, Jill Scott, Pete Rock, Roc Marciano and more. Breaking new ground and crossing genres, the album achieved critical acclaim, landing at No. 2 on Billboard’s Independent Albums chart and No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 200 chart.