The group’s first six albums are released for the first time on all major streaming platforms in the year of Hip-Hop’s 50th anniversary.
Three is the magic number; at least that’s what De La Soul say. The Hip-Hop group responsible for some of the genre’s most influential records have been largely absent from streaming platforms due to copyright infringements and record company disputes. But now, their work is set to return to market following the death of member David Jolicoeur also known as Trugoy The Dove in February of this year.
The group consisting of members Posdnuos, Mateo and Trugoy, struck a deal to authorize samples for use on albums in the days of cassette, CDs and vinyl. But with an unforeseen change in the music landscape resulting from a major shift in lifestyle and technology, the group’s lawyers failed to predict the breadth of movement in the industry which unfortunately, saw the Hip-Hop trio restricted to the sale of physical merchandise for their music. This meant fans could only access their music on vinyl especially, as their past deal did not include the rights for use in digital streaming.
Having remained in stasis for years following the sale of the group’s work from their original label ‘Tommy Boy’ to Warner Bros, it was uncertain if their work would release on streaming services.
Thankfully, 2023 became the year all six of their first albums were cleared for sample use after disputes between labels were settled including ‘3 Feet High and Rising’, ‘De La Soul Is Dead’, ‘Buhloone Mindstate’, ‘Stakes Is High’, ‘Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump’ and ‘AOI: Bionix’. The group are also set to perform at the Royal Albert Hall for the first time in their careers on the 8th of April as well as other venues with prospective dates in place.
Stanisland Magazine 