You Can Now [Finally!] Stream De La Soul’s Entire Catalogue on DSPs
Previously-released De La Soul albums are now on DSPs, including 3 Feet High and Rising, De La Soul is Dead and Buhloone Mindstate.
De La Soul fans rejoice. The group’s previously-released albums via Tommy Boy Records – including 1989’s 3 Feet High and Rising; 1991’s De La Soul is Dead; 1993’s Buhloone Mindstate; 1996’s Stakes Is High; 2000’s Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump; and 2001’s AOI: Bionix – are officially on DSPs.
De La’s back catalog has come to digital streaming platforms 10 days after the death of member Trugoy the Dove, legal name David Jude Jolicoeur, at 54-years-old. The trio’s surviving members, Posdnuos and Maseo, have since mourned the loss on social media and in a recent feature in The New York Times.
“We fought so hard and so long for it,” Maseo told NYT about the long-awaited release of the group’s first six albums. “For him [Trugoy] not to be here, it’s awkward; it hurts.”
De La Soul catalog streaming everywhere now! https://t.co/yApNWxcPD5 #delasoul #thankyoudave pic.twitter.com/sO44fsuFZz
— De La Soul (@WeAreDeLaSoul) March 3, 2023
To kick off the back catalog’s release, Amazon Music held “The DA.I.S.Y. Experience” activation at Webster Hall in New York City, utilizing artwork from 3 Feet High and Rising. Making a surprise appearance at the event were Queen Latifah and Monie Love, who performed their 1989 hit “Ladies First.”
Hip-Hop celebrated the life of Dave and the legacy of @WeAreDeLaSoul TO! THE! FULLEST!🏆 This is why we cherish, celebrate and elevate this culture. De La Soul’s entire catalog available for streaming now. #trugoyforever🕊️🕊️🕊️
🎥: IG: @robyndw pic.twitter.com/BLtPD2cymU
— Rock The Bells (@RockTheBells) March 3, 2023
De La’s records were previously kept from streaming platforms due to clearance issues, originating from a rift with label founder, Tom Silverman. In 2019, the group revealed that Tommy Boy planned to bring the projects to streaming services, only giving De La a 10% share of the profits. In 2021, the now-defunct label was purchased by Reservoir in a $100 million acquisition, which prioritized getting De La’s music released.
In addition to DSPs, the group’s albums will be reissued on vinyl, CDs and cassettes, with merchandise being dropped throughout the year on their website.
Listen to all six albums below.
