The Breakfast Club INTERVIEW: De La Soul On Honoring Dave In Their New Album, Today's Hip Hop Landscape + More
Nov 17, 2025
De La Soul, the iconic hip-hop group from Long Island, discusses their new album, 'Cabin in the Sky,' as a heartfelt tribute to their late member, Dave. They share nostalgic stories about their summer school beginnings and unique sound shaped by diverse record collections. The trio reflects on their integral role in the Native Tongues collective and the emotional aspects of performing without Dave. Topics also include their friendship with Q-Tip, the impact of streaming on new fans, and their hope for a balanced and diverse hip-hop future.
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Origin Story: Summer School To Studio
- De La Soul met in summer school and started making music at each other's houses before Prince Paul joined.
- Their early scene was backyard parties, VFWs and roller rinks across Long Island and Queens.
Sound Rooted In Parental Records
- Their sound came from records in their parents' homes, not from trying to follow the street rap trend.
- That authenticity made their Native Tongues aesthetic distinct and resonant.
Sample Clearing And Catalog Struggle
- De La Soul relied on their label to clear samples and many tracks later became embroiled in clearing disputes.
- Changing label regimes and bad deals delayed putting their catalog on streaming platforms.
