Best De La Soul Songs – Ranked
Before we get to the list of the best De La Soul songs, here’s some background information on the legendary trio. De La Soul is an American hip-hop group formed in 1987 on Long Island, New York. They are widely regarded as one of hip-hop’s most innovative and influential groups, known for their eclectic sampling, witty lyrics, and laid-back flow. De La Soul included three members: Trugoy, Maseo, and Posdnuous. They released several critically acclaimed albums over the years.
After the passing of Posdnuos last month, we decided to rank the best De La Soul songs with a bonus jam at the end. So what are De La Soul’s best songs?
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10.
“Stakes Is High”
“Stakes Is High” is a politically charged song that deals with the issues facing African Americans in the 1990s. The song was released in 1996 and featured a laid-back flow and a sample from Johnny Hammond’s “Shifting Gears.”
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9.
“The Magic Number”
“The Magic Number” is a playful and catchy song that features a sample from The Turtles’ “You Showed Me.” The song’s chorus is instantly recognizable and has been used in commercials and TV shows.
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8.
“Ego Trippin’ (Part Two)”
“Ego Trippin’ (Part Two)” is a fun and playful song that features a sample from Parliament’s “Aquaboogie (A Psychoalphadiscobetabioaquadoloop).” The song is a tribute to the group’s success and the ego trips that can come with it.
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7.
“Buddy”
“Buddy” is another classic De La Soul song that features a who’s who of hip-hop stars from the late 80s, including Jungle Brothers, Q-Tip, and Monie Love. The song is a celebration of friendship and unity in the hip-hop community.
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6.
“Me Myself and I”
“Me Myself and I” is a classic De La Soul song released in 1989. The song was a huge hit and reached #1 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart. It features a sample from Funkadelic’s “Not Just Knee Deep” and a catchy chorus that has become a hip-hop anthem.
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5.
“Breakadawn”
“Breakadawn” is a smooth and mellow song that features a sample from Michael Jackson’s “I Can’t Help It.” The song’s laid-back vibe is perfect for a lazy afternoon or a relaxing evening at home. The song appeared on Buhloone Mindstate, which was recently released on colored vinyl.
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4.
“Shopping Bags (She Got from You)”
“Shopping Bags (She Got from You)” is an upbeat song that features a sample from The Waitresses’ “I Know What Boys Like.” The song is a humorous take on the materialistic culture of the 2000s and the women who indulge in it. The catchy chorus and fun lyrics make this song one of the best De la Soul songs.
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3.
“The Grind Date”
“The Grind Date” is the title track from De La Soul’s 2004 album. The song features a sample from “Crab Apple” by Idris Muhammad and has a laid-back and mellow vibe. The lyrics reflected the group’s longevity in the hip-hop industry and continued dedication to their craft.
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2.
“Rock Co.Kane Flow”
“Rock Co.Kane Flow” is a De La Soul and MF DOOM collaboration. It features a sample from “Maudie” by Rotary Connection. The song demonstrates both groups’ lyrical talents with clever wordplay and intricate rhyme schemes. The smooth and jazzy beat provides the perfect backdrop for the two groups to shine.
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1.
“Eye Know”
“Eye Know” is a romantic song that samples Steely Dan’s “Peg” and features a smooth and melodic flow from De La Soul. The song is a testament to the group’s ability to mix different genres of music to create something entirely new and fresh. It is genuinely De La Soul’s best song. And the album, 3 Feet and Rising recently made our list of classic March hip-hop albums.
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BONUS “Feel Good Inc.” (Gorillaz featuring De La Soul)
“Feel Good Inc.” is a song by virtual band Gorillaz featuring De La Soul. The song was released in 2005 and became a massive hit worldwide, reaching the top ten in several countries. It features a catchy melody, a driving bassline, and a memorable chorus that has become a pop culture phenomenon.
De La Soul’s contribution to the song is their signature laid-back flow, which adds a unique element to the song’s already eclectic mix of sounds. In addition, their verses are playful and fun, adding to the song’s overall feel-good vibe. The collaboration between Gorillaz and De La Soul was a natural fit. Both groups have a reputation for pushing the boundaries of music and creating something entirely new.
“Feel Good Inc.” is considered one of the standout tracks from Gorillaz’s second album, “Demon Days,” and it has become a classic of the 2000s. The song’s popularity continues and remains a favorite among Gorillaz and De La Soul fans.
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Each of these songs showcases De La Soul’s ability to mix different genres of music and create something entirely new and unique. Their innovative approach to hip-hop has made them one of the most influential groups ever. These songs are just a tiny sample of their impressive body of work. Which do you think are the best De La Soul songs?
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