Marcus J. Moore’s High and Rising: A Deep dive into De La Soul’s Legacy and Controversy
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When Marcus J. Moore, the acclaimed author of The Butterfly Effect: How Kendrick Lamar Ignited the Soul of Black America, set out to write a book about one of his favorite hip-hop groups, De La Soul, he initially thoght it was too late. “My first thought was, ‘Oh, well, clearly I can’t do that, because there’s already been a book written,’” Moore revealed on an episode of Rolling Stone Music Now. “And then much to my surprise, there wasn’t one.”
This realization led to the creation of High and Rising: A Book About De La Soul, a work that intertwines the group’s storied career with moore’s personal reflections. Published late last year, the book offers a definitive look at the Long Island trio’s groundbreaking contributions to hip-hop, from their iconic debut album 3 Feet High and Rising to their enduring influence on the genre.
However, the release of High and Rising was not without controversy. When the surviving members of De La Soul, Maseo and Posdnuos, learned of the unauthorized biography, they took to social media to express their disapproval, hinting at potential “legal options.” This sparked widespread condemnation from journalists who felt the group misunderstood the nature of the publishing industry.
“It was disappointing, because they were quiet literally judging a book by its cover,” Moore said. “Without having read the book.” He later came to view their reaction as a “trauma response” from a group that has spent decades battling the music industry.Notably, disputes over sample clearances kept De La soul’s catalog off streaming platforms until 2023, a struggle that Moore believes shaped their defensive stance.
“When you’ve been fighting against an industry for 35 years,” Moore explained, “then naturally anybody coming along that you feel is trying to take from your legacy, you’re going to make them the enemy.”
A Legacy of Innovation and Struggle
De La Soul’s journey is one of both triumph and adversity. Their 1989 debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising, revolutionized hip-hop with its eclectic sampling and playful lyricism, earning them a place in music history. Yet, their innovative approach also led to legal battles over sample clearances, which ultimately hindered their ability to monetize their work in the digital age.
Moore’s High and Rising delves into these complexities, offering readers a nuanced portrait of the group. The book is not just a biography but also a memoir, as Moore weaves in his own experiences growing up with De La Soul’s music. “It was De La Soul’s landmark debut album that made me feel less alone,” Moore shared, echoing sentiments from his interview with NPR.
Key Takeaways from High and Rising
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Author | Marcus J. Moore, author of The Butterfly Effect |
| Subject | De La Soul’s career and cultural impact |
| Controversy | Unauthorized biography criticized by De La Soul members |
| themes | Industry battles, sample clearance disputes, and artistic legacy |
| Publication Date | Late 2024 |
Why High and Rising Matters
Despite the initial backlash, High and Rising stands as a testament to De La soul’s enduring influence. Moore’s meticulous research and personal connection to the group’s music make the book a compelling read for both longtime fans and newcomers. As Moore noted, the group’s story is one of resilience and creativity, qualities that continue to inspire artists today.
For those eager to explore De La Soul’s legacy, High and Rising is available now.Listen to Marcus J. Moore’s full interview on Rolling Stone Music Now or dive into the book to uncover the untold stories behind one of hip-hop’s most iconic groups.
What are your thoughts on the controversy surrounding High and Rising? Share your perspective in the comments below.
De La Soul: The Risk-Takers Who Redefined black Masculinity in Hip-Hop
When De La Soul burst onto the scene in 1989 with their groundbreaking debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising, they didn’t just introduce a new sound—they redefined what hip-hop could be.In a genre often dominated by hyper-masculine bravado, the trio from Amityville, New york, brought a playful, introspective, and multifaceted approach to Black masculinity. As music journalist Marcus J. Moore explains, “They showed different sides of Black masculinity… Whereas with De La, quite honestly, they showed different sides of Black masculinity.”
Their suburban roots played a significant role in shaping their unique sound. “They didn’t have the pressure of living in new York City,” Moore notes. “In Amityville, you have a yard, you can sit by the water… you have more space and time to let your brain create.” This surroundings allowed De La Soul to craft an album that stood in stark contrast to the gritty, urban narratives dominating hip-hop at the time.
The Controversy of De La Soul Is Dead
While 3 Feet High and Rising was celebrated for its whimsical and experimental nature, their sophomore album, De La soul is Dead, sparked controversy.Moore suggests that much of the backlash stemmed from its lack of appeal to white listeners. “I feel like the difference is quite literally between Black and white… On De La Soul Is Dead, I feel like they reminded listeners that they were indeed Black men.”
The album’s harder-hitting themes and darker tone marked a deliberate shift from their debut, challenging both fans and critics. Yet, this bold move solidified their reputation as artists unafraid to take risks. “It’s the risk-takers that ultimately live forever,” Moore asserts. “And De La Soul were the ultimate risk-takers.They took a lot of bullets. They took a lot of arrows from the culture,but 30 years later here we are talking about them.”
The Streaming gap and the Rise of a Mixtape Community
For years, de La Soul’s catalog was notably absent from streaming platforms, a cultural tragedy that inadvertently fostered a unique underground community. “Mystery is marketing,” Moore observes. “Indirectly, De La Soul created this sort of mixtape trading community where before the music came back to streaming, where you may know somebody who has the MP3s of De La Soul Is Dead and they’ll just kind of give it to you on the low.”
This absence only heightened their mystique, turning their music into a coveted treasure passed among fans. When their catalog finaly returned to streaming platforms, it was a moment of party for both longtime listeners and a new generation discovering their work.
Beyond the Debut: The Legacy of Later Albums
While 3 Feet High and Rising remains their most iconic release, Moore and host Brian Hiatt argue that De La Soul’s later albums deserve equal recognition. Albums like 1993’s Buhloone Mindstate and 1996’s Stakes Is High showcased the group’s evolution, blending social commentary with innovative production. These works, often overshadowed by their debut, highlight their enduring relevance and artistic growth.
| Key Albums | Release Year | Notable Themes |
|——————————-|——————|———————————————|
| 3 Feet High and Rising | 1989 | Playfulness, experimentation |
| De La Soul Is Dead | 1991 | Black identity, darker tones |
| Buhloone Mindstate | 1993 | Social commentary, jazz influences |
| Stakes Is High | 1996 | Political critique, hip-hop’s future |
A Legacy of Courage and Innovation
De La Soul’s impact on hip-hop extends far beyond their music. They challenged stereotypes,redefined masculinity,and paved the way for future artists to explore new creative territories. As moore aptly puts it, “They took a lot of bullets. They took a lot of arrows from the culture, but 30 years later here we are talking about them.”
Their story is a testament to the power of artistic courage and the enduring influence of those who dare to be different. Whether through their playful debut,their controversial sophomore effort,or their later socially conscious works,De La Soul’s legacy continues to resonate,proving that true innovation stands the test of time.
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Engage with the Legacy: Dive deeper into De La Soul’s discography and explore how their music continues to inspire new generations. Share your favorite De La soul tracks and memories in the comments below!Dive into the World of Music with Rolling Stone Music Now
For music enthusiasts seeking a deep dive into the stories behind the songs,Rolling Stone music Now is a must-listen. hosted by Brian Hiatt, this weekly podcast offers an unparalleled exploration of the music industry, featuring in-depth interviews with legendary artists and thought-provoking discussions with Rolling Stone’s critics and reporters.
Since its inception, Rolling Stone Music Now has amassed a treasure trove of episodes, spanning six years of rich content. from intimate conversations with icons like Bruce Springsteen and Mariah Carey to genre-defining debates with artists such as Snoop Dogg and Dua lipa, the podcast covers the full spectrum of musical artistry.
Why Rolling Stone Music Now Stands Out
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A Legacy of Iconic Interviews
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Key Highlights of rolling Stone Music Now
| Feature | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| host | Brian Hiatt |
| Format | Weekly podcast |
| Notable Guests | Bruce Springsteen, Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Dua Lipa, and more |
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Whether you’re a lifelong music fan or a curious newcomer, Rolling Stone Music Now offers something for everyone. Tune in today and discover the stories behind the songs that define our world.
De La Soul redefined Black masculinity in hip-hop by presenting a multifaceted, introspective, and playful approach to identity, challenging the hyper-masculine norms that dominated the genre in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Thier debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising (1989), introduced a fresh, experimental sound that contrasted sharply with the gritty, urban narratives of their contemporaries. Hailing from Amityville, new York, their suburban roots allowed them the creative freedom to explore themes of individuality, humor, and introspection, offering a more nuanced portrayal of Black masculinity.
Their sophomore album, De La Soul Is Dead (1991), further solidified their willingness to take risks. By embracing darker tones and more explicitly addressing Black identity, they alienated some listeners but cemented their reputation as bold, unapologetic artists. This shift demonstrated their refusal to be pigeonholed, showcasing the complexity of Black masculinity and challenging societal expectations.
De La Soul’s later albums, such as Buhloone Mindstate (1993) and Stakes Is High (1996), continued to push boundaries, blending social commentary with innovative production. These works highlighted their artistic growth and enduring relevance, proving that their impact extended far beyond their debut.
Their absence from streaming platforms for years inadvertently fostered a dedicated underground community of fans who traded mixtapes and MP3s,further amplifying their mystique. When their catalog finally became available on streaming services, it was a celebration of their legacy, introducing their music to new generations.
De La Soul’s courage to innovate and challenge stereotypes has left an indelible mark on hip-hop. As music journalist Marcus J. Moore notes,they “took a lot of bullets” from the culture,but their legacy endures as a testament to the power of artistic bravery and the importance of redefining norms. Their influence continues to inspire artists to explore new creative territories and embrace the full spectrum of Black identity.
