GALLERY: 50 Years of Hip Hop – De La Soul Through the Years
As we dive into the 50th anniversary of hip hop, we are taking a look at the artists who have made huge impacts on the industry and culture, and today…
MIAMI – AUGUST 29: De La Soul arrive at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards at the American Airlines Arena August 29, 2004 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)
As we dive into the 50th anniversary of hip hop, we are taking a look at the artists who have made huge impacts on the industry and culture, and today we take a look at De La Soul.
The group from Long Island, New York started up in 1988, and came out of the gate strong.
De La Soul consisted of hip hop legends Kelvin "Psodnous" Mercer, David "Trugoy the Dove" Jolicoeur, and Vincent "Maseo" Mason. Trugoy the Dove sadly died in February of 2023, after battling heart issues for several years. Just days before his death, the group performed on the Grammy Awards, but without him present.
"You were the heart of our group. You brought so much creativity, energy, and passion to our music, and your influence will be felt for years to come," the group said in an Instagram post after his death. "Your passing is a great loss not only to us, but also to the entire hip-hop community. You were a true artist who used music to inspire and uplift others, and you will be deeply missed by all who knew you."
The first album from the group, "3 Feet High and Rising," was a smash success and catapulted them to stardom. They were key members of the Native Tongues Posse, alongside Queen Latifah, A Tribe Called Quest and others.
The band's second album, "De La Soul is Dead," is where they cemented their presence as icons of the genre. We profiled that album here.
Here's a look back at De La Soul over the years.
43rd Annual Grammy Awards - Arrivals
Photo credit: Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesMembers of De La Soul arrive at the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards in 2001. Looking back on their genre-defining De La Soul is Dead album, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop in 2023.
The Nokia Urban Music Festival With The Prince's Trust - Stage
Photo by Jo Hale/Getty ImagesDe La Soul perform on stage at The Nokia Urban Music Festival With The Prince's Trust at Earl's Court on April 16, 2005 in London. The UK's largest urban music event hosted by the Prince of Wales' royal charity features a host of credible names in hip hop and R&B from the UK and US alongside workshops in break-dancing, MCing, beatboxing, music production, DJ skills and an Artist Advice workshop for breaking new acts.
WOMAD - Day 1
WILTSHIRE, ENGLAND - JULY 24: Kelvin Mercer, Vincent Mason and David Jude Jolicoeur of De La Soul perform on the Open Air Stage on day 1 of the WOMAD Festival at Charlton Park on July 24, 2015 in Wiltshire, England. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)
The Meadows Music And Arts Festival - Day 2
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 16: Kelvin Mercer of De La Soul performs onstage during the Meadows Music And Arts Festival - Day 2 at Citi Field on September 16, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)
V Festival - Hylands Park - Day 2
CHELMSFORD, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Kelvin Mercer of De La Soul performs on Day 2 of the V Festival at Hylands Park on August 23, 2015 in Chelmsford, England. (Photo by Tristan Fewings/Getty Images)
2004 MTV Video Music Awards - Arrivals
MIAMI - AUGUST 29: De La Soul arrive at the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards at the American Airlines Arena August 29, 2004 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)
The Meadows Music And Arts Festival - Day 2
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 16: Rapper David Jude Jolicoeur of De La Soul performs onstage during the Meadows Music And Arts Festival - Day 2 at Citi Field on September 16, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)
The Endometriosis Foundation Of America Celebrates The 5th Annual Blossom Ball - Inside
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 11: De La Soul performs onstage at the Endometriosis Foundation of America's Celebration of The 5th Annual Blossom Ball at Capitale on March 11, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Blossom Ball)
De La Soul At J&R Music World
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 27: (L-R) Posdnuos, Pasemaster Mase, and Trugoy the Dove of De La Soul pose for a photo during an in-store appearance at J&R Music World October 27, 2004 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)
