Marcus J. Moore, author of 2020’s The Butterfly Effect: How Kendrick Lamar Ignited the Soul of Black America, had doubts about writing a book on De La Soul, one of his favorite hip-hop groups, assuming it was too late due to an existing book. Surprisingly, there wasn’t one, leading him to publish High and Rising: A Book About De La Soul last year. However, the group’s response to the unauthorized book caused controversy.
Editor’s picks
Moore and Brian Hiatt delve into De La Soul’s story, highlighting albums like 3 Feet High and Rising, Buhloone Mindstate, and Stakes Is High. The suburban origins of De La Soul influenced their playful approach, showcasing different facets of black masculinity.
De La Soul’s album, Is Dead, faced controversy for not appealing to white listeners, emphasizing their black identity. Despite their catalog’s absence from streaming, Moore sees advantages in creating a mixtape trading community.
Moore praises De La Soul’s artistic bravery, noting that risk-takers like them leave a lasting impact. He encourages listeners to explore Rolling Stone’s podcast for more in-depth interviews and discussions.
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FAQs
Q: What was the title of Marcus J. Moore’s book about De La Soul?
A: The title of Marcus J. Moore’s book about De La Soul was “High and Rising: A Book About De La Soul.”
Q: How did De La Soul respond to the unauthorized book about them?
A: De La Soul expressed their lack of support for the unauthorized book, hinting at legal actions and causing controversy in the industry.
Q: What albums did Marcus J. Moore highlight in the podcast discussion?
A: Marcus J. Moore highlighted albums like 3 Feet High and Rising, Buhloone Mindstate, and Stakes Is High in the podcast discussion about De La Soul.
Q: How did De La Soul’s suburban origins influence their music?
A: De La Soul’s suburban origins allowed them the freedom to explore a playful approach to their music, showcasing different aspects of black masculinity.
Q: What advantages did Marcus J. Moore see in the absence of De La Soul’s catalog from streaming platforms?
A: Marcus J. Moore saw advantages in the absence of De La Soul’s catalog from streaming, noting that it created a mixtape trading community among fans.
Q: Why does Marcus J. Moore praise De La Soul’s artistic courage?
A: Marcus J. Moore praises De La Soul’s artistic courage, highlighting their willingness to take risks and make a lasting impact in the music industry.
Credit: www.rollingstone.com
