Veteran New York City hip-hop group De La Soul has publicly criticized a newly released book about their journey, announcing on social media that they are considering legal action in response to its publication.
Book About De La Soul
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High And Rising: A Book About De La Soul
High And Rising: A Book About De La Soul, written by Marcus J. Moore, was released on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Moore, known for his previous work, The Butterfly Effect: How Kendrick Lamar Ignited the Soul of Black America, explained that his decision to write about the group stemmed from a desire to shed light on topics that are often overlooked in the literary world.
The book highlights De La Soul as not just a musical group but as a significant part of Black history, American history, and world history. The synopsis describes it as a story of perseverance and the rewards of staying true to one’s values.
Despite the book’s positive portrayal, De La Soul has distanced themselves from it, emphasizing that it is an unauthorized publication that they have no association with.
Unauthorized Book
De La Soul expressed their commitment to protecting their legacy and ensuring that their story is told in their own words. They made it clear that they are exploring legal options regarding the unauthorized book and encouraged fans to support projects endorsed by them instead.
The group emphasized the importance of authenticity, pointing out that even the title of the book lacks the iconic ‘3’ that is synonymous with De La Soul. They reaffirmed that their story will always be told in their unique style.
In a closing statement, De La Soul hinted at a special project planned for Spring 2025, sparking mixed reactions from fans in the comments section. While some urged the group to reconsider their stance, others expressed support for Marcus J. Moore and his work.
De La Soul’s History
De La Soul was formed in 1988 and gained widespread recognition in 1989 with their debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising. The album reached No. 15 on the Billboard 200 chart and is regarded as a classic in hip-hop history.
The group’s ninth album, And the Anonymous Nobody…, was released in 2016, peaking at No. 9 on the charts. Trugoy the Dove, one of the founding members, passed away in 2023, shortly before the group’s battle to bring their music catalog to streaming platforms concluded.
Conclusion
De La Soul’s response to the unauthorized book about their journey highlights the importance of authenticity and ownership of one’s narrative. As they navigate this challenge, the group remains focused on preserving their legacy and telling their story in their own words.
FAQs
Q: What is the book “High And Rising: A Book About De La Soul” about?
A: The book delves into the history and significance of De La Soul as a musical group and their impact on Black, American, and world history.
Q: Why did De La Soul denounce the book?
A: De La Soul distanced themselves from the book as it was unauthorized and not reflective of their authentic story.
Q: What are De La Soul’s plans for the future?
A: De La Soul hinted at a special project scheduled for Spring 2025, suggesting that they have more in store for their fans.
Credit: www.billboard.com
