High and Rising: A Book About De La Soul

Marcus J. Moore's High and Rising transcends a mere recounting of De La Soul's history; it's a vibrant and insightful cultural biography of a truly era-defining hip-hop trio. This isn't just a story of a band; it's an exploration of a seismic shift in rap music and its broader cultural impact.

De La Soul's arrival with their groundbreaking 1989 album 3 Feet High & Rising wasn't just an introduction; it was a sonic revolution, an "anything goes" masterpiece that felt both utterly fresh and deeply rooted in a lineage of Black artistic innovation. With their distinctive dusty drums and eclectic samples, they offered a bold alternative, resonating profoundly with the Black alternative and defying easy categorisation. Their positive and psychedelic soundscapes, coupled with album art and visuals brimming with flowers and peace signs, presented a vision of rap with an expansive sonic palette, laying down a blueprint for future luminaries like The Roots, Pharrell, Kid Cudi, Kanye West, and Kendrick Lamar.

Moore's narrative expertly navigates De La Soul's swift ascent and the subsequent pressures of a changing industry, including the well-documented legal battles surrounding sampling. Written by the acclaimed journalist behind The Butterfly Effect: How Kendrick Lamar Ignited the Soul of Black America, High and Rising benefits from Moore's insightful analysis and engaging prose. He doesn't simply chronicle events; he unpacks the very birth of hip-hop and the evolution of alternative rap through the lens of De La Soul's journey.

Adding a deeply personal dimension, Moore weaves in his own coming-of-age story, with De La Soul's music serving as a constant backdrop. Completed in the poignant aftermath of Dave's passing and the group's long-awaited arrival on streaming platforms, High and Rising resonates with a particular power. It's more than just a hip-hop narrative; it's a testament to resilience, to staying true to one's artistic vision, and how operating with integrity can ultimately yield dynamic and lasting results. This is a compelling and essential read for anyone interested in the evolution of music and the enduring power of artistic innovation.