Nostalgia and Legacy Fuel De La Soul's Enduring Appeal

A High Dose of Nostalgia Saves the Hip-Hop Pioneers

In the latter part of the 1980s, hip-hop was largely concerned with social injustice and crime, with lyrics delivered over heavy, monotonous beats. It was not uncommon for disputes between different factions to flare up, sometimes escalating into violence.

But then De La Soul arrived with their hopeful and colourful Native Tongues concept. Together with groups such as Jungle Brothers and A Tribe Called Quest, they presented a more positive side of the genre. The songs were built largely on clever samples, infectious melodies and lyrics intended to uplift the African-American community. It was a community that put togetherness before hostility.

With the groundbreaking album 3 Feet High and Rising (1989) and its follow-up De La Soul Is Dead (1991), the trio from Long Island became the flagship act of the movement, celebrating triumphs they have struggled to recreate ever since. The group was also struck by tragedy in 2023 when Trugoy the Dove died of a heart attack. Posdnuos and Maseo, however, have carried on persistently, and in recent years have taken a career step forward thanks to several collaborations with Gorillaz.

When the duo take the stage at Rosendal’s leafy festival site, they do so with a very stripped-down and traditional hip-hop show. Maseo stands behind the turntables, while Pos cheerfully moves back and forth across the stage, often with a broad, inviting smile.

Unfortunately, the stage is far too big and the show too thin for the concert to rise above mediocrity. Sure, to the delight of the many ’90s nostalgics in attendance, they perform several of their old hits, and there is no faulting the veterans’ energy. Thankfully, the emphasis is on the 3 Feet High album, with only brief versions of a couple of songs from the latest album, Cabin in the Sky. They clearly know what a festival audience wants and deliver accordingly. Fair enough.

But in the long run, it simply becomes a little static with two ageing rappers and no real stage show to speak of. Instead, one finds oneself wondering why Posdnuos insists on grabbing his crotch every other minute. Not exactly what ought to be the most memorable thing from a concert.