De La Soul

Fifteen years after their classic debut, N.Y. trio De La Soul deliver the clever, top-shelf hip-hop that has captivated listeners around the world. On their seventh LP, they hook up with Ghostface, Common and MF DOOM, and Madlib and Jay Dee contribute solid production.

The magical collaboration between De La Soul and producer Prince Paul bore three classic
hip-hop LPs, but since 1993's Buhloone Mindstate, the trio's work without Paul has felt
merely accomplished. The Grind Date is stock De La; there's little personality and no
surprises here, from Flavor Flav's rote shucking on "Come On Down" to Madlib's Chingy-type
beat for "Shopping Bags." On the closing track, "Rock Co. Kane Flow," Posdnuos r... More >