The contentious battle surrounding De La Soul’s catalog became a public affair in recent years. The group, unfortunately, found themselves duking it out with Tommy Boy Records to have their projects released on DSPs. It came at the cost of signing what they described as an exploitative contract, leading to public outcry.
Things are finally working out in favor of the trio. This week, they finally shared their 1989 single, “Eye Know” to streaming services, a month after “The Magic Number” became accessible on DSPs. The fan-favorite record served as a highlight of their iconic album, 3 Feet High And Rising. According to Genius, the song contains several notable samples including, Steely Dan’s “Peg,” The Mad Lads' “Make This Young Lady Mine,” Otis Redding’s “(Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay,” and “Sing a Simple Song” by Sly & the Family Stone. Finally, fans can add “Eye Know” to their Spotify and Apple Music playlists for the first time ever.
De La Soul’s entire catalog will make its way to streaming services later this year. The trio’s releases between 1989 and 2001 have been absent from DSPs but after Reservoir obtained the rights to Tommy Boy, each project will finally hit streamers. Expect to see 3 Feet High and Rising, De La Soul Is Dead, Buhloone Mindstate, Stakes Is High, Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump, and AOI: Bionix wherever you stream music on March 3rd. “It’s been 20 plus years overdue, but finally, we are here,” Maseo said in a statement.
The group hasn’t necessarily been active in recent years. They released their last studio album, Anonymous Nobody… in 2016, marking their first project in 12 years. Prior to that, they dropped The Grind Date in 2004. It’s unclear if they have any intention to release new music in the near future, though Pharrell recently expressed interest in collaborating. Hopefully, that's something we see sometime this year.
Check out “Eye Know” below and sound off in the comments with your thoughts on De La Soul’s albums coming to streaming services.
Quotable Lyrics
Life will begin at the cut of a rim
Take it as filled to the rim as in brim
Squeeze your stoop like Betty Boop
We'll make Campbell's Alphabet Soup
And spell Plug One's within
