Artists Influenced by De La Soul

As their debut turns 25, we look back at the group's impact.

Artists Influenced by De La Soul - De La Soul shook things up in hip hop when they dropped their debut, 3 Feet High and Rising, which celebrates its 25th anniversary today (March 3). The trio, hailing from Long Island, brought positivity, humor and a jazz-influenced feel to that classic album and the rest of their music. Pioneers of alternative hip hop, De La opened doors and laid a groundwork for many to follow. Read on.(Photo: Courtesy of Tommy Boy Records)
Black Star - In 1996, before his solo work or group effort took off, Mos Def was featured on De La's Stakes Is High album. It was a shining moment for the young Brooklynite, and he and his future Black Star partner, Talib Kweli, would later follow in the steps of the Long Island group. (Photo: Terrence Jennings/Picturegroup)
Arrested Development - The stage was set for Arrested Development's multi-platinum-selling 1992 album, 3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life Of..., a few years earlier with De La's sonically experimental and lyrically progressive debut. (Photo: Cutting Edge Records)Little Brother - The name of the North Carolina trio of Phonte, Big Pooh and 9th Wonder — Little Brother — is an homage to their feeling a musical kinship to certain groups that came before them. De La Soul certainly falls into this influential category. (Photo: Ray Tamarra/Getty Images) 

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Artists Influenced by De La Soul - De La Soul shook things up in hip hop when they dropped their debut, 3 Feet High and Rising, which celebrates its 25th anniversary today (March 3). The trio, hailing from Long Island, brought positivity, humor and a jazz-influenced feel to that classic album and the rest of their music. Pioneers of alternative hip hop, De La opened doors and laid a groundwork for many to follow. Read on.(Photo: Courtesy of Tommy Boy Records)

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