"3 Feet High and Rising", the debut album by underground legends De La Soul, is a monument of creativity and brilliance in old school hip-hop. First off, Prince Paul produced the whole album with a style that's friendly to the ears of those who prefer alternative and/or jazz. It was really refreshing and set up a conscious mood to fit along with the lyrics. The lyrics are another reason why this album is a landmark. De La Soul don't care for stereotypes, and the lyrics deliver a positive message about certain things in life, whether it would be based on love ("Eye Know") or appearance ("Can U Keep A Secret" and "Take It Off"). Even in their conscious message, De La Soul aren't afraid to lighten things up with a bit of humor. "Ghetto Thang" is the only track that's no so uplifting, being based on poverty and social issues, but it is still given in a way that only De La would give it (they even use limericks). There is even a game show that is "played" throughout this album, which is played by Posdnous, Trugoy, Maseo, and Prince Paul (the first three being members of the group) and while it may sound a bit dated, it's something that represents the group's style. Let me also tell you that in the song "Buddy", you get a guest appearance with some other Native Tongues style rap members, the Jungle Brothers and A Tribe Called Quest's Q-Tip, so you get another taste of the first group mentioned and an insight of what ATCQ would be the year following this CD. This CD is fun, it lays off the vulgarity in the majority of the songs, and it was something else back in 1989. Make sure to give this a good listen, because there is nothing like it.
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