High and Rising // A Book about de la Soul

A stunning cultural biography of De La Soul, the era-defining hip-hop trio that touched millions of lives and changed rap forever.

De La Soul burst onto the scene with the release of their groundbreaking 1989 album3 Feet High & Rising, an “anything goes” hip-hop masterpiece hailed as a new masterwork from a bygone era of Black experimentation.

Formed in Long Island in 1988 by Kelvin “Posdnuos” Mercer, Dave “Trugoy the Dove” Jolicoeur, and Vincent “Maseo” Mason, De La Soul rebuked classification and appealed to the Black alternative. Their music was positive and psychedelic, their imagery full of flowers and peace signs. It was rap with a broad sonic palette which set the blueprint for an entire generation of artists who followed. But as quickly as De La ascended, they were faced with the pressures of a changing industry and bitter legal battles.

Completed in the wake of Dave’s passing and the group’s arrival on streaming platforms after years in digital purgatory,Highand Risingtells the story of one of the most influential rap groups of all time. In the process, acclaimed music journalist Marcus J. Moore braids in a deeply personal coming-of-age story about his journey through life with De La as a backdrop.

The first book about De La Soul,High and Risingshows that De La Soul is Black history, American history, world history, our history. This is a tale about staying the course, and how holding true to your virtue can lead to dynamic results.

Marcus J. Mooreis a music journalist, editor, curator, pundit, professor, and author ofThe Butterfly Effect: How Kendrick Lamar Ignited the Soul of Black America. He has co-led the jazz-focused “5 Minutes That Will Make You Love…” series at theNew York Times. His work has appeared inThe Atlantic,NPR,Pitchfork, TIME, TIDAL, GQ, The Washington Post,andRolling Stone.

• Publisher:Dey Street Books
• Publish Date:November 19, 2024
• Pages:240
• Dimensions:6.2 X 9.1 X 0.9 inches | 0.8 pounds
• Language:English
• Type:Hardcover
• EAN/UPC:9780358494881
• BISAC Categories:Music -Entertainment & Performing Arts -History & Criticism – General -Genres & Styles – Rap & Hip Hop -Modern – 20th Century -Essays