The Daisy Age
One of my all-time favorite albums is De La Soul’s "3 Feet High and Rising". "3 Feet High" is one of the most innovative and well produced albums ever created. After almost 20 years in the game, I finally had the chance to see them perform live at the Central Park Summer Stage a year and a half ago and it was one of the best hip-hop shows ever. It totally took me back to the daisy age of fun lyrics coupled with creative sample usage.
When I heard De La was scheduled to perform at the park, I immediately grabbed my cameras and headed to the summer stage to photograph one of hip-hop’s pioneers. After Pos seen me standing in the pit with the other photographers, he invited me on stage to get a better view. I scanned a few of my favorite images from that day to share with you.
Comments
amazingly beautiful
Posted by: PMA | May 16, 2005 06:38 PM
d-nice you probably don't remember me but I used to run the streets with u guys back in the days much love to you man the pix bought back memories with de-la and prince paul since we all grew up in the same town
Posted by: chin | May 7, 2005 05:55 PM
dope pics. i am a HUGE De La fan. they NEVER dissappoint. folks be sleeping on them.
good to see you in the mix brother. my wife is a big fan of yours and always asks what happened to you...
can't wait to show her the site.
Posted by: dantresomi | April 27, 2005 02:29 PM
De La Soul "3 Feet High and Rising" is by far the best hip hop album ever. I never heard an album like that since then. I remember purchasing that album and playing it over and over. I have the album, the tape and the CD. I can play that album and it brings back so many memories of what was real hip hop. De La Soul are definitely pioneers of hip hop. From The Magic Number to Rock Co.Kane, De La Soul is my favorite hip hop group!
And as for D-Nice congratulations for being a part of hip hop history. Sorry but I gotta say it "Takin out ya suckas and ya don't know how I did it!" Keep up the great work with your photos!
Posted by: Yvette Onofre | April 23, 2005 12:48 PM
"3 Feet High and Rising" is one of my favorite Hip Hop Albums of all times. The pics are great, as always! Just thinking of this CD has taken me back! WHOA! Those were the days! Thanks D!
Posted by: Kay | April 17, 2005 08:27 PM
Yo first and foremost big up to you D for the years of history and damage YOU did to mics and stages...not to mention your skills to rock the set. Second, as far as being themselves and sustaining the test of time in the business and still doing it effectively, De La is the truth.
From "Plug Tunin" to "Rock Co. Kane Flow" it's straight up original bangin' hip hop. Respect to the great pioneers of this music. D, hit me when you want to flex on the Underground Railroad show on 99.5 WBAI (every sat. night)from midnight to 2am. Peace.
Posted by: Dj Emskee | April 17, 2005 03:10 AM
Excellent pics!!! As far as that being one of the greatest Hip Hop shows... It could have been. Unfortunately, the sound was terrible!!!! I was standing towards the back, right in front of the sound man.. and it sounded horrible!!!!
Posted by: J.U. | April 16, 2005 06:44 PM
Aww shit!!
I was just talking about these cats were MY favorite group man!
do the damn thing D!!!
Posted by: brook stephenson | April 16, 2005 11:20 AM
I was on a school trip to Albany. One of my boys hid his boombox in his suitcase. Once it was lights out, he broke out the box and told me 'just listen'. He handed me one of the earbud headphones as he placed the other in his ear. We listed to that tape non stop. I had never heard anything like it before and since that day not many (if any) records have had that effect on me. Three feet high and rising is hands down one of THE greatest records in hip hop history. Perhaps not for the beats or production or lyrics or whatever someone may have issues with, BUT if for nothing else than for PUSHING the ENVELOPE. Like Ghostface said, "I don't what nobody soundin' like me, . . .on no album; just come out on your own, and be original" De La Soul came original from the gate. They're one of the best hip hop groups that there ever will be, if not the best.
In a related story, I was just playing, 'They call me D-nice' and ' My philosophy' along with some PE and BDK for my cousin. My cousin makes beats and I was just telling him that cats didn't always have Korg Tritons and Mpc's, but the beats were still hot and are still hot now. The organs in 'they call me D-nice' are funky fresh, even in 2005. I mean c'mon, for real, you CANNOT listen to 'they call me d-nice' and NOT nod ya head. D-NICE CONGRADULATIONS on the 15 year anniversary of an extremely dope track!
Posted by: Craig Battle | April 15, 2005 02:41 PM
it's amazing how very little (in appearance) they have changed. much respect to the photographer, the subjects and the music.
Posted by: Raquel | April 15, 2005 02:34 PM
These are some beautiful shots that will be featured in the future Hip Hop History Museum right in between Stetsasonic and Busy Bee (hey, where is he, anyway?)...the original king of crunk!:)...
The Native Tongues...De La gets much love WORLDWIDE and specifically in Portland, OR...I once saw Trugoy walking downtown near a record store here...and although I am a fan, I acted like I didn't know who he was because it seemed like he was enjoying anonymity.
Posted by: Jacqueline | April 15, 2005 02:24 PM
Hey great pics!!! Please keep me posted on up & coming events like this!!! God I miss them days LOL Hey any old flicks from CAR WASH Parties???
Posted by: Meche | April 15, 2005 02:02 PM