50 Years of Hip Hop: ‘De La Soul Is Dead’ Defined the Genre’s Grip on Culture

There are some key albums in hip-hop history that help define a generation, but perhaps none more so than the second album from the Native Tongues group De La Soul - "De La Soul is Dead."

"De La Soul is Dead," the second album from the group, enhanced hip-hop's grip on modern culture. It was released in May of 1991, and was produced by Prince Paul.

The group consisted of Kelvin "Psodnous" Mercer, David "Trugoy the Dove" Jolicoeur, and Vincent "Maseo" Mason. Trugoy the Dove sadly died in February of 2023, after battling heart issues for several years. Just days before his death, the group performed on the Grammy Awards, but without him present.

"You were the heart of our group. You brought so much creativity, energy, and passion to our music, and your influence will be felt for years to come," the group said in an Instagram post after his death. "Your passing is a great loss not only to us, but also to the entire hip-hop community. You were a true artist who used music to inspire and uplift others, and you will be deeply missed by all who knew you."

The album title was striking, as the group was illustrating they weren't the De La Soul you knew on their first album, "3 Feet High and Rising." And man, was it different!

Listening to the album with such tracks as "Ring, Ring, Ring," and "Oodles of O’s," gives you a picture of a group that was no longer the light, funny De La Soul.

The title itself  confuses, but at the same time enhances our interpretation of music’s dynamics. The old-school, children’s vinyl storybook feel of the album, displays the groups, adolescence, and fresh take on hip-hop at the time. Making the album “De La Soul is Dead” not a death certificate, but a new dimension in hip-hop!

While the album only reached No. 26 on the Billboard 200, it stands out as one of the more iconic of the generation. It did go Gold, selling over 500,000 units, and has landed on many lists among the best hip-hop albums of all-time.

I noticed that lately, we reference each other by generations a lot. Last year there was a company-wide email chain that was started mistakenly and one employee referred to the people who didn't realize it had been a mistake as "Boomers." I remember thinking, that was a little rude and shaking my head. Yet I secretly call my daughter and her Generation Alpha friends the "I heard that song on TikTok" generation. Somehow it seems to have become culturally acceptable to make generalizations based on generations.

Music has always been an important way to reflect on cultural and generational differences. Each generation has its own unique musical taste, shaped by a variety of social, political, and economic factors. Looking back on Hip hop, as we celebrate 50 years of this genre, has been especially influential in shaping the musical preferences of different generations. So let's take a look at how hip hop artists can be used to break down generation differences, from Baby Boomers to Generation Alpha.

Baby Boomers born between 1946 and 1964, were introduced to hip hop later in life. Many of them embraced artists like Grandmaster Flash and Run DMC, who rose to fame in the 1980s. These artists had a raw, energetic sound that reflected the struggles and challenges of urban life. Boomers who were fans of hip hop in the 80s also gravitated towards classic rap icons like Tupac and Notorious B.I.G. in the 90s.

Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980, were exposed to hip hop during its golden age. This era of hip hop saw the rise of influential artists like Public Enemy, N.W.A, and Wu-Tang Clan, who used their music to express their frustrations with social and political issues. Gen Xers who grew up in the 90s were also fans of mainstream acts like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Jay-Z. This era of hip hop saw a commercialization of the genre, as it moved from underground scenes to mainstream radio.

Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, were introduced to hip hop as it continued to evolve and diversify in the 2000s. This era saw the rise of superstar artists like Eminem and Kanye West, who pushed the envelope both musically and lyrically. Millennials were also fans of the alternative hip hop genre, which included groups like Outkast, The Roots, and A Tribe Called Quest. This era was marked by a shift towards socially conscious themes, which was reflected in the music of Kendrick Lamar and Chance the Rapper.

Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, grew up in the era of SoundCloud and YouTube, where anyone could upload their own music online. This era of hip hop was marked by DIY artists like Lil Uzi Vert, Tyler, The Creator, and Juice WRLD, who created their own unique sounds and aesthetics. Gen Zers were also fans of the trap sub-genre, which included artists like Future, Migos, and Travis Scott. This era has also seen a rise in socially conscious themes, with artists like J. Cole and Childish Gambino addressing topics like police brutality and mental health.

Generation Alpha, born after 2012, are still too young to have a definitive hip hop taste. However, artists like Lil Nas X and Billie Eilish have already become popular among this generation, as they continue to push the boundaries of what it means to be a pop star. It will be interesting to see how this generation shapes the future of hip hop in the years to come.

In conclusion, hip hop has played an important role in shaping the musical preferences of each generation, from Baby Boomers to Generation Alpha. While each generation has its own unique taste and style, there are also common themes that span across multiple generations. As hip hop continues to evolve and diversify, I'm excited to see how it continues to shape and reflect cultural and generational differences.