Finally, De La Soul Catalogue Coming To Streaming Services
Their first six albums will be released digitally for the first time ever on March 3, 2023, on the 34th anniversary of their debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising.
De La Soul, one of the pioneers of hip-hop, is finally bringing their classic albums to streaming services on March 3, 2023. The group's first six albums, including their 1989 debut "Three Feet High and Rising," will be available on digital streaming services after decades of legal issues.
The groundbreaking album, which brought a happy, psychedelic, flower-bedecked vibe to hip-hop, was certified platinum, reached number one on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop chart and is widely recognized as one of the best and most influential albums in hip-hop history. It also featured songs like "Me Myself and I," "Say No Go," "The Magic Number," and "Plug Tunin'."
The delay in releasing the catalog was due to complicated sample clearances and other legal issues. The group's members claimed in 2019 that per their contract, they would receive just 10% of streaming revenue and declined to sign off.
The release of the catalog is preceded by the single "The Magic Number," which was used in the end credits of the 2021 blockbuster film "Spider-Man: No Way Home," but was not legally available at the time.
Reservoir Media acquired the Tommy Boy Records catalog, which includes De La Soul's music, and will distribute the catalog via its Chrysalis Records. Faith Newman, Reservoir Executive Vice President of A&R and Catalog Development, commented, “When Reservoir acquired Tommy Boy, the first call we made was to De La Soul. We vowed to bring their music to streaming, and it means the world to our team to make good on that promise and expose a whole new generation of listeners to one of the most important catalogs in hip-hop history.”
Reservoir President and Chief Operating Officer Rell Lafargue added, “We have worked tirelessly with De La Soul, maintaining a heightened attention to honoring the group’s original musical details, including bringing Prince Paul and the original team to the studio to prepare the catalog for streaming.”
To celebrate the momentous initiative, De La Soul will digitally release their hit single “The Magic Number” on January 13th, 2023. The Chrysalis team will also support the group with a robust release campaign.
