The album was the band's biggest commercial success to date, with subsequent ones selling progressively less, despite receiving high praise from critics. They were influential in the early stages of rapper/actor Mos Def's career, and are a core part of the Spitkicker collective. They are the second longest standing Native Tongues group, after the Jungle Brothers. In 2006, the group won a Grammy for their collaboration with Gorillaz on the single "Feel Good Inc."
In early 2015, they announced plans to release a Kickstarter funded upcoming 9th studio album and the Anonymous Nobody... in September 2015; it was released on August 26, 2016. The album tracks are said to be the result of multiple improvised jam sessions. The album also features guest appearances from artists such as Damon Albarn, Little Dragon, David Byrne, 2 Chainz and Snoop Dogg.
Studio albums
3 Feet High and Rising (1989)
De La Soul Is Dead (1991)
Buhloone Mindstate (1993)
Stakes Is High (1996)
Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump (2000)
AOI: Bionix (2001)
The Grind Date (2004)
Plug 1 & Plug 2 Present... First Serve (2012)
and the Anonymous Nobody... (2016)
Change in Speak
De La Soul Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A flavor you will savor in your soul (your soul)
Wax is distributed and then sold (then sold)
So watch it turn, bring your next of kin soul (kin soul)
P.A. Mase has rocked it on the console (console)
Scream real hard until you blow your tonsils (tonsils)
Bang-oh-bang until you burn your shoe soles (shoe soles)
'Cause you are now dancing to the new soul (new soul)
Live is the motion of the soul step (soul step)
Set the exposure to my one step (one step)
This scene'll last to the next step (next step)
All those in favor take a big step (big step)
True to the Soul, we'll never back-step (back-step)
In sense to that, we don't half-step (half-step)
Just as a reminder from the last step (last step)
Negative ones are lost in footsteps (footsteps)
Levels we've set will never go down (go down)
Competitions commence the step down (step down)
Those involved with peace will know the Soul's down (Soul's down)
Can see that the Soul has got a new sound (new sound)
Dance until you find yourself a new part (new part)
If you don't, then I'll give you the true part (true part)
When received, you'll see the we're a small part (small part)
Of the new way, there's no part at all
Pos and Dove is rarely caught not dressed in peace (dressed in peace)
Movements always walking round now stressin' peace (stressin' peace)
Well, this biter should go chew a piece (chew a piece)
Instead they cause violence and shoot at me (shoot at me)
Still we are professing so we honor roll (honor roll)
Public cause this party going on the road (on the road)
And if you crave sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll (rock 'n' roll)
Sent by the Quest, Jungle and De La Soul (De La Soul)
Give 'em a taste, Mase
In "Change in Speak," De La Soul is inviting their listeners to join them in a celebration of breaking away from conventional ways of thinking and expressing oneself. The group wants to usher in a new era of creativity and ingenuity, represented by the metaphorical concept of "buying more soul." They urge their audience to immerse themselves in the music and to dance until they find a new part of themselves they may not have known before. The song frequently references the idea of stepping, which can be interpreted both as a physical dance step and as a metaphorical step towards a new way of being.
Throughout the song, De La Soul emphasizes the importance of peace and nonviolence, contrasting it with the negative actions of those who choose different paths. The group emphasizes that they are "True to the Soul" and will never back-step or compromise their values. They acknowledge that they are still just a small part of a larger movement, but insist that the levels they have set will never go down, setting an example for others to follow.
"Change in Speak" is an upbeat and energetic track, meant to inspire and empower its listeners. The repetitive refrain of "more soul" emphasizes the importance of digging deeper within oneself and striving for something greater. The song is a powerful call to action and a reminder that, though it may sometimes feel hopeless, positive change is always possible.
Line by Line Meaning
Once again, it's time to buy more soul (more soul)
It's time to immerse yourself in De La Soul's unique sound again.
A flavor you will savor in your soul (your soul)
The music will deeply affect your soul and become a lasting memory.
Wax is distributed and then sold (then sold)
De La Soul's music is produced and sold in the traditional way.
So watch it turn, bring your next of kin soul (kin soul)
Listen to the music with close friends and family, it's an experience to be shared.
P.A. Mase has rocked it on the console (console)
The DJ has done an excellent job of entertaining with music.
Scream real hard until you blow your tonsils (tonsils)
Sing along enthusiastically to the music.
Bang-oh-bang until you burn your shoe soles (shoe soles)
Dance energetically and enthusiastically.
'Cause you are now dancing to the new soul (new soul)
The music is fresh and new and will keep your feet moving.
Live is the motion of the soul step (soul step)
Life is a dance, and the soul step is the way to do it.
Set the exposure to my one step (one step)
Smoothly and confidently embrace the music and dance, don't hold back.
This scene'll last to the next step (next step)
The vibe and atmosphere will be maintained for the duration of the experience.
All those in favor take a big step (big step)
Everyone who loves the music should dive headfirst into the experience.
True to the Soul, we'll never back-step (back-step)
De La Soul is dedicated to their unique sound and will not let others influence them into following trends.
In sense to that, we don't half-step (half-step)
De La Soul is putting in 100% effort and dedication, not taking shortcuts.
Just as a reminder from the last step (last step)
A reminder that the last step was excellent and the current one will be too.
Negative ones are lost in footsteps (footsteps)
Negative experiences and people will be left behind as you dance forward.
Levels we've set will never go down (go down)
The music and experience provided by De La Soul will always remain top-tier.
Competitions commence the step down (step down)
Other mediocre music will have to take a back seat when compared to De La Soul's superior sound.
Those involved with peace will know the Soul's down (Soul's down)
Those who embrace peace and harmony will understand the message conveyed in De La Soul's music.
Can see that the Soul has got a new sound (new sound)
The music is evolving and is better than ever, and so is the message conveyed.
Dance until you find yourself a new part (new part)
Dance until you embrace the newest part of yourself that you did not know of.
If you don't, then I'll give you the true part (true part)
If you fail to find this new part of yourself, De La Soul's music will help you uncover it.
When received, you'll see the we're a small part (small part)
When you realize the truth behind De La Soul's music, you'll feel like a small component of something much larger.
Of the new way, there's no part at all
The music can not be put into any conventional genre as it is perfect in its own ways.
Pos and Dove are rarely caught not dressed in peace (dressed in peace)
Pos and Dove from De La Soul are always calm, composed, and at peace.
Movements always walking round now stressin' peace (stressin' peace)
They encourage and support peaceful endeavors and spread the message through their music.
Well, this biter should go chew a piece (chew a piece)
A plagiarist should stop stealing and focus on originality.
Instead they cause violence and shoot at me (shoot at me)
Copying other people's work creates animosity and negativity towards them.
Still, we are professing, so we honor roll (honor roll)
De La Soul is unwavering in their commitment to spread their message of peace and goodwill toward others.
Public cause this party going on the road (on the road)
People who visit De La Soul's public events join a party that is unmatched anywhere else.
And if you crave sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll (rock 'n' roll)
If you find yourself desiring things unrelated to peace and harmony, like sex and drugs, instead satisfy the craving with De La Soul's music.
Sent by the Quest, Jungle, and De La Soul (De La Soul)
The unique blend of talents from the Quest, Jungle, and De La Soul contribute to a superior musical experience.
Give 'em a taste, Mase
Listen and enjoy the great music of De La Soul's DJ, Mase.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: David Jolicoeur, Kelvin Mercer, Patrick Patterson, Paul Huston, Steve Scipio, Vincent Mason
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Joey Dechau
de le soul will always be fire they help shape and build hip hop
feduppelin
It's the positive message that matters, pre 1990s.... say no more
Rubye Dunn
Used to play this over and over...and over and over. Good times
Cue's Tube
This joint right here.....bruh....❤🔥❤🔥🔥🔥
feduppelin
...Before the music was taken over by corruption
N van Beers
Pure emotion ♡
ChubbyChecker182
There was something special in the musical waters in 1989.
May Azzow
Big Fax
Dwayne Thomas
Originality
Jay Murthy
This joint always puts me in a good mood.