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)
View
De La Soul Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Get it (get it), get on down (down), down (down)
Yo, we 'bout to get it (get it), get it (get it)
Get it (get it), get on down (down), down (down)
Yo, we run it hot when we over the drums
To the top 'cause the bottom we're from
We got the drop on your weekend crew
Rehoboth, you know my name
I run my humbleness with fame
God body, nothin' plain
While you claimin' shepherd that you heard this, you
Heard this on day first
Watch my man, he'll make it worse
Ain't no new click, we still Native
Close-knit, stitched tight related
That's the way we handle it
Pin us up or mantle it
We on fire you candlelit
Daydreamin' on a rack
Get bought, worn and brought back
We sport rhyme thought real tight
To gain sizes much bigger
Live life well
Get mail filled with checks from sales we deliver
Spend a little, make a little
I want it big like white boy wallets
Credit delivered, Fed-Excellent
To my dot com we on the web like Charlotte's
Hornet, back her up, she too much on it
Your plastic- get swiped
Past the limit, see, you the type
To get yo' cosmetics smeared on pillows all night
We run it hot when we over the drums
To the top 'cause the bottom we're from
We got the drop on your weekend crew
'Cause you're full-time talkin' while we peepin' your view
While we peepin' your view
While we peepin' your view
We got they eyes on lock
Let them flock to your wit while I spit after you
Look, ma, I'm still rhymin'
Baby boy still providin'
Breakin' bread in four states
Makin' these struggles get gone
Private eyes, I see y'all spyin'
You watch while I clock
Fertilize my brain data
Makin' accounts grow green like the front lawns
Yo, I may be old school
But I'm not no old fool
Heard out your mouth words flee
'Bout, "These- ain't nice"
You just barbershop talkin'
While we 'round the world walkin'
B, you ain't D.M.c.
You'll slip and fall on my ice
No lyin', straight shinin'
I give you supper from my upper diamond
You got limbs so climb in
Yo, soak up what you findin'
We too pure for you to try
You sniffin' maybe's and if's
And if "if" was a spliff
Man, we'd all be high
But it's not, so sober up
You flashin' out like you paparaz'
You'll need to take a liver shot
To feel the heat on how we runnin' it, yo
We run it hot when we over the drums
To the top 'cause the bottom we're from
We got the drop on your weekend crew
'Cause you're full-time talkin' while we peepin' your view
We run it hot when we over the drums
To the top 'cause the bottom we're from
We got the drop on your weekend crew
'Cause you're full-time talkin' while we, while we, while we
While we lettin' you know I'm in a
Certified rhyme meadow for days
If you ask Mercenary 'bout this sh-, it pays
Hit it Willie Mays style out the park
Mastering in this art that's official
Your ears absorb this like tears on a tissue
'Cause my thoughts are dollar bill crisp
Distinct like E-Double's lisp
L.I. Alumni, wonder why I got it
Got it? Get a piece
Got product that you all should own and not lease
Some say drummers play synonymous with ill
With wordplay that keep us all paid like a bill
We're the parent company, you the sub in my D-I-vision
The song "View" by De La Soul is a track that is full of attitude, confidence, and precision. The lyrics of the song are about the band's ability to run the hip-hop game, with lines like "We run it, Hot! When we over the drums" and "we got the, Drop! On your weekend crew." The song is also about the haters that surround the band, with lyrics like "While you claimin' shepherd that you heard this, You heard this on day first, Watch my man, he'll make it worse." The song's overall message is that De La Soul are the ones in control and that nobody can touch them.
The chorus is catchy and features the line "we got the drop on your weekend crew." This line is about how the band is always ahead of their competition and is always one step ahead of the game. The song boasts about the band's lyrical prowess, and they talk about their rhymes like they are a weapon. They also talk about how they are constantly on the move and how they are constantly working, with lines like "Look ma, I'm still rhymin', Baby boy still providin', Breakin' bread in four states, Makin' these struggles get gone."
Overall, "View" is a confident and strong track that shows De La Soul's place in the hip-hop game. The song is full of swagger and bravado, and it is clear that the band knows they are good at what they do.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo... we bout to get it (get it) get it (get it)
We are ready to take action and make things happen
get it (get it) get it (get it) get on down (down) down (down)
We are encouraging everyone to join in and have a good time
[Chorus: ]
We run it, Hot! When we over the drums
To the, Top! Cause the bottom we're from
We got the, Drop! On your weekend crew
'Cause you're full-time talkin' while we peepin' your view
We are superior to others in the game and can see through their facade while they talk nonsense about us
Rahubat(?), you know my name
I run my humbleness with fame
God-body, nuttin' plain
While you claimin' shepherd that you heard this
You, heard this on day first
Watch my man, he'll make it worse
Ain't no new click, we still Native
I am a well-known artist who stays humble despite my fame, while others who claim to be superior are clueless and misinformed
Clothes knit, stitched tight, related
that's the way we handle it
Pin us up or mantle it
We on fire you candle lit
We handle our clothing and fashion with care and style, and are always ready to ignite a crowd with our music
Daydreamin', on a rack
Get bought worn and brought back
We sport rhyme thought real tight
To gain sizes much bigger
Life life well, get mail filled with
Checks from sales we deliver
We have big dreams and aspirations, and our music generates consistent income from devoted fans
Spend a little, make a little
I want it big like white boy wallets
Credit delivered, Fed-Excellent
To my dot com, we on the web like Charlotte's
Hornet, back her up, she too much on it
Your plastic ass'll get swiped
Past the limit see you the type
To get yo' cosmetics smeared on pillows all night
We balance our finances and want to be as successful as those with wealthy backgrounds. We have a strong internet presence and know how to maintain it. We can see through those who are fake and superficial
While we peepin' your view
While we, peepin' your view
We got they eyes on lock
Let them flock to your wit while I spit after you
We are observing and analyzing how others perceive us and continuing to create impactful music
Look ma, I'm still rhymin'
Baby boy still providin'
Breakin' bread in four states
Makin' these struggles get gone
Despite progressing in our careers, we still continue to make music while providing for ourselves and overcoming obstacles and challenges
Private eyes, I see why'all spyin'
You watch while I clock
Fertilize my brain data
Makin' accounts grow green like the front lawns
We can see through those who are trying to spy or bring us down, and continue to grow intellectually and financially
Yo I may be old school
But I'm not no old fool
Heard out your mouth words flee
'Bout 'These n*ggaz ain't nice'
You just barbershop talkin'
While we round the world walkin'
be, you ain't D.M.C.
We may be considered old school, but we are not outdated or foolish. Those who speak negatively about us are just spreading rumors and trying to bring us down. We have traveled the world and gained respect from many, distinguishing us from others in the industry
You slip and fall on my ice
No lyin', straight shinin'
I give you supper from my upper diamond
You got limbs so climb in
Yo, soak up what you find-in
We too pure for you to try
You sniffin' maybe's and if's
And if 'if' was a spliff
Man we'd all be hiiigh-iiigh.. iiiggghhh..
.. But it's not, so sober up
You flashin' out like you paparaz'
You'll need to take a liver shot
To feel the heat on how we runnin' it, yo
We are shining bright and providing great opportunities for others to succeed. We value honesty and purity and expect others to do the same. You are caught up in possibilities and uncertainty and need to stay grounded in reality. We are continuing to run the game and will not let others bring us down
'Cause you're full time talkin' while we, while we
While we lettin' you know I'm in a
Certified rhyme meadow for days
If you ask Mercenary bout this shit, it pays
Hitting Willie Mays style out the park
Mastering in this +Art+ that's +Official+
Your ears absorb this like tears, on a tissue
'Cause my thoughts are dollar bill crisp
Distinct like E-Double's lisp
L.I. alumni, wonder why I got it
Got it? Get a piece
Got product that you all should own and not lease
Some say drummers play synonymous with ill
With wordplay, that keep us all paid like a bill
We're the parent company
You the sub in my d-i-vision
You don't know how...
We are tired of others talking about us and would rather let our accomplishments and music speak for themselves. We have become very successful through hard work and dedication, bringing our unique style to the game. Our music is powerful and resonates with many listeners, generating high revenue. We are the leaders in the industry, with others following in our footsteps while we continuously innovate and create. You do not understand our perspective and what it takes to be successful like us
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: David Jolicoeur, Kelvin Mercer, Vincent Mason
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
AllOfThat_Ow
the best track on mosaic thump
Martin Sakutu
This is one of my favourite De La tracks. Thanks for the post..
Yung Zoink
I was trying for so long to remember which song I heard sample the opening song from Judas and the Black Messiah lol finally found it 😆
Daniel Zuchowski
Yo! I just went on a journey to find out what song sampled that inflated tear sample...it eventually led me here and I read your comment...so yeah...me too
Still waiting for the next AOI...lol
Tanyastarr Jeannis
Favourite track off this CD .. i remember when it came out i replayed this over and over as a yute
Tanyastarr Jeannis
@A Rock Legends never fade! Them collaborating with ATCQ ever once in a while was always fun too. Another classic band.
A Rock
My brother brought this album back in 2000. Had it on CD. I didn't even know who de la soul was. I was 12 years old and i thought they were a new group, but it turns out that they been around for a long time since 3 feet high and rising, de la soul is dead, buhloone mindstate, stakes is high. Now I wanna get everything from de la and put them in my favorite lists of artists that I like listening to.
Eric
The piano snare combo 🔥
Stuart Saunders
Quality
The Dude Bneasy
props