Since nobody has mentioned it, this album is probably the only classic hip hop album with a title taken from the lyrics of a Johnny Cash song.

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This speaks to the sense of humor, play, and eclecticism that makes this album one of the best I've ever heard in any genre.

Very inspired and in a groove throughout. Happy sexy and funny. The whole album has a feel of in the right place at the right time right then or it wouldn't have happened.Out-standing

"3 Feet High and Rising", the debut album by underground legends De La Soul, is a monument of creativity and brilliance in old school hip-hop. First off, Prince Paul produced the whole album with a style that's friendly to the ears of those who prefer alternative and/or jazz. It was really refreshing and set up a conscious mood to fit along with the lyrics.

The lyrics are another reason why this album is a landmark. De La Soul don't care for stereotypes, and the lyrics deliver a positive message about certain things in life, whether it would be based on love ("Eye Know") or appearance ("Can U Keep A Secret" and "Take It Off"). Even in their conscious message, De La Soul aren't afraid to lighten things up with a bit of humor. "Ghetto Thang" is the only track that's no so uplifting, being based on poverty and social issues, but it is still given in a way that only De La would give it (they even use limericks). There is even a game show that is "played" throughout this album, which is played by Posdnous, Trugoy, Maseo, and Prince Paul (the first three being members of the group) and while it may sound a bit dated, it's something that represents the group's style. Let me also tell you that in the song "Buddy", you get a guest appearance with some other Native Tongues style rap members, the Jungle Brothers and A Tribe Called Quest's Q-Tip, so you get another taste of the first group mentioned and an insight of what ATCQ would be the year following this CD.

This CD is fun, it lays off the vulgarity in the majority of the songs, and it was something else back in 1989. Make sure to give this a good listen, because there is nothing like it.

BOTTOM LINE:

Had the CASSETTE when it first dropped back in 1988! (I'm 33 ya'll)
Ad-libs? Cryptic metaphors? Obscure samples? Intros? Skits? 20+ trax? conceptual?
THIS ALBUM STARTED ALL OF THAT. Welcome to the Native Tongues. Oh, and 'wipe your Lottos on the mat'.

A+. A hip-hop Essential.

De La Soul was 3 feet high and rising with 3 Feet High and Rising. Alternative Hip Hop? You bet.

Not only was nobody doing this during that time, nobody is doing this now. Nobody made refreshing, get up and dance, and really trippy music like this back then, and nobody is making this now. It's kick arse hip hop with creativity, and most of all, remains in my cd rotation for being great music alone (not for influence, not for it's time, not for any of the smoke machines that covers up Elvis Presley). Just try seeing a pink cover on an NWA cover.

Backed by grooving, funky, infectious rhythms and the coolest, sounds good sampling, straight from Mase and Prince Paul, Trugoy and Posdnuos are carefree, seemingly loose, but flow with ease. They go as slow as they want, as fast as they want. Rapping about drugs (Say No Go), the ghetto (Ghetto Thang), and the current state of being only you (Me, Myself, and I), Love (Eye Know), and treading "water", by talking to monkeys! (Tread Water). Quirky, a bit surrealistic, I feel like I'm smothered in flowers! AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!

And I got a bonus disc! The best value ever? Well I think The Complete Studio Recordings has something to say about that. But it's close.

And Soulja Boy passes for rap? No matter, we'll see through it. Classic. Worthy of the lame "Amazon.com Essential Recording" (Along with 311 and Grassroots!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!).

10/10