De La Soul released their debut album 3 Feet High And Rising March 3, 1989

In March of 1989, De La Soul made their debut in the hip-hop industry with the release of their album 3 Feet High and Rising. The album was hailed as groundbreaking and is now considered a classic not only in hip-hop but also in music. With its unique sampling style, positive messages, and inventive wordplay, 3 Feet High and Rising marked a departure from the aggressive and violent themes that had come to dominate much of hip-hop at the time. Infused with eclectic samples, socially-conscious lyrics, and the trio’s playful humor, the album was unlike anything that had come before it in hip-hop. With samples ranging from a children’s choir to Johnny Cash, the album embraced non-traditional sources to create its distinctive sound.

It was not just a hip-hop album, but a work of music that pushed boundaries and challenged the genre’s conventions. Tracks like “Me, Myself and I” and “The Magic Number,” De La Soul not only established them as innovative and talented artists but also helped to pave the way for alternative rap and the genre-bending experimentation of the 1990s. Three decades later, 3 Feet High and Rising remains a landmark album in the history of hip-hop, and a testament to the power of art to inspire, challenge, and transform.