De La Soul are back with - can you believe it - their sixth album. They've come a loooong way since 1989's daisy age.
It's hard enough to judge De La by their own standards, let alone by those of the current hip-hop acts that surround them. Their first three albums put most rappers to shame. '3 Feet High…was an across the board classic, 'De La Soul Is Dead' contained killer funky jams and 'Buhloone Mind State' is their innovative lost gem.
Since then it's fair to say De La have reached a plateau. 'Stakes Is High' heralded "De La do straight hip hop" and the trend continues on 'AOI: Bionix', the second in the trilogy started on (fifth lp) 'AOI: Mosaic Thump'.
'Bionix' has definitely been released at the wrong time of year: it's got chilled summer vibes written all over it. 'Simply' should be supped at the beach or cruised down the freeway. There's a mellow soul feel to 'Bionix' that reflects both current r'n'b sounds and perhaps the fact that De La are getting older. Kids will do that to a crew: gone are the head nodding party jams. 'Special' is a tender joint about making relationships work. You won't catch DMX taking this tip.
Instead there's gospel to go, including assorted un-funny skits about 'Reverend Do Good', and choirs on 'Held Down'. But the lp does contain some absolute gems. 'Watch Out' is a Latin-jazz jam that ups the pace. 'What We Do (For Love)' resurrects Slick Rick and his 'Children's Story', dishing teenage advice on the bird 'n' bees over a ludicrously seductive hook.
Most surprising is 'Pawn Star', whose sex raps, despite even a disclaimer from De La, jars with the whole conscious Native Tongue ethos. 'Peer Pressure' is an unlikely two-sided weed debate between De La and Cyprus Hill's nasal B-Real.
The whole album, however, is worth twice its cover price alone for the last track. 'Trying People' is an aching tale about struggle. It's pure heartbreak. Dave asks a choir of kids "Are you willing to try?" "Yes we're ready" they chime, like lambs to the slaughter. Forgive them, for they know not what they say.
