De La Soul at a rave always smacks of '89 and all that. To many people their classic debut album '3 Feet High & Rising' chimed perfectly with the 'daisy age' of acid house's birth. For that there will always be a place in many people's hearts for De La.
Since then the Native Tongue rappers have gone on to make about five albums, at least two of which 'Stakes Is High' and 'Bulhoon Mindstate' are just as vital. But when the title cut of the former, with its still-relevant anti-bling message, drops here at Homelands, it makes little impression.
Set in the vast Live Arena, lots of De La's amazing music makes little impact. The hooks, coming out of Maseo's MPC, can barely be heard. It's a real shame. Faves' like 'Potholes In My Lawn' and 'Saturday' (which coincidentally today is...) shine through, but much of the melodies don't grab you by the heart like you know they should.
The Arena, however is absolutely rocking. That's because while the music is the foundation, De La have build an excellent line in old school hip hop, mic-led audience participation. DJ Stare-At-Decks and The Hide-Behind-Kit Brothers take note.
Postonus and Dave take half of the crowd each, like they always do, and play them off against each other. Soon thousands of hands are all waving side to side together. If only De La's latest albums were this alive.
