If You Like 3 Feet High and Rising by De La Soul, Listen to These 4 Albums

Recommendations based on

3 Feet High And Rising

By De La Soul

This recommendation by Chris Summers, Manager of Rough Trade West in London, England.

Back in 1989, Posdnuos, Trugoy, and Maseo (with the help of Prince Paul) blew hip-hop wide open with their debut and it’s never been beaten. Never will. In our book, it’s the best debut album ever. The beats, the rhymes, the samples, the skits — they’re all here and make you listen (and dance) from start to finish. It would be great to see it back on the racks now they have finally sorted their legal out! This is the Daisy Age!

Recommendation #1

Donuts

J Dilla

Classic. Hands down. No question. I remember when this record first came out in 2006. I already knew J Dilla’s production was on point but this just blew me away from the very first cut. Everyone in the shop bought a copy instantly. It’s easily up there with the Beastie Boys’ Paul’s Boutique and De La Soul’s 3 Feet High And Rising for its use of samples. It’s always in stock. A must for everyone.

Recommendation #2

The Private Press

DJ Shadow

The Private Press is an often overlooked gem from Josh Davis. After a long six years and the huge critical acclaim of Endtroducing, Shadow struck back with this double LP. Coming on a bit stronger than its predecessor, The Private Press once again shows his skills with a sample and his knowledge of breaks. “Walkie Talkie,” “Six Days,” “Right Thing / GDMFSOB” — it’s all here. Absolute banger. Real nice package, too.

Recommendation #3

Beauty And The Beat

Edan

Baltimore’s finest DJ and MC, the humble magnificent Edan, came correct with Beauty And The Beat way back in 2005 on the always-on-point Lewis Recordings and it still sounds as fresh today as it did back then. The samples are funky, the beats are rocking, and his rhyming style is ridiculous. It’s got a real cut-and-paste flow to it and I defy anyone not to dance from beginning to end. Can you please make a new album, Mr. Portnoy?

Recommendation #4

Shades Of Blue

Madlib

Another legendary producer who can spark sheer panic with almost every release! His recent collaboration with Four Tet had everyone diving in the shop for a copy. I really don’t think he’s put a beat wrong ever, and with Shades Of Blue, he was given free rein over the endless Blue Note catalog and comes out the other end with something so incredible, it’s ridiculous. You need this.