De La Soul’s Stakes Is High captures the group at a crucial turning point: older, sharper, and completely locked in. Released in 1996, the album marked their fourth full-length and their first without Prince Paul, opening the door to a tougher, more stripped-back sound led in part by a young J Dilla on the title track. Stakes Is High remains such a vital listen because it hears De La Soul confronting the mid-’90s head-on, with wit, frustration, and a deep sense of artistic confidence.
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Best guide to hip hop, soul, reggae concerts & events in San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles & New York City + music, videos, radio and more
ScHoolboy Q
Friday, Oct 16 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Hugel
Saturday, Nov 7 @ Greek Theatre, Berkeley
Bonobo
Saturday, Nov 14 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Pretty Lights
Thursday-Sunday, Nov 19-21 @ Fox Theater, Oakland
Ozomatli
Saturday, Nov. 21 @ UC Theatre, Berkeley
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