Iconic hip-hop trio De La Soul have taken to crowd-funding platform Kickstarter to fund their new album, their first in eleven years. Joining the band’s eighth studio recording will be a hoarde of special guests, including Damon Albarn, David Byrne, 2 Chainz and Little Dragon.
Kelvin “Pos” Mercer, David Jude “Trugoy” Jolicoeur and Vincent “Maseo” Mason formed De La Soul whilst in high school, the trio becoming well known for their witty wordplay and as innovators of alternative hip-hop. Their up-coming eighth studio album will be their first since 2004’s The Grind Date. This won’t be the first time the group has collaborated with Albarn, having previously worked on Gorillaz’s Feel Good Inc.
As with all Kickstarter campaigns there are plenty of goodies on offer. In order to reach their $110 000 goal donating to the campaign can earn you a shopping trip with De La Soul (toy shopping with Dave, record shopping with Maseo, or sneaker shopping with Pos, a Skype date with the trio, thumb drives in the shape of each member’s head and De La Soul Nike sneakers.
You can also spend a day in the studio with the group, during which you record vocals for a skit on the album, a custom print, a boom box from Dave’s personal collection or an MPC from Pos’ collection. But the cream of the crop has to be Dave’s gold record plaque for 3 Feet High and Rising, one of the most influential hip-hop albums in history.
