De La Soul Denounce New 'Unauthorised' Biography, Exploring Legal Options
Authors and other members of the entertainment industry have slammed the band's stance on the biography.
De La Soul @ WOMADelaide (Credit: Dave Rubinich)
De La Soul have lashed out about a new “unauthorised” book written about them, stating that they are “exploring all of [their] legal options.”
The book, High And Rising (a reference to their album, 3 Feet High And Rising), was declared a “must-read” by Clash Magazine. Written by Marcus J. Moore (author of The Butterfly Effect: How Kendrick Lamar Ignited the Soul of Black America), the book is reportedly presented in multiple styles: “reportage, personal memoir and wider social commentary”.
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While the book is already receiving critical acclaim, the members of De La Soul aren’t showing it the same love.
The band denounced the book on Instagram last week (22 November), just days after its release on 19 November.
“Friends and De La Family. We’ve been receiving congratulatory messages about a book titled High & Rising. However, we want to make it absolutely clear: this is an unauthorised book, and we are not connected to it in any way,” the band began.
Commending their fans for standing with them in their fight to gain ownership of their catalogue, the band stated, “That same dedication to protecting what’s ours extends to being the ones who tell OUR story—something deeply personal and ‘De La’ to the core.”
Adding that their story will be told in their own words and style “for Spring 2025,” De La Soul encouraged fans to “indulge in the authentic D.A.I.S.Y. Age by supporting projects” backed by the band.
Their statement concluded, “If you choose to support this book, that’s your right. We just want it to be clear that we do not and we are exploring all of our legal options. Even within this book’s title, the “3” Is missing which shows how inauthentic it is because for us, “3” will always be the magic number.
“We’re cooking up something special for Spring 2025—so the wait won’t be long for more of that authentic ‘De La.’”
At the time of publication, Moore hasn’t responded to De La Soul’s statement.
De La Soul’s statement has received criticism from people in the entertainment industry, including author Dan Ozzi (Sellout: The Major-Label Feeding Frenzy That Swept Punk, Emo, and Hardcore (1994–2007), who wrote in the band’s comment section: “It especially sucks to see a group that made art by sampling the works of others talk about ‘exploring legal options’ against a fellow artist. Hoping you'll reconsider this approach and delete this.”
ESPN reporter Justin Tinsley added, “Marcus J. Moore is one of the best in the world at covering our culture in a fair, honest and beautiful way. This isn’t the look a lot of people think it is. You’re missing out on a damn good book that pays homage to the group in a very real way.”
Digital creator Douglas Martini wrote, “I hope you will reconsider your stance on this book. Marcus has spent the better part of three years putting his soul into this heartfelt, magnificently thoughtful, wonderful book—which is not only about your group and it's impact on American culture, but on his own existence as a lifelong De La fan and one of the many people your group has touched. If anything, this book further canonizes and legitimizes De La Soul as a group that has truly shifted American culture.”
Other commenters described the statement as “uncalled for” and “disappointing.”
De La Soul released 3 Feet High And Rising in 1989. The album made waves in the pop, hip-hop, and R&B music communities.
The album was so significant that in 2005, Damon Albarn - who was hugely influenced by the trio - enlisted the group’s David Jolicoeur for writing and De La Soul on featured vocals for the early Gorillaz smash hit, Feel Good Inc. In 2006, the song won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration.
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