De La Soul: 3 Feet High & Rising LP

In 1987, a trio known as De La Soul formed from Long Island, NY roots and changed the landscape of hip-hop as we knew it. Now, for well over 30 years they have rocked us with their De La songs full of inscrutable samplings, whimsically irreverent lyrics, social commentary, light rhythm and laid back rhymes. They have gained respect within and outside the hip hop community with their contributions to rap, as well as jazz, funk, soul and alternative genres. Not only are their musical innovations acclaimed and respected worldwide, but they paved a path for many alternative rap groups to come after them.

3 Feet High And Rising is the group's legendary 1989 debut which was the first of De La Soul's three collaborations with producer Prince Paul. A critical and commercial high water mark for both parties, the album is regularly cited as one of the greatest and most influential hip-hop albums of all time. Featuring the feel-good hit singles "Me Myself and I," "The Magic Number," "Buddy" and "Eye Know," 3 Feet High And Rising was chosen by the Library of Congress as a 2010 addition to the National Recording Registry, which selects recordings annually that are culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.