De La Soul Juan Epstein Radio Interview
Some of hip-hop's most significant, funky and inventive moments have been the product of one certain trio from Long Island. De La Soul's records and stylistic approach shifted music on a seismic level, and now in a new interview with radio legend Juan Epstein, the group has opened up about some of their best-remembered moments from back in the day.
A short list of amazing recollections that the De La men share include Biz Markie visiting them in high school to performing with Tito Puente to a barely-old-enough-to-shave Russel Simmons scheming to sign them based on the power of a "Plug Tunin" performance (allegedly Rus's choice words were "I'm on your d*ck!"). De La Soul's conversation took place while the trio was in Atlanta for the AC3 Festival festivities; thankfully they took time out of a busy performance schedule for Epstein's sake (and all of ours).
As the interview continues, we're gifted with a brilliant and brief statement that sums up the difference between urban and (slightly) suburban hip-hop: “we didn’t do it in the park, we did it in the basement.” Posdnuos, Dave and Maseo reminisce on traveling to Texas, touring with Slick Rick and hoping, desperately, to perform one day at the Apollo Theater. It's a humanizing and immersive self-portrait from a group that's done more for the culture than we may ever realize. Listen to the interview below and be on the lookout--De La is currently in the midst of prepping a new LP, The Anonymous Nobody.
