Questlove got all sentimental on us when he presented his heroes De La Soul with The Webby Award for Artist Of The Year. After delving into their permanence in hip-hop's trophy case, explaining their effect on his personal development as well as the culture's own evolution, he stamped their masterpiece 3 Feet High And Rising with the ever so coveted "perfect" imprint. Ahmir went on to explain the travesty of their label drama, resulting in the virtual non-existance of their work in any digital marketplace due to the label's inability/unwillingness to clear the samples used on the record.
The Webbys is of course, that superlative-throwing institution that rewards innovation in internet discourse. So when someone like the legendary daisy crew gifts their adoring public with the entirety of their catalog (plus a stellar wholly Dilla produced mixtape) for free ninety-nine for a one day fire sale, the internet not only takes notice, but rewards boundlessly. Questlove not only introduced the crew, but also ushered in a brief montage on the history of sampling, the legal battles it incited and why the move to put out their catalog for free of charge was so monumental. Its a touching student-teacher type moment that gives the ever-modest crew a well earned pat on the back for their overwhelming contribution to our dear tradition. Watch Questlove present De La Soul with the Webby for Artist(s) Of The Year below.
