De La Soul have released a new song which features a guest spot from Public Enemy‘s Chuck D.
Listen to the track, called ‘The People’, by clicking below. Speaking about the song to Rolling Stone, De La Soul’s Trugoy commented: “Lyrically, Chuck brings a sense of authority and urgency. The power in his voice demands your attention. It’s a dream come true for us.”
He continued: “The track’s vibe was earnest and had a pressing tone to it. The lyrics are commentaries of our struggles and successes, our weaknesses and strengths… the experiences, trials and tribulations we have faced as human beings, a race and individuals.” The band’s first album since 2004’s ‘The Grind Date’ is set for release next year.
The track was originally supposed to be released in June of this year, but the group decided to put it out on Black Friday instead. “Coincidentally, the Ferguson tragedy took place and now the non-indictment verdict,” said Trugoy. “Somehow this song was destined to be a part of something more than just dropping a joint. We hope it will lend itself to something positive in these difficult times.”
Earlier this month De La Soul joined Damon Albarn onstage at London’s Royal Albert Hall for a performance of the Gorillaz track ‘Feel Good Inc’. The three-piece group’s Vincent ‘Maseo’ Mason asked for silence in the hall before breaking into the wicked laugh that begins the track. After, he thanked “my brother and my friend Damon Albarn.”
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