De La Soul is NOT dead, the strong island trio just keeps rising. That’s right, Pos, Dave, and Maseo are back with a new album! The project started on Kickstarter where the group revealed its first studio album in 12 years will be influenced by jazz, funk, rock, country western, plus whatever else the three of them were in to at the moment, and most importantly: “For the first time, we’re going to sample ourselves.” Sampled, looped, filtered, chopped up, arranged, and built from over 3 years of recording material (“200 hours of sounds, and vibes, equal to about 250 to 300 full-length vinyl LPs”), Anonymous Nobody solidifies De La Soul as one of the most creative and visionary hip-hop acts. Jill Scott, Snoop Dogg, Pete Rock, David Byrne, Little Dragon, 2 Chainz, Damon Albarn & more make guest appearances on the 17-tracker, and make sure to check out: “Nosed Up,” “Here in After,” “Lord Intended,” “CBGBS,” “Pain,” “Genesis,” and “Memory of…(US).” Recommended.

• double vinyl
• gatefold sleeve
• music label: AOI 2016

reviewed by donut savage 08/2016