Artist: De La Soul Album: Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump

Year: 2000
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of the Album: Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump by De La Soul

De La Soul is one of the legendary hip-hop groups that has inspired generations of artists with their innovative music, eclectic style, and positive messages. With their sixth studio album, Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump, De La Soul continued to push the boundaries of hip-hop and experiment with new sounds, while staying true to their roots and values. In this blog post, I will give you a critical review of the album, share some insights about the artist and the music genre, highlight the best songs of the album, and discuss the most innovative parts of the album. I hope you will enjoy reading this review and discover some gems in De La Soul's discography.

De La Soul was formed in 1987 in Long Island, New York, by Posdnuos (Kelvin Mercer), Trugoy the Dove (David Jolicoeur), and Maseo (Vincent Mason). The trio gained recognition with their debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising, which was released in 1989 and became a landmark in hip-hop history. With its innovative sampling, playful lyrics, and positive vibes, 3 Feet High and Rising heralded a new era of hip-hop that was more inclusive, diverse, and creative.

Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump was released in 2000, a decade after De La Soul's debut and five years after their previous album, Stakes Is High. During this time, hip-hop had evolved and diversified, with different sub-genres and styles emerging. However, De La Soul remained committed to their own vision of hip-hop, which was rooted in the jazz, funk, and soul traditions, but also open to new influences and collaborations.

The album features guest appearances from a diverse range of artists, including Busta Rhymes, Redman, Xzibit, and Chaka Khan. Each track on the album has a distinct sound and mood, but all of them are united by De La Soul's signature style of witty wordplay, complex rhymes, and catchy hooks. Some of the best tracks on the album are Oooh., Bionix, My Writes, and Thru Ya City.

One of the most innovative parts of the album is its use of live instruments and organic sounds, which were rare in hip-hop at the time. De La Soul collaborated with musicians like Bernie Worrell, Bootsy Collins, and Maceo Parker to create a rich and dynamic musical landscape that blended different genres and cultures. The album also addressed social and political issues in a subtle and sophisticated way, such as police brutality, inequality, and media manipulation.

However, there are some critics who argue that Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump is not as consistent or cohesive as De La Soul's previous albums, and that some of the guest features are a distraction from the group's core strengths. They also point out that the album did not achieve the same level of commercial success or critical acclaim as 3 Feet High and Rising or Stakes Is High. Nevertheless, the album is still a testament to De La Soul's creativity, versatility, and longevity in the ever-changing landscape of hip-hop.

In conclusion, Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump is a solid album that showcases De La Soul's musical talent, cultural relevance, and creative evolution. It may not be their best album, but it is still a worthwhile addition to their discography and a testament to their legacy as one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time. If you are a fan of De La Soul, or just curious about the history and diversity of hip-hop, I highly recommend giving this album a listen. Who knows, you may discover a new favorite track or a new appreciation for the art of hip-hop.

In conclusion, Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump is a solid album that showcases De La Soul's musical talent, cultural relevance, and creative evolution. It may not be their best album, but it is still a worthwhile addition to their discography and a testament to their legacy as one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time. If you are a fan of De La Soul, or just curious about the history and diversity of hip-hop, I highly recommend giving this album a listen. Who knows, you may discover a new favorite track or a new appreciation for the art of hip-hop.