At some point in 2015, legendary hip-hop group De La Soul will be releasing a new studio album, their first since 2012's Plug 1 & Plug 2 Present...First Serve and their first with all three original members since 2004's The Grind Date. In anticipation of this album, the New York trio has shared a powerful new track titled "The People," featuring none other than Public Enemy's Chuck D, which you can check out below.
Back by a beat consisting of some funk guitar and horn samples, the track finds these rap legends spitting some socially conscious and politically fueled rhymes. "The lyrics are commentaries of our struggles and successes, our weaknesses and strengths...and trials and tribulations we have faced as human beings, a race, and as individuals," reads the song's Soundcloud description. "With Chuck on the track this is a dream come true for us."
You can check out De La Soul's "The People" featuring Chuck D right here:
"The People" is currently available for free download straight from De La Soul's website.
Though the song's socially conscious themes seem like they were tailor-made for the aftermath of the Ferguson grand jury decision, "The People" was originally set for release back in June, before the whole Mike Brown incident even occurred.
"Our next aim was for a Black Friday release," the group says. "Coincidentally, the Ferguson tragedy took place and now the non-indictment verdict. Somehow the 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."
Though they're giving away this new song for free, De La Soul is also selling some new merchandise, the proceeds of which go towards I Love Ferguson, an organization helping to rebuild Ferguson, and All Star Code, an organization which "helps under served youth make their way into the tech industry."
What do you think of De La Soul and Chuck D's new song "The People"? Let us know down in the comments section below!
