Cutting the middle man out & communicating directly to your fans is the way

These guys are too intelligent for the industry and that is why I will always look up to De La Soul !!! One of the greatest groups in Hip Hop.

I would have no problem paying kick starter for an official Nas and AZ collaboration album

Memphis Tn. 1997 I think: De La Soul, Goodie Mob & Fishbone all on one bill. One of the best shows I've seen.

This is the beginning of the end for record labels. When you give the people the freedom to decide what they want to promote and hear. You begin to realize that many of the music today is manufactured crap. I support Del Le Soul and any other artist that has a message in their music.

Studio time, beats, mixing the vocals after you record the song, mastering the song after you mix the vocals, radio promotion, gas, the image fans like, pr, street team, video shoots, videographers, editing videos & I know I'm leaving something out cost money. An artist won't survive paying for all those services if they give out FREE music.......

If Tribe did this I'd support them today. #ATCQ

Makes a lot of sense...jewels upon jewels here.

Classic Group, The Grind Date is a very underrated LP ;-)!

I don't know this is on accident or what, but De La Soul in the late 1980s changed hip hop and looked to do it again. From sampling to self-fund raising.

Along with other benefits, we get the exact album the artist want to make, without any outside influences. For artist like De La, this is perfect.

I remember years back it was the main thing to get signed,you're favourite artist got signed and you'd b like "fuck ye he/she is signed,they made it!!!". Independent seems to be a lot better,can almost do what you want. Maybe have to work a bit harder but its better

I love De la soul I hope they get everything they deserve..all that hard work rest in peace Trugoy the dove true legends..they came out when hip hop was great..

The fact that the quality of music has fallen and music especially rap has become devalued. Signing a record deal now is just selling your soul. Labels owners are also radio, magazine and television controllers, all owned by same corporations which dictate who will be stars. And dictate who will be famous. If you don't fall into that mold of your okay with signing your life away in a 360 deal, go independent its work hard work but the rewards are freedom. No one is selling records anymore. Show money is how artists eat that's why rappers are always dropping mix tapes to stay relevant so they can continue to tour. Same situation with label deal but they get a cut from everything you do, merchandise,tour,commercials,shoe ,clothing deals song and album features with other artists. If independent all other avenues of revenue belong to you so . 3 cent per album selling 100,000 on major label or 4 dollars per album selling 15,000 albums sold independent you make more independent.

Dave and Mase make great points about people nowadays not wanting to pay for music. There's this messed up sense of entitlement folks seem to have. And that's part of why the music industry is in the state that it's in right now.

de la deserves this kickstarter fund. Salute

10:42 you can thank Steve Asshole Jobs for that mainly. Yeah it's mostly the Millennials I see with that attitude, like, WTF these are the same ones who talk like music is their life but they don't wanna pay for pricelessness. This is one reason why I've often said for several years now that I think those of us born in the 70's are the last generation of those with solid music appreciation skills, handed down to us from our parents for some time to come.

That shows just how much we all love you De La👊🏽

De La Soul one of the most ground breaking groups ever and 30yrs later they still going... amazing. I put on their project and I haven't heard a de La song no lie in probably 20yrs.

Trying People is STILL one of my favs. All the joints DILLA did for them was just... classic. Long live De La Soul.

Slavery is a term thrown around too loosely these days. Debt bondage is more specific to what they are talking about, where one pledges themselves against a loan!!! But I understand how it might feel to be literally beholden to a record company and have to put out a certain type of music, it does kind of feel like a master-slave relationship!!! But all respect to De La Soul, they are legends who deserve to do them and put out good music!!!

He is right...there are humans working and using their brain power to make music...the authentication and genuine support is needed through buying the product with actual money and not bootlegging or illegal downloading...salute

This is why these 3 brothers here will always be known as "legends/teachers of hip hop". De La Soul speaks the truth more than any other rap group out there. And what they said about signing to record labels being slavery, that's exactly what it is now like: slavery. But if you want more of a comparison, being signed to a label today is like being in a human trafficking ring. Niggas have gotta sell themselves like fucking bitches to get into the biggest labels to make billions. And like the record execs, they pimp these niggas to the highest bidders. You got niggas that say that they would desecrate themselves by going down low and get male ass on the side to be the new wave "hood rich" rappers. Shit's a dirty game yo, and these dudes like the effeminized shit they're on.

I see nothing wrong with an artist, a person who has talent, making a living from that talent - whether it's making paintings for a wealthy patron like in the Renaissance or getting funding from fans via Kickstarter. There should be no shame in this: I'm getting a t-shirt and a CD from one of my favourite musical acts and I know that unlike buying the CD from Amazon, they're getting most of the money. There's a great article by musician/producer Steve Albini about what it actually costs an artist to do a deal with a major label - you think they get that million or whatever and the company provides the studio time and promotion for free? No, the artist has to pay for EVERYTHING out of that contract money and then on top of that the label and the promoters and everyone else who can get a hand in takes a cut. Unless you're Madonna you might as well have a 9-5 by the time you're done and you'll be working a lot harder than that with all that's involved with touring. I would much rather the musicians I like get funded directly from the fans so they can focus on music and touring without worrying about how much they're getting out of that record deal. If I had an artistic talent and could make a living off it, I'd totally do that, so I don't care if the excess goes into their pockets or funds future albums, I only ask that they make the music because they WANT to and not just put something out because they feel like they HAVE to.

De la soul’s music is just happiness , so many fun memories . Stay strong de la

I chipped in 10 on my part. While I didn't really love the album (I liked it enough) it was obvious that they did put a good amount of effort and energy into their project. And I'm glad they're still around.

5 years later.. Yea. They got the money. Made And the Anonymous Nobody And got nominated for best rap album of the year in 2017 grammys Well done guys..

Damn, Inspector Vladget is on fire with these last few interviews. De La Soul are living legends.

This is exactly why I listened, listen, and will listen to them. Thank you De La Soul! 3 Feet High and Rising was the first cassette tape I ever bought and you have made me happy and smarter for decades. XD

My mom got me the 3 feet high and rising cassette for Christmas in 1989 when I was 13. The best birthday present ever

Honestly. You couldn't get better audio for the guest??

My FAVORITE Hip Hop group of ALL Time! Still killin it 20+ yrs in the game!

Real Hip Hop, true fans must support! I have no problem with that, we need more dialogue explaining the positive possibilities of this process. Please support real Hip-Hop.

meanwhile fans will rush to spend their money on $1000 tix to see their fav artist give half azz performance smh RIP Trugoy The Dove

Still got three dela classic cds in my crates, and waiting for my son to hear,. period. .. 3ft high and rising that's all

Maseo ( in the middle) son plays for the rams and was heisman trophy runner up last year

radiohead are one of the first groups that went against the majors back around 2010 on their rainbows lp . they pretty muxh gave the lp away and asked people to give what ever they felt was fair. shot out to De La Soul

3:43 Vlad, what kind of question is that, my dude? Seemed like you tried to put ‘em in a box.

Love De La Soul - real cool guys and History of Rap

They are right

Good for you guys. Well spoken.

"Industry rule number four-thousand and eighty; Record company people are shady" - Q-Tip

De La soul is so dope

Hip Hop Royalty right here

thank u de la for continuing to share your talents and gifts with us.l.e.s luvs the de la.....yeah yeah

So much knowledge in this. Kickstarter is a perfect way to fund projects and remove the bs. People need to drop the stigma of thinking Kickstarter is taboo for successful artists or businesses.

DE LA FOREVER! Keepin it TRUE

Individually charging for content has really grown on YT,Mixer,and Twitch. It's interesting how,hindsight being 20/20,they tried to help start a change in the music business. But,it just ain't the same musically. In the music form,folks are just very traditional and I cant knock it. Being an up and coming artist,the perception would even be vastly different for ME doing a kickstarter than THEM. It IS,for an artist,viewed as begging. Folks are used to having music at their disposal in these new times. Even back in the day,instant gratification was key. Pay for the CD or cassette and it's in your hands immediately. Now,folks dont have the mindset of investing in an album they want from an artist.

very interesting! i bet it wasnt easy for them to make the decision, even they said so 'we talked about this a lot! if it is going to look like begging or not' but it looks like it def worked out for them and lets see if others do it in the future after seeing this success

That's so great that they made it! I was bummed out over Slum Village on pledgemusic last year, couldn't believe so few people put money up, I don't think they even made 10%. Glad they still put out their album though. This really is the future, better for fans and artists, not so great for marketing people looking to cash in, but that's their problem...

this is the TRUTH!... i first got into hip hop in 1999... i was 15... i first started drawing in 1999... i feel what they are sayin.. everyone wants stuff for free... back in the day you had to pay for... these young people don't kno what that was back in the day... thats why i will never really expose my artwork too much online... i just bought de la souls stakes is high album used on amazon this may... i bought Grind and date ,and their double disc album back in 2000... if u want a movement to keep goin support and don't slow it down.. god bless u ya'll,, BY THE WORLD FAMOUS PSWIF ONE SINCE 1999... JESUS SAVES NATIONS! PEACE TO DE LA SOUL 1

de la soul pioneering as always

As a fan I would've paid any amount they would ask for just to hear their music. It would be worth it every nickel.

hell yeah and this is a great album also these brothers are legends

still my fav group of all time

Wow. .breaking shit down deeo man..really needed to hear that froma legends ppoint of view

Fan project albums are the way to go these days. No industry bullshit..just the fan support that wants that hiphop shit going.

Original comes to mind when I see these guys ,it's crazy in a way bc look at how many people could of put them on who vibed off ther music but in the long run keeping it real is what keeps them going ,I'm totally behind De la soul , keep making hip hop until y'all are 80 yrs old .

Legends, and yes I put my money where my mouth is...

This is brilliant!

Still..just when i thought I've heard all resources. .i hearabout kickstarter . I used to hear it get tossed around a lotbut never really came into question.still..being independent seems the best way now and days

De La breaking down the FACTS...

DeLaSouls Dugout I thank you.

they really have complete control of how they want to represent themselves how what when who where. these dudes have history up to date they been on the scence about a little more than half of the age of the existence of the culture after the culture was named Hip Hop. i have been an active fan of Hip Hop since their album 3 feet High and Rising and i was about 10 years old in 89 lol. you gotta think if your a 90's generation Hip Hop Head you had to have some idea of the preceding decades if you love this culture so much. im an advocate of consistency and dedication and developement but not drastic change with no appreciation for its foundation where theres a industrial shift that subjects the young current generation with thinking with a blank slate following after the digital shift. that only means that who ever was in charge of the digital shift weren't careful with the musical cultures that depended on physical formats and the backlash on this shift from those who were diehard physical analog enthusiasts.

De La can't be beat.EVER

Tupac got butthurt because De La Soul didnt want to sellout to Gangsta Rap.

Dope! Respect to De La! Yo ***** link up! 💯

WOW! Another good vid by VLAD,times is changing.

You know dem stakes is high

When will these businessmen stop lying and claiming that they "do it for the fans". Nahh nigga, you do it for yourselves.

dope informational interview.

I'd give 'em $300 to make it happen. Been listening to these cats since 1989.

They are right..it's like pre-purchasing.It's not that ppl are cheap, it's more of ppl are broke, for the most part.Plus , there are options to get it for free.Nowadays, you have to supply the ppl with more than music to sell music.You need a package.That is where de l a soul lacks at.They are legends in the game ,no doubt but this era is different.Its not just about the music,skills talent anymore.Thats why groups like de la soul would not get the backing from the major labels thus they went to kick starter.They sound a little bitter and probably are a little fucked up in the game

i want more emcee's of their caliber to go this route. let the fans do the talking not these labels. and this shows De La is still relevant regardless what people think. Lets get tribe to do it now lol

Gotta respect that. Thats how music should be cut out the middle man. It's always a middleman tho....

I LOVE Maces reaction to Vlad talking constantly about $$$. I get like that around similar people. I can't stand that attitude of letting yourself up to be a slave to the power and pull of $$$ so freely

así es, muchachos, madre, a la mierda con los principales sellos discográficos y con quien los quiera

I think this is the way to go, fans give them money upfront if they feel its worthwhile, because people tend not to pay after its made and its online. Then I guess they make the profits from doing shows and other things, they can make pure art like that.

If they can make 100,000 in 9 hours , what did the label make off them

'A big part of it is cheap people and people who think everything is supposed to be for free' - There is a middle-way between Kickstarter and "the traditional way" and that is self-releasing; artists having their own label with separate distribution/marketing deals that the artist controls. I think that is how artists like Kate Bush and Jim Thirlwell do it. But De La Soul are on the right track and what's out from the new album sounds/looks brilliant. I'll buy the vinyl.

Dave was so right minded person! So sad. RIP King

They took out the middle man. GJ DeLaSoul, we need more of this in our society, and less bloodsuckers who profit off the creative juices of others.

This is a wise way of during business...

5:33 I don't think they have any obligation to keep saying that they are not doing this to try and get money. The hottest songs are all about that now! The consumer has been supporting and charting the one's who talk about "gettin money" 90% of the time! Is this some kind of hypocritical standard because De La's stuff is considered "Conscious Rap"? I understand that they are saying that the Kickstarter wasn't a scheme where they would just pocket and abscond, but for me it spins off a concern that people see them as less than genuine or that it puts them in a negative light if they expect to profit for their work.

De la is legendary

Do here this u can ween you're self off the endorsement check without being bind to a major label contract you can get a bag independent but that big loan looks good 💯💯💯💯

Dope !

The fans take the power from the label. We do want a return< but what we get is our fav artists able to give us the best music with the most creative freedom and no deadlines so there's o one really to answer to, except the fans. I don't see why this concept is so hard to grasp. We who love de la should be happy to pay a little money KNOWING that we're going to get classic stuff.

They definitely have a point😎

I always thought that if yo' name wasn't Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey or Madonna.....GOOD LUCK! All artists need to do Kickstarter. I think it's a brilliant idea. Why don't ya'll stop playin' and say what's really on ya'll minds. *"Putting out music is expensive and if nobody buys it then I'll be out of that money."* There, I said it for ya'll. Oooh, and *I want ya'll to pay for the album and then turn around and buy it.* Now, the *backlash* is gon come if the music is wack and nobody likes it. Just because ya'll have been out for years that doesn't guarantee anything. Times and tastes have changed. TLC went above and beyond their quota and they still ain't put out a record to first. I buy music if it's good. No more or less. I wanna start a Kickstarter account, shoot..... You still look good, David. I enjoyed this interview and I want ya'll to win. I am a fan (not donating a one red cent though) ;)

I love De La!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️

Pos + Dove = Emcee Wizardry!

Not legendary but they do have a historic place in hip hop in their own right

Maseo don't need the $ his son in the NFL. But still a good idea. I hope they make a classic

To be honest, I wouldn't pay for most music. But there are couple of (upcoming) artists who I would pay for on Kickstarter if they wanted to produce an album. It just depends on how badly you want it.

Dela soul is from the soul

Plugs one and two are hippies.

respect to De La Soul. what other artist/group you know gives out their whole catalog for free?

isn't that slavery if you're "NOT" putting money in your pocket without signing to a paying label?? I'm confused kickstarter wants you to make music for free with no money just the music?? that's slavery if you raise money off your trade but not get any funds for it, isn't that slavery?? I need money bcz what the company wants to broadcast to the public I deserve to get paid no??

Listen to More De La! songs Trying People and Freedom Train