De La Soul is set to mesmerize fans by releasing a hidden gem from the ’90s. Known for pushing musical boundaries, their upcoming EP, initially a rare promotional, features legendary A Tribe Called Quest.
This hidden treasure, “Clear Lake Auditorium,” was initially pressed in 1994, exclusively for select DJs. Its rarity has granted it an almost mythical status among collectors. De La Soul shared this exciting news on Instagram, sparking a wave of nostalgia and excitement among hip-hop aficionados.
The EP includes four tracks from their Buhloone Mindstate era, boasting collaborations with hip-hop legends. Among the standout tracks is “sh.Fe.Mc’s,” featuring A Tribe Called Quest, and “Stix & Stonz,” which includes contributions from hip-hop veterans Tito of The Fearless Four, Grandmaster Caz, L.A. Sunshine, and Prince Whipper Whip.
Though originally the EP contained six songs, such as “Patti Dooke,” “In the Woods,” and “I Be Blowin’,” most were also part of their classic album, Buhloone Mindstate. The EP’s forthcoming release will bring these tracks to streaming services and available formats on March 7.
This release continues De La Soul’s journey of reviving their rich musical legacy. In 2023, they made waves by bringing several of their classic albums to streaming platforms, overcoming obstacles with sample clearance and legal disputes with their former label, Tommy Boy Records. An agreement in 2021, thanks to Reservoir Media acquiring Tommy Boy, paved the way for these releases.
The revival of De La Soul’s catalog came with a bittersweet note, occurring soon after the passing of founding member Trugoy the Dove, whose health battles were well-documented. His absence is deeply felt yet has invigorated remaining members Posdnuos and Maseo to continue their powerful legacy.
Fans can also anticipate a third installment in their Art Official Intelligence series, and more projects with notable producers DJ Premier and Pete Rock were hinted before Trugoy’s untimely death. De La Soul’s enduring spirit continues to shape and influence the hip-hop landscape.
With “Clear Lake Auditorium,” De La Soul bridges the past and present, inviting fans old and new to celebrate their timeless artistry. This EP reaffirms their place as pioneers in hip-hop, maintaining their vibrant legacy.
