Legendary hip-hop group De La Soul have released their tenth studio album, Cabin in the Sky, marking their first musical project since the passing of founding member Trugoy the Dove, AKA Dave Jolicoeur, in 2023. The album serves as a poignant, yet characteristically upbeat, exploration of themes surrounding death and the afterlife.
A Full-Colour Celebration
Despite its weighty subject matter, the album remains quintessentially De La Soul. A spoken-word introduction by actor Giancarlo Esposito sets a contemplative stage, but the listener is quickly immersed in the group's signature lackadaisical and perpetually sunny sound. The track Yuhdontstop opens with lush strings, establishing an album projected in what feels like full-saturation Technicolor.
From the effervescent sample of Natalie Cole on Will Be to the jovial, avuncular ad-libs from Maseo that kick off Cruel Summers Bring Fire Life!!, the record feels warm and rich in vitamin D. It's a genuine tonic for the chillier months, proving the group's unique ability to find light even when addressing profound loss.
An Established Surrealist World
For the most part, the overarching theme of the afterlife appears to have been incorporated following Trugoy's death. The album still features his vocals, and many of the songs fit squarely within De La Soul's already established surrealist universe. A minimalist highlight, Patty Cake, creatively reinterprets classic schoolyard chants—a surprisingly fresh conceit for the group.
However, with a runtime exceeding 70 minutes, Cabin in the Sky can occasionally feel like a slog. The energy and sprightliness that define the album's first half are not always sustained towards the end.
A Poignant and Magical Tribute
A notable exception is the powerful title track. Here, Maseo and Posdnuos (Pos) deliver a direct and moving tribute to Trugoy and other loved ones they have lost. The song is pensive and world-weary, yet it never loses its inherent sense of magic, perfectly encapsulating the album's bittersweet triumph.
The release comes as the remaining members, Pos and Maseo, continue to connect with fans, including a celebrated performance at the Wilderness festival in Oxfordshire in 2024.
