It has been over a decade since De La Soul released their album The Grind Date in 2004. Since then, they’ve been making music history. They are now officially the highest funded musicians on Kickstarter – a company that raises money for any type of project or idea – and will be putting the money towards their own project: a new album.
A staggering 11,169 people backed the project and ended up raising over $600k. That’s an average donation of $53.80 – roughly the equivalent to buying a vinyl record these days, and is a very generous amount of money. It’s a natural purchase really ’cause it would likely otherwise be spent on the artists’ deluxe CD or merchandise. It is a priceless feeling to contribute to a cause that is advocated by so many people and lovers of De La Soul music.
De La Soul will, like other organisations and groups on Kickstarter, send gifts that resemble the cause of the project to people that have donated. So far, these have included six worldwide access passes to their shows, 33 tickets to their listening party in LA, original album artwork paintings and as one of the prizes stated:
“Dinner with De La for one lucky backer and their guest… you’ll get to dine with De La at their favourite restaurant, the Red Rooster, in Harlem.”
The album will include contributions from artists’ such as 2 Chainz, David Bryne, Damon Albarn and Little Dragon. The project is now closed and the site will not be raising or accepting any more money. The band are humble and grateful for the support and donations that they have received, and in a statement made on their Kickstarter page, said:
“THANK YOU EVERYONE!!! Thank you so much to all of you for rewarding us with your time and help!! We have not only become the second most funded music project on Kickstarter, but we have also gained a clearer insight into how you feel about us as a group and what we do. You have helped directly play a part in giving us the much needed creative fuel by showing that we still matter to all of you! In knowing that we feel nothing less than number 1!!! Much love and this music is coming your way soon!!”
Supporters of the fundraiser had the option to comment on the Kickstarter project:
“You guys were the first kickstarter project that I’ve backed. Can’t wait to hear the finished product!”
“This is great… I am glad to have been apart of this project. Can’t wait to add this to the rest of my De La collection. I can say you guys are one of the best if not the greatest hip hop group that hip hop music has had. You guys have stuck together, haven’t changed except to get better, and music is still great. Thanks Maseo for participating in HHDG and for being so down to earth as an artist. #STAYFOCUSED #NSAYNELIFE.”
“I can’t wait to hear the new album. I love that you guys are doing it independently — no-one has better taste for what music you guys should make than *you guys*. Take our money and do your thing!”
“Had a copy of 3 feet high and rising in the 80s when I was only about 10, been hooked ever since, seen you live in London a few times and always got ur albums, so happy to be part of this project and can’t wait to hear the new album!!! Peace.”
Da La Soul have a total of 18 shows to perform this year with one show in the U.S., ten shows in the UK, four shows in Canada, and one show in Italy, the Netherlands and France respectively.