Art Official Intelligence:Mosaic Thump

Changing Times = Evolving Styles
by: tom reiter

De La Soul has always remained in one spot, at the forefront of hip-hop. At one time considered 'cutting edge,' they are now riding along with, however not behind, the hip-hop industry. Their latest offering, Art Official Intelligence, shows De La's ability to change with the times, fitting right at home with current hip-hop flavors.

Throughout the entire album, De La doesn't miss a beat, their rhyming finesse is always clean cut. As in the past, AOI is an album everyone can relate to. It's down to earth and as real as it gets, that's one thing that De La hasn't changed. Some tracks, like "All Good," and, "The Art of Getting Jumped," stand out from the rest of the album as having more of a party flavor. But beneath the playful beats the message is the same.

While AOI doesn't pack any surprises, it doesn't dissappoint either. From start to finish it's a solid hip-hop album that demonstrates De La Soul will keep bringing something fresh to hip-hop. 12-Sept-2000 4:00 PM