I feel like De La Soul is one of the most overlooked hip-hop groups of all time. Their discography is strong and they easily fall within the circle of true GOATs of the scene. Their new album, Cabin in the Sky, continues to solidify both their relevance in modern hip-hop and their role as true elders to continue looking to for guidance on the evolution of the art form.

With the passing of the trio’s partner Dave, aka Trugoy the Dove, you’d expect the album to carry weight. And it does, but with the typical De La Soul muscle that allows for the spirit of the music to bounce and feel elevated. It’s heavy, but it’s a collection of songs that honor their friend and partner while celebrating his life and legacy.

The album is full of the elder tier of hip-hop’s finest, from Nas to Black Thought, Slick Rick, Killer Mike, Pete Rock and Common.

Albums take a moment for me to absorb and appreciate. Some burn longer than others. That said, here are a few of my favorite tracks, thus far:

Cabin in the Sky

Yours (feat Slick Rick, Common)

Palm of His Hands (feat Bilal)

YUHDONTSTOP

A Quick 16 for Mama (feat Killer Mike)

Run It Back!! (feat Nas)

EN EFF (feat Black Thought)

It’s easy to create a tribute to a loved one, friend or family, who have passed. It’s far more challenging, brave and honorable, to do so with a sense of joy. It reverses the perception from internally-focused to externally-focused. Cabin in the Sky does that in strides. A perfect tribute.