Are You In? by De La Soul

Whilst one could never accuse De La Soul of yielding to commercialism, the last few years has seen the seminal Hip-Hop trio in pursuit of greater recognition and a larger audience. Their last full length release, 2004’s The Grind Date, was a straight up, twelve track, Hip-Hop record (a far cry from their revolutionary 24 track debut) and their collaboration with Gorillaz on the massively successful ‘Feel Good Inc.’, saw them in a place they hadn’t visited for decades, the top of the singles charts. Now, as a part of Nike’s ‘Original Run’ promotion, the Long Island pioneers have released Are You In?, a 45 minute continuous mix intended as a workout soundtrack for runners. Yet, whilst such a project screams “Sell-out”, the ever unpredictable De La Soul have subverted the allure of convention, and created some of their most inspired music in years.

Although it is labelled a ‘continuous mix’ the liner notes distinguish the ten songs which have been blended together. Designed to accompany the different stages of a run, the album begins with the laid back wake up tracks ‘Mornin Rise’ and ‘Good Mornin’. Here, the combination of Posdnuos and Dave’s expertly delivered rhymes and Flosstradamus and Young RJ’s Electronica enthused production, make these tracks easily two of the best De La have released in the past decade.

After its mellow beginnings the album shifts into its more intensive, fast paced stages, and whilst a certain level of monotony dogs such tracks as ‘Big Mouf’, the genre fusion which takes place is a continual and pleasant surprise. Such diversions as ‘Pick Up The Pace (Run)’ (a song which wanders between Rage Against The Machine-esque rock-rap and warm Jazz doodling) prove to be experiments which pay off. Whilst it may be on different terms, the group’s ability to move bodies remains evident.

With the final track, the soulful ‘Forever’ a sense of unity prevails. Whilst the album’s athletic premise may have seemed at first far too menial for such skilled veterans, it provides a structure which the band take full advantage of, as they communicate their messages and statements through their sporting demographic. On the penultimate song ‘Victory Laps’ De La address their place in Hip-Hop and their detractors through an extended athletic metaphor, creating an effortless synthesis between subject and style.

Are You In? undoubtedly has some beautiful moments, yet the album’s biggest merit is its ability to be both a unique take on the workout record, and a worthy addition to De La Soul’s canon. For the runner, this album provides a fittingly energetic athletic soundtrack, with an unexpected injection of soul and intelligence. Whilst for the De La fan, the album showcases some of the band’s most inspired and adventurous excursions to date. An against the odds return to form.