Loaded Album of the week
By Fred Spanner
De La Soul: Cabin In The Sky ⭐⭐⭐⭐
De La Soul’s Cabin In The Sky lands is messy, comforting and surprisingly emotional. With Trugoy the Dove’s passing still hanging in the air, Pos and Maseo steer the ship with a mix of swagger and soul-searching. The opener sets the mood: warm grooves, grown-man wisdom and that unmistakable De La charm, now tinged with something heavier but no less compelling.
Production-wise, it’s a Who’s Who of hip-hop royalty. DJ Premier, Pete Rock and Supa Dave West give the record a full-bodied, old-school shine without turning it into nostalgia cosplay. Big-hitter guest spots include Nas and Black Thought. They slip in naturally, like old mates raising a glass rather than big names phoning it in.
Standout cuts like “The Package” and “A Quick 16 for Mama” hit the sweet spot between head-nod bounce and emotional wallop.
20 tracks is a feast, and a couple could’ve been left in the pantry. But trimming it would miss the point. This is De La Soul processing life, loss, legacy and everything in between. Cabin in the Sky isn’t just a tribute album; it’s proof the trio’s heart still beats loud and colourful. A proper celebration: bittersweet, grown-up, and absolutely worth your time.