De La Soul Thanks Nas + Fans For Not Buying Their Music Until Tommy Boy Situation Clears Up + Promises New Tunes – SOHH

August 9, 2019

Rap trio De La Soul want people to keep hope alive. The group has updated fans on where things stand after announcing failed negotiations with record label Tommy Boy.

On Friday, the De La Soul Instagram page encouraged supporters to continue avoiding buying/streaming their content under the Tommy Boy banner.

On Thursday, a message posted to De La Soul’s Instagram page delivered the crushing Tommy Boy/negotiation news.

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Well friends, after 30 years of profiting from our music and hard work… and after 7 long months of stalled negotiations, we are sad to say that we’ve been unable to reach an agreement and earn Tommy Boy’s respect for our music/legacy. With some helpful consulting and long careful consideration, we’ve decided we will not do our 30+ years the disservice of settling on Tom Silverman’s terms. Tommy Boy says they are “not in the business of giving artists back their Masters.” We realize, there is a process in reclaiming ownership but we do not trust Tommy Boy in this process after so many years of disappointment. Therefore, our catalog will not see the light of day by way of our involvement or consent. This means, if you see De La Soul music/albums available for streaming or purchase anywhere, BE AWARE, all parties involved WILL profit but De La Soul WILL NOT benefit or earn deservedly/fairly. We really tried. More details to come. Nevertheless, our fans have/will keep our legacy alive! We appreciate and ask for your continued support. Onto new things, new music and more amazing respectful business relationships. #dontpressplay #respectourlegacy #respecttheculture #tommyboycottcontinues #4080

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Back in May, New York rapper Nas went to Instagram to show support for De La Soul and remind fans he supported their Tommy Boy ban.

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This album is ill. De La Soul Is Dead. Dropped May 14. 1991. Years later while i was working on HHID this De La -LP would come to mind. Salute to @plugwondelasoul Maseo Trugoy and the whole crew #boycotttommyboy

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During a recent “State of the Culture” broadcast, rap veteran Joe Budden kept it 100 on the De La/Tommy Boy drama.

“I’m teary because that’s just depressing to hear, but they sell us depression,” Joe began. “When you think of the stories being the same for this amount of years. Like when you look at De La telling you their battles from 30 years ago.” (“State of the Culture”)