Hip-hop and jazz rap band De La Soul finally returned after a nine-year break in album releases to drop “Cabin In The Sky.” With a heaping 20 songs and a one-hour 11-minute run-time, the album is a melodious ode to late founding band member David “Dave” Jolicoeur. The project does him justice, albeit being a bit repetitive, exuding powerful themes of grief and courage that tug on listeners’ heartstrings.
The album kicks off with “Cabin Talk,” a roll call of the many artists featured on the album narrated by actor and producer Giancarlo Esposito. The tune ends with Esposito calling out for Dave repeatedly, but to no avail.
“YUHDONTSTOP” enters with a symphony of instruments. A harp strums a glissando as a drum beat emerges from the background, transforming the song into a steady rap that sets an upbeat, funky yet magical tone. This introduces the album-wide theme of keeping one’s head up through a storm.
“Sunny Storms” comes in with a steady drum, a simple yet commanding bassline and record scratches that label the song as a hip-hop masterpiece with soul undertones. The tune is an anthem of weathering what comes one’s way and transforming for the better from it, ending with a small tribute to Jolicoeur.
The pace then picks up with “Good Health,” a traditional hip-hoppy interlude with solid flow that preaches the value of health in honor of Jolicoeur.
A jumping bassline is introduced in “Will Be” that makes listeners bop their heads as Yummy Bingham repeats phrases from “This Will Be” by Natalie Cole.
“The Package” features back-and-forth rapping, celebrating personal success. The track largely stays the same throughout, but the powerful lyricism saves it, retaining interest.
“A Quick 16 for Mama” again keeps a steady beat to rap to as Killer Mike and De La Soul sing the praises of their mothers. Neo soul influence then begins to shine through in “Just How It Is (Sometimes),” speeding up the groovy beat.
“Cruel Summers bring FIRE LIFE!!” stands out, bringing in Swedish artist Yukimi and creating a colorful mashup between pop-funk and “Everybody Loves the Sunshine” by Roy Ayers. “Day In The Sun (Gettin’ wit U)” with Yummy Bingham then lays down another neo-soul-esq tune.
“Run It Back!!” is a rap standout in the album. The song samples “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” by The Police, transforming it into a 90’s hip-hop anthem. De La Soul joins rapper Nas to comment on Black presence in music in the powerful track.
Emotions run high in “Different World.” The tune dwells on changes in the band due to the loss of Jolicoeur in an emotional and bittersweet composition of gratitude and apprehension. De La Soul reflects on Jolicoeur’s death, as sentiments of “selfish” desire for the late member to come back rise to the surface, singing, “I know you are providing us with warmth / But I’d rather you here with us fighting through the cold.”
“Patty Cake” spins the classic children’s rhyme in another rap that builds on the theme of an unsure future and fighting through tribulation. It is at this point in the album that the hip-hop beats start to get repetitive despite solid musicality and lyricism. “The Silent Life Of A Truth” then discusses the veil that parents use to hide their children from harsh realities through yet another alternative hip hop beat.
The rhetoric and uses of the N-word in the music industry and its broader implications in society and politics are discussed in “EN EFF” in a thought-provoking, steady rap.
“Believe (In Him)” channels gospel and hymns in a canticle of the strength of faith and the burdens that God lifts.
Another hip hop background with lyrics about “finding your way” is shown in “Yours” before “Palm Of His Hands” uses piano as a prelude to the album’s lilting end.
Penultimate and title track “Cabin In The Sky” reflects on the afterlife and Jolicoeur’s fate after his passing. The song talks about grief, dreams and the acceptance of loss. “Don’t Push Me” then ends the album with a bittersweet yet impactful tune co-written by Jolicoeur, ending with “Don’t push me ‘cause I’m close to the edge.”
“Cabin In The Sky” masters musicality in a fusion of neo soul, hip-hop and rap. Despite the expert technique, the variety is lacking for an album with 20 songs, as many repeat the same hip-hop format of rap over an unchanging background beat. A few stand-out songs make the album great, featuring mash-ups and samples from many genres that breathe new life into the sometimes monotonous beats. The theming ties “Cabin In The Sky” together, with loss, trial and overcoming blending to make a powerful, tear-worthy album.
