Pioneering hip hop group, De La Soul has announced their tenth album, Cabin in the Sky. Set for release on November 21, 2025, the album marks their first album in nine years since And the Anonymous Nobody (2016). This eclectic album earned the Amityville, Long Island, New York natives a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album. Cabin in the Sky is also their first release since the 2023 passing of friend and founding member, David “Trugoy the Dove” Jolicoeur.
The nostalgic album’s title is a tribute to the 1943 all-Black musical of the same name. The film starred pioneering entertainers, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and the incomparable Lena Horne. Group member Kelvin “Posdnuos” Mercer described the title as a reflection of the emotional duality of the album. This duality balances light, loss, joy and pain. He referred to it as “therapy and celebration at the same time”.
De La Soul’s Cabin in the Sky Features a Vintage Soulful Sound
Cabin in the Sky also features guest appearances from a multitude of artists including, Nas, Common, Killer Mike, Yukimi Nagano, and Black Thought. The album’s production is executed by numerous prolific producers including, Pete Rock, DJ Premier and Super Dave. The album’s lead single, “The Package”, was produced by Pete Rock. Released on November 6, 2025, the song samples the 1969 classic “Seven Years” by The Impressions.
Notably, the album includes posthumous contributions from group member Trugoy the Dove, who produced the tracks “Don’t Push Me” and “Ya Don’t Stop”. Trugoy also provided vocals on “The Package” and many other songs. Although he was no longer with us physically, his presence was still felt throughout the entire album. Posdnuos further emphasized that their new album, and slightly new sound represents “adult hip-hop”. While persevering Trugoy’s legacy he also wanted to merge the old with the new. He described it as a sound that speaks to the present, while still being deep rooted in culture.
Cabin in the Sky features a vintage soulful sound
Rising to prominence with their debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising (1989), De La Soul indefinitely became part of hip hop royalty. A commercial success, the album was praised for its whimsical lyrics, eclectic production, and original use of entertaining skits. The album went on to sell over a million copies, becoming certified platinum. Throughout their career, De La Soul has received numerous accolades, including a 2006 Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. The honor was for their song “Feel Good Inc,” with Gorillaz. Ultimately, De La Soul remains one of the most innovative groups in hip hop history.
