Released: 1989
De La Soul’s song “Do as De La Does” is a lively, interactive performance that celebrates the energy and creativity of hip-hop culture. The track invites audience participation and demonstrates the group’s playful and witty approach to their music. While it doesn’t delve deeply into storytelling or thematic exploration, the song serves as a reminder of the joyous, communal aspects of live hip-hop performance.
The opening lines set the stage with an infectious enthusiasm. The shouts of “Yeah!” and “Yo!” alongside the playful crowd interactions create an atmosphere that feels like a live performance. It’s a quintessential call-and-response that draws the audience in, something De La Soul does exceptionally well to keep the crowd engaged and feeling part of the show.
“Plug One on the mic, P-L-U-G-O-N-E,” introduces the first member to take the stage. Plug One is Posdnuos, one-third of De La Soul, and his name drop emphasizes the persona he embodies within the group. Here, he evokes the familiar figures of “Jimmy” and “Jenny,” fictional stand-ins that may relate to everyman characters, bringing a sense of community to the song.
The hook of the track revolves around engaging the crowd, asking them to “Plug it up!” which plays off their nickname “Plugs,” a metaphor for their connection to music and the audience. The call to action here isn’t just for fun but reaffirms the bond between performer and listener, making them feel integral to the music itself.
Moving on, there’s a humorous interjection where the crowd is instructed to tell anyone with bad breath to “Take a Luuden,” referring to the cough drop brand. This line injects humor and ensures that the atmosphere remains light-hearted. It’s all part of De La Soul’s approach, blending whimsy with skillful lyrical flow.
Plug Two takes over next, delivering lines with the same vivacity. Plug Two, known as Trugoy the Dove, keeps the party going by connecting everyday elements like “Coca-Cola” to the communal energy of the crowd. The shout of “Coca-Cola!” becomes a part of the audience interaction, making them part of the lyrical tapestry.
Plug Three, who is Maseo, comes in, not with rhymes but more as a hype man, encouraging further crowd participation. His role in the track is to enhance the audience’s involvement with shouts like “Say Ho!”—a classic crowd response in hip-hop that ensures everyone is on the same wavelength.
The amusing description of the group as “lasagna heads” adds to the playful tone. It is perhaps a nonsensical, affectionate term of endearment, encapsulating the group’s tendency to be quirky and different. Their lighthearted demeanor breaks any traditional notions of seriousness that often accompany the hip-hop genre.
The lines about wanting to take the experience back home highlight the infectious nature of their music. It underscores how De La Soul’s music transcends the stage, resonating with listeners on a personal level. Their sound is so ‘excellent’ that it leaves an indelible mark on those who experience it, emphasizing the quality of their art.
Overall, “Do as De La Does” isn’t just about lyrics—it’s about creating a moment. It’s a tribute to hip-hop as a community, a shared space where everyone can lose themselves in rhythm and sound. Historically, De La Soul has been at the forefront of promoting positivity and creativity within hip-hop, making them pioneers who continue to inspire.
