De La Soul Embrace Their Rightful Place As Hip-Hop Royalty (Audio)

Earlier today (July 19), De La Soul premiered their latest single, “Royalty Capes” with the FADER. Produced by their very own Dave a/k/a Plug Too, it’s an exultant track from their forthcoming album and the Anonymous Nobody, whose royal arrival takes place on August 26. The latest single in a procession led by May’s Snoop Dogg-assisted “Pain,” “Royalty Capes” drives forward with the steadfast march De La Soul has been leading since their 1989 debut, 3 Feet High and Rising.

Dave, Maseo & Pos Reminisce On Before De La Soul Was Born (Video)

Though often times hesitant to claim the crown, Heads know De La Soul are Kings of the Hip-Hop court. In fact, the Plugs’ reticence to accept such a heavyweight title is in part what inspired the song. As Dave tells the FADER, “[w]e are so flattered but we’ve never worn the ‘Legendary’ hat comfortably when placed on our heads. What we value is our creative reputation and the lineage of our careers. Gracefully we’ve stepped forward for decades with high standard and respect…We don’t wear hats, we wear Royalty Capes.”

For more about how Dave’s production signaled a momentous era of development in De La Soul’s sound, Heads can check out this recent interview with the Lords of Strong Island.