Finding The GOAT Group: De La Soul vs. Leaders Of The New School. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’s annual battle series features Hip-Hop’s greatest collectives vying for the #1 spot. Sixty-two groups have been pre-selected by a panel of experts, and one slot will be reserved for a wild-card entry, including the possibility for write-in candidates, to ensure no deserving band of MCs and DJs is neglected.  The 2018 contest consists of seven rounds, NCAA basketball-tournament style, leading to a Top 32, then the Sweet 16 and so on, until one winner is determined. For each battle, two groups are pitted against one another with a ballot to decide which one advances to the next round. Though there will be an enormous amount of debate in comments, on social media, in barbershops and text messages, which we encourage, only votes cast in the official ballot or those using the official hashtags on social media count.

Two Native Tongues groups from Strong Isle go head-to-head in a Round 1 showdown. De La Soul takes on the Leaders Of The New School. These groups formed around the same time, both with expert mentorship. However, one outfit gave way to solo careers within its first five years, and the other has always put its group above individuals interests. Only one goes to Round 2. Vote below.

De La Soul

For 30 years, the Long Island trio made up of Posdnuos (aka “Plug 1”), Trugoy The Dove (nka Dave) and Maseo (aka Plug 3) have been some of the most positive, vulnerable and innovative artists on the scene. De La Soul’s debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising entered with concepts, creative sampling (thanks to mentor Prince Paul), and lots of substance. The LP was the first in a discography that has showcased De La’s ability to create inventive, witty songs that smartly balanced production influences of Jazz, Funk, and Disco. Across nine albums and several companion releases, this trio is revered for its consistency and evolution. De La Soul has been able to sustain a dedicated fan-base, despite label woes and sometimes long hiatuses. In addition to the aforementioned debut, the collective’s catalog contains other classics, such as Stakes Is High and De La Soul Is Dead. The collective’s most recent release topped Rap charts and earned the trio another Grammy nod. Apart from critical acclaim and award mentions, the troop has platinum and gold certifications in its discography. De La Soul remains one of Hip-Hop’s most trusted brands and beloved bands.

Leaders Of The New School

Long Island’s Leaders of the New School, made up of Busta Rhymes, Charlie Brown, Cut Monitor Milo, and Dinco D, were one of the most influential drivers into 1990s Hip-Hop. Formed in 1989, the quartet started out as an opening act for Public Enemy. They were trained under Public Enemy producer team Bomb Squad, and eventually earned the name “Leaders of the New School” from Hank Shocklee and company. The quartet released their debut album A Future Without a Past in the summer of 1991, which critics praised as having immense personality, and clean, inventive production, thanks, in part, to Bomb Squad’s Eric “Vietnam” Sadler. The crew made their biggest break as a featured artist on A Tribe Called Quest’s “Scenario,” which saw Bussa’ Bus provide one of his most captivating verses of his career thus far. Despite being more commercially successful, the group released their second album, T.I.M.E. (The Inner Mind’s Eye), and disbanded. The Leaders have performed together in recent years, with some partial reunions on wax. Busta, Dinco, and Charlie have all stated plans for new group material.

Finding The GOAT Group: Cypress Hill vs. Das EFX. Who Is Better?

So who is the better Hip-Hop group? Make sure you vote above.