Finding The GOAT Group: De La Soul vs. Dilated Peoples. Who Is Better?

“Finding the GOAT Group,” the fourth installment of Ambrosia For Heads’ annual competition 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 (which has been determined), 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 match-up, 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 count.

Although they are rooted in different decades and come from opposite coasts, De La Soul and Dilated Peoples are two of Hip-Hop’s most beloved trios. In the record store days, these acts were nearby in the CD and vinyl bins with consistent catalogs that also show growth and evolution. De La has a decade advantage and more than twice as many albums. However, Evidence, Babu, and Rakaa shocked some with a sound Round 1 defeat of their homies in J5. Only one of these triumvirates can see the Sweet 16. Your vote decides who.

De La Soul

(defeated Leaders Of The New School in Round 1, 94% to 6%)

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.

Dilated Peoples

(defeated Jurassic 5 in Round 1, 62% to 38%)

Evidence, Rakaa Iriscience, and DJ Babu formed in the mid-’90s with a third-eye focused on carving a new lane for themselves. By the 2000s, the trio did just that, with introspective lyrics filled with adages and motifs about photography and pop culture punchlines. While Babu and Grammy-winning Evidence produce plenty in-house, the group has cohesively welcomed Alchemist, DJ Premier, Kanye West, and other producers into its creative cypher. Through five albums to the public, Dilated paved the way for three solo careers and a bond that has bubbled even before 2000’s The Platform through 2014’s Directors Of Photography, and is likely still developing its celebrated discography after more than 20 years in the lab.

Finding The GOAT Group: EPMD vs. Eric B. & Rakim. Who Is Better?

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