De La Soul Slams Unauthorized Biography, Threatens Legal Action
Hip-hop legends De La Soul are fiercely opposing a new unauthorized biography, "High and Rising: A Book About De La Soul," written by Marcus J. Moore and published by Dey Street Books on November 19.
De La Soul hip-hop trio
The group released a strong statement on social media, emphasizing their complete disconnect from the book and exploring legal options. They stressed the importance of maintaining control over their narrative, particularly following their recent successful battle for ownership of their music catalog.
While the group acknowledges fans' right to support the book, they hint at an official project coming in Spring 2025, promising "authentic 'De La'" content.
Author Marcus J. Moore, known for "The Butterfly Effect: How Kendrick Lamar Ignited the Soul of Black America," describes the book as a "cultural biography with critical analysis" and a personal memoir. He notes that it was completed following Dave's passing and his mother's death, incorporating themes of grief and public mourning.
Moore defends his work as a tribute to the group's influence on his life, stating it "gives flowers to De La for inspiring a Black boy from Landover to be his genuine self," while maintaining a critical perspective on their career.
The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between artistic independence and unauthorized biographical works, with fans divided between supporting Moore's tribute and respecting De La Soul's wishes for control over their story.