longevity

     De la soul has had a seemingly impossible career in hip-hop.  Spanning 25 years now, they have not only been successful in an industry that has one hit wonders and flashes in the pan a'plenty, but in a genre of that industry that once was considered simply a fad and soon to be replaced by a more respectable and regarded musical iteration such as jazz or punk rock.  The most interesting thing about the span of their career, is that although they have adjusted to the times in order to maintain relevance, the core of their messaging as been the same.  One does not have to conform or bend to societies popular tropes and memes, one can simply convey what they feel and who they are, from the soul.