De La Soul – Stakes Is High

Stakes is High is the 4th studio album by De La Soul, released on July 2, 1996.

Stakes is High was critically lauded for its music, lyricism, and its overall message concerning the artistic decline rap music began to face in the mid-90s. The title track and first single was produced by J Dilla.

The album did provide a launching pad for future star rappers and actors Mos Def, who appeared on the track “Big Brother Beat” and Common who is featured on “The Bizness.”