Stakes is High is the fourth studio album by De La Soul, released on July 2, 1996. Stakes is High was critically acclaimed for its music, lyricism, and overall message regarding the artistic decline that rap music began to face in the mid-1990s. The title track and lead single ...Stakes is High is the fourth studio album by De La Soul, released on July 2, 1996.
Stakes is High was critically acclaimed for its music, lyricism, and overall message regarding the artistic decline that rap music began to face in the mid-1990s. The title track and lead single were produced by J Dilla, and the album's second single, "Itzsoweezee (HOT)", featuring only Dave on vocals, was accompanied by a creative music video. The album spawned a third single "4 More", featuring Zhane.
The album provided a launching pad for future rappers and star actors Mos Def, who appeared on the track "Big Brother Beat", and Common who is featured on "The Bizness".