Stakes Is High

Released in 1996, the album marked their fourth full- length and their fi rst without Prince Paul, opening the door to a tougher, more stripped-back sound led in part by a young J Dilla on the title track. That lead single became one of De La's signature statements, peaking at No. 53 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, while the album reached No. 4 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. But numbers only tell part of the story, Stakes Is High remains such a vital listen because it hears De La Soul confronting the mid-'90s head-on, with wit, frustration, and a deep sense of artistic confidence. From "The Bizness" to "Itzsoweezee (HOT)," the album balances soulful production and clear-eyed commentary in a way that still feels fresh decades later. It's one of those records that may not have shouted the loudest on arrival, but its influence and reputation have only grown with time. 

This 30th Anniversary Edition includes newly remastered audio, the original album, instrumentals, remixes, and rare recordings. Highlights include the “Stakes Is High (J Dilla Remix)” featuring Mos Def and Truth Enola, an alternate J Dilla remix, and rare tracks such as “Chanel No. Fever” and “I Can’t Call It.”

a side
A1. INTRO
A2. SUPA EMCEES
A3. THE BIZNESS (FEAT. COMMON)
A4. YUNONSTOP
A5. WONCE AGAIN LONG ISLAND

a-notha side
B1. DINNINIT
B2. BRAKES
B3. DOG EAT DOG
B4. BABY, BABY, BABY, BABY, OOH BABY (FEAT. JAZZYFATNASTEES)
B5. LONG ISLAND DEGREES

yet a-notha side
C1. BETTA LISTEN
C2. ITZSOWEEZEE (HOT)
C3. 4 MORE (FEAT. ZHANE)
C4. BIG BROTHER BEAT (FEAT. MOS DEF)

one more side
D1. DOWN SYNDROME
D2. PONY RIDE (FEAT. TRUTH ENOLA)
D3. STAKES IS HIGH
D4. SUNSHINE

plug won side
E1. INTRO (INSTRUMENTAL EDIT)
E2. SUPA EMCEES (INSTRUMENTAL EDIT)
E3. THE BIZNESS (INSTRUMENTAL EDIT)
E4. YUNONSTOP (INSTRUMENTAL EDIT)
E5. WONCE AGAIN LONG ISLAND (INSTRUMENTAL EDIT)
E6. DINNINIT (INSTRUMENTAL EDIT)
E7. BRAKES (INSTRUMENTAL EDIT)
E8. DOG EAT DOG (INSTRUMENTAL EDIT)
E9. BABY, BABY, BABY, BABY, OOH BABY (INSTRUMENTAL EDIT)

plug too side
F1. LONG ISLAND DEGREES (INSTRUMENTAL EDIT)
F2. BETTA LISTEN (INSTRUMENTAL EDIT)
F3. ITZSOWEEZEE (HOT) [INSTRUMENTAL EDIT]
F4. 4 MORE (INSTRUMENTAL EDIT)
F5. BIG BROTHER BEAT (INSTRUMENTAL EDIT)
F6. DOWN SYNDROME (INSTRUMENTAL EDIT)
F7. PONY RIDE (INSTRUMENTAL EDIT)
F8. STAKES IS HIGH (INSTRUMENTAL)
F9. SUNSHINE (INSTRUMENTAL EDIT)

plug iii side
G1. CHANEL NO. FEVER
G2. I CAN’T CALL IT
G3. ITZSOWEEZEE (HOT) [DE LA SOUL REMIX] {FEAT. YANKEE B.}
G4. STAKES IS HIGH (J DILLA REMIX) [FEAT. MOS DEF AND TRUTH ENOLA]
G5. STAKES IS HIGH (J DILLA ALTERNATE REMIX)

dave’s side (lp only)