The Mindstate

Taine Knox

ALBUM REVIEW: CABIN IN THE SKY (2025)

Cabin In the Sky was born after nearly a decade of hardship and struggle for hip-hop veterans De La Soul. After their 2016 album And the Anonymous Nobody… the trio continued their battle with Tommy Boy records to get their legendary catalogue cleared for release on streaming services. 

THE BREAKDOWN - CABIN TALK

In an age where new sounds were emerging each week, De La Soul struggled to maintain relevancy—and the fight to win back the rights to their music, to many, seemed impossible. But in late 2022, seemingly out of nowhere, the news emerged that the Long Island trio had won. Within weeks their music would be available on streaming services, elating fans across the world. 3 was once again the magic number, and 03/03/2023 was the date every D.A.I.S.Y. Age child marked on their calendar.

But, only weeks before the release, fans were blindsided by the death of founding member Dave “Trugoy the Dove” Jolicoeur after a long and troubled battle with congestive heart failure. Suddenly, the conversation around De La Soul changed—an undeniable, looming air of grief and sadness hung amongst the celebrations of their hard-fought victory. They slowly re-entered the mainstream throughout 2023 and 2024.

Then suddenly, last year, New York icon Nas’ label Mass Appeal announced a new series of releases titled “Legend Has It…” which was slated as 7 new albums from 7 iconic acts. Amongst legendary names like Big L, Ghostface Killah, and Slick Rick was De La Soul.

That November, they would release their most ambitious album yet.

Cabin In The Sky is an hour-long emotional rollercoaster strung together perfectly. It expertly builds on And the Anonymous Nobody…’s styles of live orchestra instrumentation to produce  a lustrous sound that’s fitting of the rap veterans, who have now embraced the process of aging. 

It becomes clear that Trugoy’s death caused both Mercer and Mason to reflect on their own mortality, with faith and life recurring as themes on the album. As Posdnuos says in “Cabin In The Sky”,

"But still in disbelief, lost my brother Dave / But what keeps me sane from the grief/ Is to stay rooted in if the wind gets severe / Every line in the song holds love in the tears"

And though posthumous albums are very, very hard to do well, De La Soul manages to pull it off in a way that feels authentic, adding a depth that makes for a one-of-a-kind listening experience.

Their take on grief expressed on the album is refreshingly soulful, with the group stating in many interviews that through the process Dave was “right there with us, doing the songs.” And they’re not just saying it—they back it up, too. To maintain artistic truthfulness, every song that featured work from Dave were songs he had worked on before his death.

The end result is a wonderfully cohesive album, and a masterful evolution of the group’s iconic style.

THE TRACKS - BALANCING SUNNY STORMS

“Cabin Talk (Intro)” - 7/10

Long, but rightfully so. Sets the tone and introduces the extensive talent with a hand in the creation of the project. Retains De La Soul’s classic sense of humour.

“YUHDONTSTOP” - 10/10

A beautiful recollection of De La’s legacy, amongst the mountainous task of dealing with the bitter and deafening toll of grief. Tearjerker #1.

“Sunny Storms” - 8/10

DJ Premier features on production, underscoring rhymes from Posdnuos. Though the first beat is better than the second, the messaging within the lyrics remains fervent and emblematic of the album’s message as a whole.

“Good Health” - 6.5/10

An okay song. Dave’s first appearance, but far from the strongest.

“Will Be” (Feat. Yummy Bingham) - 7.5

A return to De La’s classic skits. A light-hearted and upbeat effort from Posdnuos, Maseo, and returning collaborator Yummy Bingham.

“The Package” - 9/10

Took some time to grow on me. Can be an emotional listen if you read into it a lot (as I do). Tearjerker #1.5.

“A Quick 16 for Mama” (Feat. Killer Mike) - 8/10

Killer Mike in his element. An ode to motherhood and the strength and effort it requires. Gratitude and mindfulness. Luxurious production.

“Just How It Is (Sometimes)” (Feat. Jay Pharoah and Gareth Donkin) - 8/10

A tale of a cheatin’ ass man and modern relationship politics, including social media witch hunts and more. Jay Pharoah’s outro is a highlight. 

“Cruel Summers Bring FIRE LIFE!!” (Feat. Yukimi) – 9.5/10

A personal favourite—short and sweet. 

“Day in the Sun (Gettin’ Wit U)” (Feat. Q-Tip and Yummy Bingham) - 10/10

Wonderfully summery and laid-back. Q-Tip, as per usual, nails his verse whilst Yummy expertly lends her talents to a beautiful chorus. Happy times.

“Run It Back!!” (Feat. Nas) - 8/10

For most, the album’s standout effort. Powerful and punchy.

“Different World” (Feat. Gina Loring) - 10/10

Tearjerker #2. An emotional message to their lost bandmate, friend, and brother. One of the darkest parts of being human, made a little lighter.

“Patty Cake” - 7.5/10

A very solid Dave appearance; few old-generation rappers can fit in seamlessly on a modern lo-fi-esque beat, yet both Dave and Pos do so effortlessly.

“The Silent Life Of A Truth” - 6/10

Not a bad song, but it just doesn’t feel necessary. Forgettable.

“EN EFF” (Feat. Black Thought) - 9.5/10

Black Thought from the legendary Roots crew. DJ Premier production. De La Soul. Nothing more to say.

“Believe (In Him)” (Feat. STOUT and K. Butler & The Collective) - 8/10

Soulful and innovative gospel-infused hip-hop.

“Yours” (Feat. Common and Slick Rick) - 8/10

A passing of the torch. A reminder that the future is in the hands of the next generation, which doesn’t feel like a patronising talking-to but rather a blessing. Common is welcome as always.

“Palm Of His Hands” (Feat. Bilal) - 8/10

The album can get a little tiring by now, but that doesn’t diminish the undeniable quality of the production and Bilal’s vocals.

“Cabin In the Sky” - 9/10

The title track tackles the most direct address of the loss of Dave, the ensuing grief, and the process of coping afterwards. An introspective reflection on the matter of mortality that arrives at a beautiful conclusion amidst the hurt and pain that death causes.

“Don’t Push Me” - 10/10

In context, one of my favourite songs of all time.

Dave only—produced, written, and rapped by Dave. Completes the concept that death is not the end. We get to continue doing what we love, unhindered, in a better place. And though the physical absence is noticed, our spirits will never truly cease to exist. Penultimate tearjerker.

OVERALL RATING – 10/10

A revelation on the concept of grief and mortality marked by outstanding orchestral work and thought-provoking lyricism.

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