De La Soul is an influential American hip-hop group formed in 1987 in Long Island, New York, comprised of members Posdnuos, Trugoy, and Maseo. Their debut album, "3 Feet High and Rising" (1989), introduced a unique sound that incorporated eclectic sampling and a laid-back, playful approach to rap, which served as a seminal force in the evolution of alternative hip-hop. Known for their lyrical sophistication and innovative use of samples, De La Soul have made significant contributions to the genre's breadth and diversity, notably rejecting the machismo and materialism often associated with mainstream rap. Their enduring influence resonates in the works of many contemporary hip-hop artists.