De La Soul and the Nike Plus running series might seem an odd combination. While the innovative hip-hop trio are a tad underrated for their knack for melodic, hook-laden singles, they are generally thought of as one of the original anti-establishment, iconoclastic rap crews; creating music for a brand might strike some as against the De La grain, plus Pos, Trugoy, and Mase are not particularly known for runners’ physiques. However, De La Soul have never embraced any image or conceit, they merely make dynamic and challenging music, and this project provided an intriguing new world in which to craft unique, body-shaking (and -stimulating music). The track “Are You In” ebbs and fades and peaks and crests in a manner that fits a 45-minute journey by land or treadmill. Once again, De La proves up to every new gauntlet.
