Stakes Is High [Explicit Content]

• Track Listing

Stakes is High is the 4th studio album by de la Soul, released

on July 2, 1996. Stakes is High was critically lauded for it's

music, lyricism, and it's overall message concerning the artistic

decline rap music began to face in the mid-90s. The title track

and first single was produced by J Dilla and the album's second

single, "Itzsoweezee (HOT)", with only Dave on vocals, was

accompanied by a creative music video. The album spawned a

third single "4 More", featuring Zhane. The album did provide a

launching pad for future star rappers and actors Mos Def, who

appeared on the track "Big Brother Beat" and Common who is

featured on "The Bizness".