Name: The Magic Number
Brand: De La Soul

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

RMM0441

Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2023-08-25

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Proper

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

810098501927

Total Cap

Black 7"

Artist

De La Soul

Genre GB

Hip Hop

Label GB

Chrysalis

Restored classics, rare finds, and sought-after releases. Whether you're a vinyl enthusiast or a tape collector, we have something for everyone.

Reissues

De La Soul is an American hip-hop trio formed in 1987 in the Amityville area of Long Island, New York. Known for their eclectic sampling, quirky lyrics, and contributions to jazz rap and alternative hip-hop subgenres, they caught the attention of producer Prince Paul with their demo tape. Their debut album '3 Feet High and Rising' is considered a hip-hop masterpiece. As original members of the Native Tongues collective, their output throughout the '90s influenced hip-hop and are now cult classics. After a hiatus, they returned in 2016 with 'And the Anonymous Nobody.' Unfortunately, original member Trugoy passed away shortly before the release.

De La Soul's individual aliases include Dave Jolicoeur (Trugoy The Dove/Plug Two), Kelvin Mercer (Posdnuos/Plug Won), and Vincent Mason (Pasemaster Mase/Maseo/Plug Three).

Rumors suggest that De La Soul may release a tenth album produced by Pete Rock and DJ Premier.

The roots of Chrysalis stretch back to a tiny flat in West London in 1967, when former university social secretaries, Chris Wright and Terry Ellis, linked their flair for managing and booking bands to form the Ellis Wright Agency. After trying to release their bands' records via other companies, they decided to start their own label.

In 1968, they signed a licensing deal with Island Records with the proviso that if their acts achieved an agreed number of hits, they would be awarded a label of their own. Within a year, this tally was reached and Chrysalis Records was born.

Over the years, Chrysalis went through various ownership changes. In 1985, Chris Wright bought out Terry Ellis and later sold the label to EMI in 1991. EMI was then acquired by Universal Music Group in 2012 before selling the Parlophone Label Group (including Chrysalis) to Warner Music Group in 2013.

Discover Rough Trade's curated selection of 7" and 12" vinyl singles. From rare gems to the latest releases, find the perfect addition to your collection.

Vinyl Singles

As the opening track to De La Soul's seminal debut album 3 Feet High And Rising, "The Magic Number" sets an early tone for one of the most influential hip-hop albums of all time. The song's main melody is a sample of Bob Dorough's "Three Is A Magic Number" which soundtracked the 1971 pilot episode of the long-running children's show Schoolhouse Rock! De La Soul drew on the playfulness and good humour of the sample and made both elements central to the album. Ushering in the D.A.I.S.Y. Age (Da Inner Sound, Y'all), the track also includes samples from Johnny Cash's "Five Feet High and Rising" and James Brown's "Funky Drummer."

The Magic Number

Music GB

Discover The Magic Number by De La Soul. The opening track to their influential debut album, "3 Feet High And Rising". Vinyl records available from Chrysalis.