Update 08/08/2021 12:48pm:

News surfaced recently noting that De La Soul’s music may be back on streaming soon after a company named Reservoir Media acquired Tommy Boy Records’ catalog for $100 million. Now, Talib Kweli has taken to social media to give an update on the status of De La’s music being available.

Kweli went on to note that De La Soul now has the rights to their music, saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, I spoke to @djmaseo from the legendary @wearedelasoul today and it's official... after years of being taken advantage by the recording industry in the worst possible ways, De La Soul now owns all the rights to their masters and is in full control of the amazing music they have created. ”

Kweli concluded by saying, “Let's salute Plugs 1, 2 and 3 for sticking to their guns and showing us that we can all beat the system if we come together as a community. Let's hear it for black ownership of black art! Congratulations fellas... @plugwondelasoul.” Kweli didn’t note if De La’s songs would be available on streaming services, but this is a great step for the legendary group’s legacy. Take a look above.

Original 06/05/2021 1:34pm:

Legendary hip hop group De La Soul got into it with their former label Tommy Boy Records, who reportedly postponed putting the group’s catalog on streaming platforms. The group revealed the percentages from the streams, which were not in their favor at all. From there, they asked fans not to stream any of their music until the situation was resolved with Tommy Boy. Now, it appears that the situation may be coming to a close after Tommy Boy’s catalog was acquired by Reservoir Media for $100 million.

Reservoir noted they are down to create a deal with the group to get their early works onto streaming platforms, with a spokesperson for the company saying, “We have already reached out to De La Soul and will work together to bring the catalog and the music back to the fans.” Stay tuned for more updates.

source: Variety 

Original 08/08/2019 9:36pm:

De La Soul has been embroiled in a nasty legal battle over gaining their masters from Tom Silverman and Tommy Boy Records. The legendary hip-hop group is now urging fans not to stream their music after negotiations went awry. They took to Instagram to explain the situation, writing: "Well friends, after 30 years of profiting from our music and hard work... and after 7 long months of stalled negotiations, we are sad to say that we’ve been unable to reach an agreement and earn Tommy Boy’s respect for our music/legacy." The group added, "With some helpful consulting and long careful consideration, we’ve decided we will not do our 30+ years the disservice of settling on Tom Silverman’s terms."

After months of negotiations, both Tommy Boy Records and De La Soul have yet to reach an agreement. With both parties walking away without any resolution, De La is now spreading the word of their proposed boycott through the hashtags, #dontpressplay, and #tommyboycottcontinues. 

The end with "Tommy Boy says they are 'not in the business of giving artists back their Masters.' We realize, there is a process in reclaiming ownership but we do not trust Tommy Boy in this process after so many years of disappointment. Therefore, our catalog will not see the light of day by way of our involvement or consent. This means, if you see De La Soul music/albums available for streaming or purchase anywhere, BE AWARE, all parties involved WILL profit but De La Soul WILL NOT benefit or earn deservedly/fairly. We really tried. More details to come."

Source: instagram.com