De La Soul made a triumphant return to the late-night television scene, performing a medley from their latest album, Cabin in the Sky, on November 25, 2023, during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. This marks the hip-hop group’s ninth studio album and their first release since the passing of member David “Trugoy the Dove” Jolicoeur earlier this year. The album features previously unreleased vocals from Jolicoeur, celebrating his legacy while introducing new material to fans.
The performance featured a lively rendition of “Run It Back” and “The Package,” both cuts from Cabin in the Sky. Accompanied by a vibrant brass section and visuals inspired by the album’s celestial artwork, the duo of Kelvin “Posdnuos” Mercer and Vincent “Maseo” Mason captivated the audience, highlighting their signature style that has defined the hip-hop genre for decades.
Reflecting on the album, Pos expressed a mix of pride and emotion. “I’m feeling absolutely beautiful. I’m really happy and proud of this album, proud of all we’ve accomplished,” he stated. He emphasized the significance of the album as a tribute to their late bandmate, saying, “I can say without question [Dave] is here, his spirit, his energy, it’s very much a part of this album.”
The release of Cabin in the Sky follows their previous work, And the Anonymous Nobody, which debuted at No. 12 on the Billboard 200. Pos noted that the band carefully selected elements from Jolicoeur’s past recordings, ensuring his influence remains integral to their new sound. He expressed optimism that long-time fans will resonate with the album, saying, “I really, really feel like De La fans are going to love this album.”
Looking ahead, De La Soul is set to embark on a tour in 2026, which includes a headline performance on February 27, 2026, at the Droppin’ Science hip-hop night in Melbourne, Australia, and an appearance at the Old But Gold Festival in Hamburg, Germany, on July 26, 2026. The group continues to honor their legacy while forging new paths in the music industry.
The late-night performance can be viewed in its entirety below, showcasing the enduring spirit and creativity of De La Soul. With their new album and upcoming tour, they are poised to keep their unique voice alive in contemporary music.
