De La Soul // Stakes Is High

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"