Plug Tunin'

De La Soul

About Plug Tunin'

"Plug Tunin'" is the debut single by the influential hip hop trio De La Soul. A remixed version appeared on their album 3 Feet High and Rising. Lyrically, the song is idiosyncratic; "Transistors are never more shown with like / When vocal flow brings it all down in ruin / Due to a clue of a naughty noise called Plug Tunin' (Hmm-mm, hmm-mm, hmm-mm, hmm-mm, hmmmm)", however, musically it laid the foundations for the sound the group would realise more fully with their debut album 3 Feet High and Rising. The song is sampled on the Gravediggaz' "Defective Trip.", which is also produced by Prince Paul. 


Year:
1989
3:43
110 
#1

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And now for my next number
I'd like to return to the classics
Perhaps the most famous classic
In all the world of music

The first time around you didn't quite
Understand our new style of speak
(Don't worry, we can fix that right now)
So, why don't you all just grab your bags?
(Come on aboard, hoist the anchor and we'll be off)

Plug one, plug two, plug one, plug two
Plug one, plug two, plug one

Answering any other service
Prerogative praised, positively I'm acquitted
Enemies publicly shame my utility
After the battle they admit that I'm with it

Simply soothe, will move vinyl like glue
Transistors are never more shown with like
When vocal flow brings it all down in ruin
Due to a clue of a naughty noise called, 'Plug tunin''

Flock to the preacher called Pos
Let him be the stir to the style of your stew
Sit while the kid of the plug form aroma
Then grab a daisy to sip your favorite brew

Lettin' this soul fire be your first prior
But don't let the kick drum stub your big toe
See that the three will be your thread
But like my man Chuck D said, ?What a brother know?

Dance while I play and the cue cards sway
From my flower girls China and Jette
The button is pressed in '89 we'll start the panic
From De La Soul and a prince from stet

Negative noise will be all divided
Dangerous to dance, Posdnuos will croon
Ducks and kizids will all be rid
When paying position to the naughty noise called, 'Plug tunin''

Plug one, plug two, plug one, plug two
Plug one, plug two, plug one, plug two

Freeze, 'cause these are the brothers
Brothers of the soul who present a new flick
Every last viewer is tuned to the method
Known to be a method, no magicians, not a trick

Bitten by the spoken who been titled plug two
Swallowed by the loonies who are jealous with the showbiz
Dove'll teach the truth, Posdnuos will preach the youth
To the fact that this will bring an end to the negative

Flow to the sway 'cause I say, ?Fa So La Ti?
At the top we will dwell
Difference is fame and we rise then we build
Where we are set we get fat and we swell

Motions of the soul is a positive stride
One step forward is the space we consume
Vivid as the moon, you have yet to assume
How the soul found the motto of a naughty noise called, 'Plug tunin''

Vocal is local so believe that
This chant shan't rely on the strong lap
Trying and live so you best realize
That the gift that I present, I say gift wrap

Style of the tune is personal
And defining what's the rhyme is worst of all
Stop, sit and study 'cause the meaning isn't muddy
Just preach and do the gear as the first of all

Watch while the pitcher is pitching
'Cause this is the pitch of the year
Sing a simple song but keep the swing strong
Though you heard dove crying 'I ain't fair'

Those who think De La's on the flip tip
Try to flip this and you're doomed
Watch for the be be, 'cause if you try to grieve me
You'll be hung by the wire of the plug tune

I can't twist your arm and make you stay with me
(Are you ready for this?)

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De La Soul

De La Soul is an American hip hop trio formed in 1987 on Long Island, New York. The band is best known for their eclectic sampling, quirky lyrics, and their contributions to the evolution of the jazz rap and alternative hip hop subgenres. The members are Kelvin Mercer, David Jude Jolicoeur and Vincent Mason, known under a variety of nicknames. The three formed the group in high school and caught the attention of producer Prince Paul with a demo tape of the song "Plug Tunin'". more »

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Written by: DAVID JOLICOEUR, KELVIN MERCER, PAUL HOUSTON, PAUL HUSTON, VINCENT MASON, VINCENT LAMONT MASON

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Release Date
"Plug Tunin'" was released in 1988. This was De La Soul's first single from their debut album.
Album Association
The song is from De La Soul's debut album "3 Feet High and Rising", which was released in 1989 by Tommy Boy Records.
Popularity
It was one of De La Soul's earliest hits and helped establish their unique style in the world of hip hop.
Song Style
Known for their innovative, eclectic, and playful style, De La Soul's "Plug Tunin'" has an experimental hip hop sound with deep, abstract lyrics.
Song Theme
The song contains lyrics referencing themes of individuality, knowledge, and societal expectations, in line with De La Soul's counter-culture approach to hip hop.
Songwriting Credits
The song was written by De La Soul members Kelvin Mercer, David Jude Jolicoeur, and Vincent Mason, alongside producer Paul Huston (Prince Paul).
Samples
Like many hip hop tracks of the era, "Plug Tunin'” uses various samples, including "Written on the Wall" by The Invitations and "Last Night Changed It All" by Esther Williams.
Title Explanation
"Plug Tunin'" refers to the group's concept of plugging into the consciousness. De La Soul called themselves 'Plug One', 'Plug Two', and 'Plug Three', reflecting a sense of unity in their music and message.
Song Versions
There are two versions of "Plug Tunin'", the original mix and the '12-inch Side B' version. Both have different instrumentals with similar lyrics.
Impact
"Plug Tunin'" is considered a significant track in the evolution of alternative hip hop, showcasing the group's innovative, sample-heavy approach, and paving the way for their critical and commercial success.
Reception
The song was positively received by music critics, praising De La Soul's inventive production techniques and thoughtful lyrics. It is considered one of the greatest hip hop songs of all time.
Cultural Influence
The song has been referenced and sampled in various other artists' work. It is known to have influenced the landscape of 1990s hip hop, particularly the 'alternative' or 'conscious' branches of the genre.

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