De La Soul – Stakes Is High

Released on July 2, 1996, Stakes Is High is the third studio album by De La Soul.

With a more mature and introspective approach, the album addresses themes such as the commercialization of hip hop and social issues, while maintaining the creativity that characterized their earlier works. Tracks like "Stakes Is High" and "Itzsoweezee" cement the album as an important milestone in the development of 90s hip hop. The album is also notable for its distinct production and for being the first to feature a significant contribution from rapper J Dilla, who would go on to become a crucial figure in the hip hop scene.