The pattern of late, is that the older guys in rap don’t seem to be doing things the way they used to. Okay, that might sound like a negative as De La Soul‘s Are You In?: Nike+ Original Run is far from whack. In fact, it does what it intends to do — which is to make you RUN. The Nike+ brand has been creating mixes to not only provide runners with the right foot gear, but also the sounds to keep them focused while running, and this project tests their formula. Don’t expect to hear Posdnuous and Dove spitting with the same fervor we’ve grown accustomed to hearing though. Collaborations include Chicago-based DJ Flosstradamus, Gina Loring, Billy Ray, and Raheem DeVaughn. They’ve definitely kept it light in rhymes. With that said, in the 44-minutes continuous play, they do push the envelope by including electronica and trip hop sounds to get you in your running zone. I’m not mad at it. And I don’t think you’ll be either. Check out the opening song with Raheem DeVaughn. Let’s hope this ignites them to put out something fresh in the near future.

The album can be purchased on iTunes.

“Rise & Shine” – De La Soul feat. Raheem DeVaughn

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