After touring the country together alongside LL Cool J and Ice Cube last summer, the legendary De La Soul and Chuck D connect for this powerful new single, “The People.” Over funky, horn-laced production, the OGs comment on today’s social ills while urging the masses to unite — something hard to ignore when it’s coming out of Chuck D’s mouth. Although the track was originally set to be released back in June, the song certainly feels relevant given the recent events surrounding the tragedy in Ferguson.

“Originally ‘The People’ was supposed to drop in June, around the same time the Chuck D/Hot 97/Rosenberg situation took place. We chose to hold off and not add fuel to any fires,” Trugoy says. “Our next aim was for a Black Friday release. Coincidentally, the Ferguson tragedy took place and now the non-indictment verdict. Somehow this song was destined to be a part of something more than just dropping a joint. We hope it will lend itself to something positive in these difficult times.”

While we await the arrival of De La’s new album in 2015, be sure to revisit their recently released Smell the Da.I.S.Y. mixtape featuring unreleased J Dilla beats.

Stream below…

[Props Rolling Stone]

Related:
New Video: De La Soul “Get Away”
New Mixtape: De La Soul x J Dilla ‘Smell the Da.I.S.Y.’
Snoop Dogg & De La Soul Join Damon Albarn for “Clint Eastwood” at SXSW