Which 1988 album was the debut studio album of the hip-hop group De La Soul?

De La Soul’s 1988 debut studio album was 3 Feet High and Rising.

Released on March 3, 1989, the album was produced primarily by Prince Paul and became one of the defining records associated with the Native Tongues collective. Its playful lyrics, collage-like sampling, skits, and unconventional presentation contrasted with the harder styles prominent in some late-1980s rap.

The title came from a line in the Johnny Cash song “Five Feet High and Rising,” while the album’s cover and colorful aesthetic reinforced De La Soul’s distinctive identity. Songs such as “Me Myself and I” and “Buddy” helped the group reach a broad audience.

The album is sometimes described as a 1989 release because that is the year it became widely available, but the group’s debut is commonly identified by its 1988 recording era and is dated March 3, 1989 in major discographies. Its extensive samples later created complicated rights issues.