“Tommy Boy says they are “not in the business of giving artists back their Masters.” We realize, there is a process in reclaiming ownership but we do not trust Tommy Boy in this process after so many years of disappointment. Therefore, our catalog will not see the light of day by way of our involvement or consent,” the group said in a joint statement at the time.
Talib Kweli also confirmed the news on Instagram and congratulated his friends.
“Ladies and gentlemen I spoke to @djmaseo from the legendary @wearedelasoul today and it’s official… after years of being taken advantage by the recording industry in the worst possible ways, De La Soul now owns all the rights to their masters and is in full control of the amazing music they have created. Let’s salute Plugs 1, 2 and 3 for sticking to their guns and showing us that we can all beat the system if we come together as a community. Let’s hear it for black ownership of black art! Congratulations fellas… @plugwondelasoul,” Talib announced on IG
Group member DJ Maseo announced the news as well on Instagram on Aug.9 and revealed that De La Soul will be going live on Instagram today at 3 p.m., Aug. 10, to discuss the details of their new arrangement with Reservoir.
