Stakes Is High - 30th Anniversary [Explicit Content] (2xCD)

Stakes Is High captures De La Soul at a turning point: older, sharper, and fully locked in. Released in 1996, it was their fourth album and their first made without Prince Paul, opening the door to a tougher, more stripped-back sound led in part by a then-unknown J Dilla producing the title track. That lead single became one of the group's signature statements, reaching No. 53 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, while the album climbed to No. 4 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The numbers only tell part of it: Stakes Is High endures because it hears De La Soul confronting the mid-90s head-on, with wit, frustration, and real artistic confidence, from The Bizness to Itzsoweezee (HOT). It didn't shout the loudest on arrival, but its influence has only grown since. This 30th anniversary 2xCD set collects the original album, full instrumentals, and a disc of bonus material: J Dilla's alternate remix of the title track, a De La Soul remix of Itzsoweezee (HOT) featuring Yankee B., and rare cuts including Chanel No. Fever and I Can't Call It.

2xCD, Bonus Disc, Anniversary Edition, Remastered, Explicit Content, Chrysalis Records, 2026

Disc One: Stakes Is High

1. Intro
2. Supa Emcees
3. The Bizness (feat. Common)
4. Yunonstop
5. Wonce Again Long Island
6. Dinninit
7. Brakes
8. Dog Eat Dog
9. Baby, Baby, Baby, Baby, Ooh Baby (feat. Jazzyfatnastees)
10. Long Island Degrees
11. Betta Listen
12. Itzsoweezee (HOT)
13. 4 More (feat. Zhane)
14. Big Brother Beat (feat. Mos Def)
15. Down Syndrome
16. Pony Ride (feat. Truth Enola)
17. Stakes Is High
18. Sunshine

Disc Two: Instrumentals & Bonus Material

1. Intro (Instrumental Edit)
2. Supa Emcees (Instrumental Edit)
3. The Bizness (Instrumental Edit)
4. Yunonstop (Instrumental Edit)
5. Wonce Again Long Island (Instrumental Edit)
6. Dinninit (Instrumental Edit)
7. Brakes (Instrumental Edit)
8. Dog Eat Dog (Instrumental Edit)
9. Baby, Baby, Baby, Baby, Ooh Baby (Instrumental Edit)
10. Long Island Degrees (Instrumental Edit)
11. Betta Listen (Instrumental Edit)
12. Itzsoweezee (HOT) [Instrumental Edit]
13. 4 More (Instrumental Edit)
14. Big Brother Beat (Instrumental Edit)
15. Down Syndrome (Instrumental Edit)
16. Pony Ride (Instrumental Edit)
17. Stakes Is High (Instrumental)
18. Sunshine (Instrumental Edit)
19. Chanel No. Fever
20. I Can't Call It
21. Itzsoweezee (HOT) [De La Soul Remix] (feat. Yankee B.)
22. Stakes Is High (J Dilla Remix) (feat. Mos Def and Truth Enola)
23. Stakes Is High (J Dilla Alternate Remix)

Chrysalis Records | Original Release: July 2, 1996 | This Pressing: October 23, 2026 | 2xCD, Remastered | UPC: 016998079287

Pre-order. Expected to ship October 23, 2026.